A mermaid's promise: to eat her only when she is happiest
In short: In Sai Naekawa's manga, Hinako seeks death after a tragic family accident. Her solution? A pact with Shiori, a yōkai mermaid who promises to protect her from other predators—until Hinako reaches her most delicious, happiest moment.
The series, known in Japanese as *Watashi o Tabetai, Hito de Nashi*, explores the heavy intersections of depression, relationship dynamics, and even LGBTQ themes. The narrative follows Hinako, a girl living in Ehime Prefecture, who lost her parents and brother in a car accident. Her unique blood attracts various yōkai, leading to a precarious existence where she relies on the mermaid Shiori for protection.
The relationship between the two is built on a complex, predatory promise: Shiori will devour Hinako only when her flesh is at its peak flavor. However, the layers of the story suggest deeper motivations. Shiori previously saved Hinako's life by providing mermaid blood during the accident, and her current role as a protector may be an attempt to prevent Hinako from ending her life prematurely.
The world is populated by other supernatural beings, such as Miko, an ancient kitsune who struggles to balance primal instincts with her civilized nature, and Azami, an immortal girl who seeks revenge on Shiori. The creator, Naekawa, drew inspiration from the ocean and Japanese folklore, specifically the legend of Yaobikuni, a priestess who lived for 800 years after consuming mermaid flesh. This connection is reflected in Hinako's surname, Yaotose.
An anime adaptation produced by Studio Lings aired between October and December 2025. Directed by Yūsuke Suzuki, the production focused on the emotional landscape of the characters, using detailed water animation and specific color palettes to mirror Hinako's shifting sentiments. The adaptation maintains the series' core tension: the beautiful yet ominous nature of the yōkai and the tragic, layered personality of its protagonist.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: This Monster Wants to Eat Me
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-this-monster-wants-to-eat-me.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
