Saya Hiyama, The Ultimate Maid Culture Fan, Becomes Ambassador for “The Maid Just Eats” Anime
A beloved public figure brings her personal passion to the charming anime about a maid’s culinary adventures.
Saya Hiyama, known for her engaging personality and deep affection for Japanese maid culture and anime, has been officially appointed as the応援大使 (Ouen Taishi, or Ambassador) for the upcoming TV anime, “Maid-san wa Taberu Dake” (The Maid Just Eats). This exciting collaboration will kick off with a unique simultaneous viewing party, inviting fans to experience the anime alongside Hiyama herself.
Hiyama’s connection to the world of maids runs deep, stemming from her student days exploring the vibrant streets of Ikebukuro. During this time, she frequently found solace and inspiration in maid cafes, particularly the renowned “Wonder Parlor Cafe”—a place she describes as “one of her aspirations.” The graceful movements of the maids, the soothing ambiance, and the distinct feeling of being welcomed into a special space all captivated her, sparking a quiet dream of one day joining their ranks. She even recalls hovering her finger over the “apply” button for a maid cafe job, a testament to her genuine admiration, though she ultimately chose a different path.
Years later, her enduring admiration for “Wonder Parlor Cafe” saw her return to host a fan club event, fulfilling a long-held dream. Beyond her personal experiences, Hiyama is also a devoted fan of anime and manga. Her heart was captured the moment she saw the cover of “Maid-san wa Taberu Dake” Volume 1 in a bookstore. Upon the anime’s announcement, she openly shared her excitement on her X account, truly embodying the spirit of a dedicated fan.
It is this remarkable blend of personal history with maid culture, a serendipitous connection to the manga, and her genuine fan perspective that made Saya Hiyama the perfect choice for the role of ambassador. Her authentic enthusiasm promises to bring a fresh and heartfelt dimension to the anime’s promotion.
As the first initiative of her ambassadorship, Hiyama will host a simultaneous viewing party for “Maid-san wa Taberu Dake.” This event, broadcast on her YouTube channel, will allow viewers to watch the anime on their preferred streaming services while enjoying Hiyama’s live commentary and reactions. It’s an interactive way for fans to share the joy of discovery, especially if they prepare some of the delicious foods featured in the series.
“Maid-san wa Taberu Dake” Simultaneous Viewing Party Details:
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Date & Time: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 21:00 JST
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Platform: Saya Hiyama’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sayahiyama1027
Saya Hiyama, born in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture in 1993, began her career as a weathercaster for “Weathernews Live” in 2018. After departing the company in March 2024, she transitioned to a freelance announcer role. Leveraging her extensive knowledge of anime and manga, she has appeared on numerous television and radio programs. Since 2022, she has also served as an Ibaraki Ambassador, actively promoting her home prefecture.
“Maid-san wa Taberu Dake,” based on the manga by Susumu Maeya serialized in Kodansha’s “Comic Days,” tells the heartwarming story of Suzume, a maid from a British mansion who begins a new life in a small apartment in Japan. While navigating the challenges of living alone for the first time in an unfamiliar country, Suzume finds immense joy in exploring Japanese cuisine. The anime offers a gentle, slice-of-life experience, inviting viewers to simply watch a non-daily maid find happiness through eating.
Anime “Maid-san wa Taberu Dake” Basic Information:
Broadcast Information:
Starting April 5, 2026, on TOKYO MX, Yomiuri TV, BS Asahi, and AT-X.
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TOKYO MX: Every Sunday at 22:00 JST, starting April 5.
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Yomiuri TV: Every Monday at 25:59 JST, starting April 6.
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BS Asahi: Every Sunday at 23:00 JST, starting April 5.
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AT-X: Every Tuesday at 21:30 JST, starting April 7 (Repeat broadcasts: Thursdays 9:30 JST, Mondays 15:30 JST).
Fastest Streaming: d Anime Store, ABEMA, U-NEXT, Anime Hodai
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Episode 1: April 1, 0:00 JST
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Episode 2 onwards: Every Sunday at 22:00 JST, starting April 5.
Other streaming services will also begin sequential distribution from April 5.
Staff:
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Original Work: Susumu Maeya (Kodansha “Comic Days” serialization)
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Director: Ryosuke Izumiho
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Series Composition: Natsuko Takahashi, Saeka Fujimoto
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Character Design: Chiaki Abe
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Sound Director: Hiroto Morishita
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Sound Production: Dax Production
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Music: Katsutoshi Kitagawa (ROUND TABLE)
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Music Production: Lantis
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Opening Theme: majiko “Ribbon”
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Ending Theme: ARCANA PROJECT “Shiawase Flavor”
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Animation Production: EMT Squared, Magic Bus
Cast:
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Suzume Tachibana: Kana Ichinose
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Ricotta Fresca: Chihiro Sunoh
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Nana Komatsu: Maki Kawase
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Sora Endo: Shizuka Ishigami
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An Shingetsu: Hiromi Igarashi
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Chun: Daisuke Sakuma
Moving forward, Saya Hiyama will continue to collaborate on various projects to help more people discover and enjoy the charming world of “Maid-san wa Taberu Dake.” This partnership exemplifies how genuine fandom and personal connection can elevate the promotion of Japanese anime, potentially introducing its unique blend of daily life and maid aesthetics to an even wider global audience.
Official Links:
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Official Website: https://meitabe-anime.com/
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Official X: @lovetoeat_maid (Hashtag: #メイ食べ)
