The upcoming TV anime adaptation of the light novel series Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table (Shibō Yūgi de Meshi o Kū) has unveiled its first “ultra teaser” promotional video, confirmed its lead voice actress, and expanded its revealed staff, ahead of its January 2026 premiere. The series, based on the light novels by Yushi Ukai and illustrated by Nekometaru, centers on Yuki, a professional player who risks her life in deadly survival games to earn a living.
Chiyuki Miura Cast as Protagonist Yuki
Chiyuki Miura will star as the main character, Yuki (幽鬼), a cold-blooded professional who navigates life-or-death matches as a career. Miura expressed both excitement and nervousness about portraying the character within the brutal world of the anime, hoping viewers will follow Yuki’s journey of survival.
Key Staff Revealed for the Adaptation
Studio DEEN is producing the anime, with Takehiro Ueno (known for Days With My Stepsister) directing the series. Rintarou Ikeda (The Seven Deadly Sins: Dragon’s Judgement) is handling the series composition, while Eri Osada (Blade & Soul) is in charge of character designs. Noriyoshi Konuma (The Dangers in My Heart) is the sound director.
Newly announced staff members include:
- Concept Art: hewa
- Color Design: Imari Katsuragi
- Art Director: Yoshihiro Nakamura
- Director of Photography: Shinyo Kondō
- Editing: Haruko Kikuchi
- Sound Effects: Kaori Yamada
- Music: Junichi Matsumoto
- Music Production: Nippon Columbia
Plot and Premise of “Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table”
The story follows Yuki, who wakes up in an unfamiliar manor, dressed in a maid uniform, alongside five other girls in similar attire. They soon discover they are in the “Ghost House,” a place where survival hinges on navigating deadly games filled with various traps, from blowguns and buzz saws to locked rooms and weapons. Unlike the other girls, this terrifying situation is Yuki’s profession at seventeen – she earns her living by playing these death games. The narrative explores psychological horror, with the focus on strategy and survival rather than explicit gore.
Light Novel and Manga Background
The original Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table light novel series is written by Yushi Ukai and illustrated by Nekometaru, published in Japan under Media Factory’s MF Bunko J imprint since November 2022. Yen Press has licensed the series for English publication. A manga adaptation by Banzai Kotobuki Daienkai began serialization in Kadokawa Shoten’s Comp Ace magazine in April 2023. The anime adaptation was first announced during the “MF Bunko J Natsu no Gakuensai 2024” livestream event on September 1, 2024.
