Inside the Adaptation: This Monster Wants to Eat Me Creator and Producers Reveal Deep Insights on Bringing the Dark Yuri Fantasy to Anime

The creative team behind the horror yuri series This Monster Wants to Eat Me held a panel at Otakon 2025 in Washington, DC. The event provided fans with detailed insight into the complex process of adapting the manga into an anime series. Manga creator Sai Naekawa, editor Takumi Kamemaru, and producer Ena Hamabe shared pivotal information regarding the development, core artistic inspirations, and the specific challenges of translating this dark fantasy narrative to the screen.

The Genesis of the Narrative

Creator Naekawa disclosed that the origin of the series was rooted in a long-held ambition to develop a story centered on nautical themes. After years of careful consideration, she identified the perfect framework to explore the captivating elements of the sea. Her exceptional work ethic garnered high praise from editor Kamemaru, who commended Naekawa’s rare combination of consistent, high-quality drawing and impressive production speed.

Kamemaru further highlighted that Naekawa’s diverse personal interests and extensive travels serve as significant sources of inspiration. He underscored her professionalism by noting her remarkable punctuality and consistent history of submitting deadlines early.

Translating Emotional Weight to Animation

Driving the project toward animation, producer Ena Hamabe outlined her primary objective: maximizing the series' audience reach. Her involvement began during the manga’s initial run in Dengeki Maoh, where the first chapter immediately convinced her of its adaptation potential. Hamabe emphasized the profound emotional burden carried by the protagonist, Hinako, particularly her internal struggle with suicidal ideation. She asserted that the series required a broader platform to connect with viewers who could relate to its difficult yet deeply resonant subject matter.

The thematic depth of the manga continued to engage the directorial team. Director Yusuke Suzuki expressed a specific fascination with the story’s exploration of the delicate boundaries between life and death. Character designer Nozomi Ikuyama received significant commendation for her visual contributions, particularly her masterful ability to balance the aesthetics of the cast.

Ikuyama successfully contrasted the fragile design of human characters, such as Hinako, against the compelling, unsettling, and eerie qualities of the yokai. This visual tension significantly enhanced the adaptation's overall impact.

The transition to full production was a meticulous process, requiring approximately one full year of preparatory work and intense coordination between the production studio and the involved committee members. Naekawa’s involvement extended beyond standard authorial approval; driven by genuine curiosity about the animation craft, she frequently visited the facilities to observe her creation taking physical form.

The selection of the voice cast was a highly collaborative endeavor. Naekawa participated actively, consulting on specific character vocal characteristics and attending recording sessions. She concluded that the performers ultimately became the true instructors, defining the characters’ final voices through their powerful interpretations.