The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Sai Naekawa’s popular yuri suspense manga, “This Monster Wants to Eat Me,” officially premiered on October 2, 2025, bringing its unique blend of supernatural horror and psychological drama to screens. The series, produced by Studio Lings, debuted in Japan on networks including AT-X, Tokyo MX, Sun TV, and BS NTV, with Crunchyroll providing worldwide streaming.
The premiere introduces viewers to a compelling and dark narrative centered on an unusual pact between a human girl and a mermaid yōkai.
A Deep Dive into the Dark Narrative
“This Monster Wants to Eat Me” follows Hinako Yaotose, a high school student grappling with a profound wish to die after the tragic loss of her family. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Shiori Oumi, a powerful mermaid yōkai. Shiori saves Hinako from other monsters but reveals her own intention to eventually consume Hinako, whose flesh and blood are exceptionally appealing to yōkai. In a bizarre agreement, Shiori promises to protect Hinako from other supernatural threats until she is “at her most delicious,” a fate Hinako, in her despair, willingly accepts. This agreement sets the stage for a complex and unsettling relationship between predator and prey.
Origins in Manga
The anime is based on the critically acclaimed yuri manga series, “Watashi o Tabetai, Hito de Nashi” (translated as “This Monster Wants to Eat Me”), written and illustrated by Sai Naekawa. The manga has been serialized in ASCII Media Works’ Dengeki Maoh magazine since August 2020 and is licensed in English by Yen Press, having garnered a dedicated international fanbase for its distinctive storyline and exploration of dark themes alongside tender moments.
Production and Creative Team
Studio Lings is at the helm of the anime production, with Yūsuke Suzuki directing the series under the chief directorship of Naoyuki Kuzuya. Mitsutaka Hirota is responsible for the series scripts, while Sō Ikuyama (also credited as Nozomi Ikuyama) handled character designs, and Keiji Inai composed the music. This creative team aims to translate the manga’s atmospheric and intense narrative into an equally captivating animated experience.
Key Voice Cast
The anime features a talented voice cast bringing the complex characters to life:
- Reina Ueda as Hinako Yaotose, the protagonist with a longing for an end to her suffering.
- Yui Ishikawa as Shiori Oumi, the enigmatic mermaid who becomes Hinako’s protector and eventual devourer.
- Fairouz Ai as Miko Yashiro, Hinako’s concerned best friend.
The opening theme song, “nie” (Sacrifice), is performed by Yoshino, while Reina Ueda, also voicing Hinako, performs the ending theme song, “Lily.”
Where to Watch and Episode Schedule
“This Monster Wants to Eat Me” premiered on October 2, 2025, in Japan. International audiences can stream the series on Crunchyroll, with new episodes releasing weekly. Crunchyroll streams the series globally across North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS, and Southeast Asia.
The season is slated for 13 episodes, with new installments dropping on Thursdays at approximately 7:30 a.m. PDT / 10:30 a.m. EDT. As of October 18, 2025, three episodes have already been released. Viewers can anticipate the remaining episodes to unfold the deepening, unsettling bond between Hinako and Shiori.
