The upcoming anime adaptation of Aya Hirakawa’s romantic comedy manga, Mikadono San Shimai wa Angai, Choroi (The Three Mikadono Sisters Are Surprisingly Easy), has announced that Aoi Koga will be voicing Niko Mikadono, the second daughter of the Mikadono family. The announcement coincided with February 5th, which is unofficially celebrated as “Niko Day” in Japan due to a wordplay on the date and the Japanese word for “smile”.
Niko Mikadono: A Karate Master with a Soft Spot
Niko Mikadono is portrayed as a karate master who has achieved victory in numerous tournaments both domestically and internationally. She leads the karate team at her school, where she is highly respected and admired by her teammates. Despite her formidable strength and prowess in martial arts, Niko also has a fascination with cute things, revealing a softer side to her otherwise strong and assertive personality.
A teaser visual featuring Niko performing a high kick in an auditorium has been released, showcasing her athletic abilities.
Aoi Koga: The Voice Behind Niko
Aoi Koga, the voice actress behind Niko, is known for her roles in other popular anime series, including:
- Kaguya Shinomiya in Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
- Paimon in Genshin Impact
- Yumiri Handa in Hinamatsuri
Her experience in voicing diverse characters makes her a suitable choice for Niko, who has both strong and endearing qualities.
Anime Adaptation Details
The Mikadono San Shimai wa Angai, Choroi anime is scheduled to premiere in 2025. The series is being produced by P.A. Works, with Tadahito Matsubayashi (known for Magical Girl Site) directing and Yūsuke Inoue serving as the character designer.
Previously Announced Cast Members
Prior to the announcement of Aoi Koga as Niko, the following cast members had been revealed:
- Minami Hinata as Yū Ayase, the protagonist.
- Yurina Amami as Kazuki Mikadono, the eldest of the three sisters.
The voice actor for the youngest sister, Miwa Mikadono, is set to be announced on March 8th, playing on the pronunciation of “3/8” in Japanese.
The Story: A Heartwarming Romantic Comedy
Mikadono San Shimai wa Angai, Choroi tells the story of Yū Ayase, a high school student who feels overshadowed by his late mother, a famous actress. After his mother’s death, Yū is taken in by the wealthy Mikadono family and begins living with the three Mikadono sisters: Kazuki, Niko, and Miwa.
Each of the sisters possesses unique talents: Kazuki is a budding actress, Niko is a martial arts expert, and Miwa is a shogi prodigy. As Yū spends time with the sisters, they gradually develop romantic feelings for him, leading to a heartwarming and comedic story about family, relationships, and self-discovery.
Manga Origins
The anime is based on the manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Aya Hirakawa. The manga has been serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday since December 2021. As of December 2024, the manga has been compiled into 12 volumes.
Staff and Production
The anime adaptation is being brought to life by a talented team of staff members at P.A. Works.
- Director: Tadahito Matsubayashi
- Character Designer: Yūsuke Inoue
- Animation Production: P.A. Works
The Significance of “Niko Day”
The announcement of Aoi Koga as Niko Mikadono on February 5th, or “Niko Day,” is a clever marketing strategy that leverages Japanese wordplay. The date “2/5” can be pronounced in Japanese as “Ni-Go,” which sounds similar to “Niko.” This connection creates a fun and memorable association between the character and the announcement, generating excitement among fans.
Anticipation Builds for 2025 Premiere
With the cast gradually being revealed and a 2025 premiere date on the horizon, anticipation is building for the Mikadono San Shimai wa Angai, Choroi anime. The series promises to be a delightful blend of romance, comedy, and heartwarming family dynamics, brought to life by a talented cast and experienced animation studio.
