'Scary that it's official': Chiikawa wrapped in a leaf while holding a cucumber sparks 'Is it going to be eaten?' reactions online

Chiikawa's official X (formerly Twitter) account has posted a slightly unsettling yet adorable illustration showing Chiikawa (voiced by Haruka Aoki) being wrapped in a leaf like a cooking ingredient, drawing major attention on social media.

The illustration depicts Chiikawa going through a step-by-step "cooking" process. First, following the caption "Place it on a leaf," Chiikawa is shown perched on a large leaf. Next, in line with the instruction "Have it hold a cucumber," Chiikawa is drawn hugging a cucumber, and then, with "Add some seasoning," something resembling a red pickled plum is placed on its head. After that, it is wrapped up with "Roll it up, roll it up," finally reaching a "finished" state as a round bundle with its contents completely hidden — an altogether surreal sequence.

"Chiikawa" is a popular manga that illustrator Nagano has been posting on X since 2020. The gap between its small, cute characters and its harsh worldview has won it broad popularity, from adults to children.

In response to this official post, fans on social media reacted with surprise and confusion, with comments such as "Chiikawa is way too defenseless..." and "It's scary that this is official."

Further reactions poured in over Chiikawa being treated like food, with some expressing concern such as "Is it going to be eaten?" and "That's so sad!", alongside humorous comments like "This is Chiikawa abuse straight from its own creator...!" The dark yet cute world unique to Chiikawa has once again struck a chord.

The "Chiikawa" anime airs on Fuji TV's "Mezamashi TV" program every Tuesday and Thursday around 7:36 a.m. In addition, "Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island," the franchise's first feature film, is set to open on July 24.

(C)nagano / chiikawa committee