In a mouthwatering reveal that promises to blend the charm of maid service with Japan's irresistible street eats, the teaser trailer for the upcoming anime adaptation of The Food Diary of Miss Maid has dropped, spotlighting a trio of voice talents who bring heart and hunger to this delectable tale.
Set to premiere sometime in 2026, the series is a joint production from studios EMT Squared and Magic Bus, helmed by director Ryousuke Senbo, known for his lighthearted touch in Yo-kai Watch and Scraggy and Mimikyu. Natsuko Takahashi (Anne Shirley, Love and Lies) and Saeka Fujimoto (Alice or Alice) are scripting the episodes, while Chiaki Abe handles character designs, ensuring the maids' frilly aprons and wide-eyed wonder pop against backdrops of colorful confections.
Leading the ensemble is Kana Ichinose, lending her versatile tones to Suzume Tachibana, the wide-eyed maid-in-training whose unexpected detour in Japan turns into a buffet of discoveries. Joining her in the teaser are newcomers Chihiro Sunou as Ricotta Fresca, the devoted observer who finds bliss in her charge's contentment, and Maki Kawase as Nana Komatsu, the affable neighbor whose own appetites add layers of neighborly warmth to the mix.
Sunou, capturing the quiet devotion of Ricotta, shared her enthusiasm for the role:
The first time I read this work, I was thrilled to discover: 'This is filled with my favorite kind of happiness!' Of course, Suzume is adorable, but Ricotta, who watches over Suzume and tries her best because she wants Suzume to smile, is also incredibly endearing. I hope you can feel that warm happiness too — when someone you love is happily eating and you share that sense of deliciousness together!
Kawase, embodying Komatsu's easygoing vibe, echoed the sentiment with a nod to the series' comforting core:
Delicious,” “fun,” “happy” — the world of this work is filled with bright words, soft and warm, and I was deeply healed every week during recording! Komatsu-san will enjoy many meals together as Suzume-chan's good neighbor. Being around Suzume naturally makes her smile, and seeing her lively spirits soothes her daily fatigue... I consciously played with that image of Komatsu-san in mind! Every week, all sorts of delicious foods make an appearance. Please tune in with an empty stomach... and enjoy!
With its focus on fleeting moments of indulgence amid the rigors of maid duties, the adaptation arrives at a time when audiences crave escapist stories that celebrate the everyday—much like a perfectly timed sip of matcha after a long shift. Producers at Happinet, who distributed the teaser, have hinted at more reveals in the coming months, including key visuals and additional cast announcements, building anticipation for a series that could whet appetites across the globe.
What is The Food Diary of Miss Maid about?
Rooted in the cozy confines of Kodansha's digital lineup, The Food Diary of Miss Maid originated as a manga series written and illustrated by Susumu Maeya. It first graced the pages of Comic Days in December 2019, quickly amassing a following for its gentle pacing and vivid depictions of culinary delights. Serialized digitally and ongoing, the manga has seen four compiled volumes released by Kodansha in Japan as of March 2022, with Kodansha USA bringing the English digital editions stateside—the fourth volume hitting shelves in February 2023.
At its heart, the story follows Suzume Tachibana, a novice maid thrust into Japanese life for a full year, where her primary "duty" becomes an enthusiastic exploration of the nation's snacks and sweets. Blending slice-of-life comedy with mouthwatering food porn elements, the narrative unfolds through Suzume's wide-eyed adventures, from street-side stalls to home-cooked surprises, all while she navigates friendships and the subtle arts of service. It's a genre mashup that prioritizes feel-good vibes over high-stakes drama, perfect for viewers seeking a palate cleanser amid heavier fare.
Kodansha USA captures the essence in their official description:
What’s a maid to do when she finds herself suddenly stuck in Japan for a year? Eat, of course! Follow maid-in-training Suzume Tachibana as she tries all sorts of Japanese food, from sweets like taiyaki and melon bread to savory snacks like takoyaki and onigiri! Be warned, though-while Suzume sates her appetite through delicious treat after delicious treat, she might just end up whetting yours!
Sources: Official website of the anime and press release