The popular Japanese web manga series, Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota (顔に出ない柏田さんと顔に出る太田君, Kao ni Denai Kashiwada-san to Kao ni Deru Ōta-kun), written and illustrated by Fuyu Azuma, is set to premiere as a TV anime series in 2025. This heartwarming romantic comedy about a girl who never shows her emotions and a boy who can’t hide what he’s feeling has captured the hearts of many, and the anime adaptation promises to bring the characters to life in a vibrant and engaging way.
What is Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota About?
Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota is a romantic comedy that revolves around two junior high school classmates, Kashiwada-san and Oota-kun, who are complete opposites.
- Kashiwada-san: She is a girl who rarely shows any emotion on her face, no matter what happens. Her stoic and unreadable demeanor makes her a mystery to those around her.
- Oota-kun: He is a boy who is unable to control his facial expressions, making his emotions easily readable. He’s always trying to surprise Kashiwada, but never succeeds.
Despite their contrasting personalities, they share a unique bond that blossoms into a heartwarming love story. Oota is constantly thinking of pranks to surprise Kashiwada, but he always fails. Kashiwada, on the other hand, enjoys watching Oota because his emotions are always on display. Their classmates are amused by their unique relationship and often observe Oota’s antics, which always seem to backfire.
Production Team and Cast
The anime adaptation is being produced by Studio Polon. The key staff includes:
- Director: Tomohiro Kamitani (Mix: Meisei Story Season 2)
- Series Composition: Michiko Yokote (Shirobako, Prison School, Cowboy Bebop)
- Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Naoto Nakamura (Date A Live IV and V)
- Music Composers: Yukari Hashimoto (Mr. Osomatsu) and Tetsuya Shitara (Matsuinu)
- Background Art: Maho Takahashi
- Art Director: Scott MacDonald (Studio Tulip)
- Color Design: Haremi Miyagawa
- Director of Photography: Yomogiko Murano (Rare Trick)
- CG Director: Daisuke Shima (Tengu Kobo)
- Editing: Akane Shiraishi (Seyama Editing Room)
- Sound Director: Yukio Nagasaki
The main cast has also been announced:
- Akane Fujita as Kashiwada-san
- Kyohei Natsume as Oota-kun
- Yuya Hirose as Tadokoro-kun
- Sohei Horikane as Sata-kun
Manga Details
The original Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota manga was serialized on Niconico Seiga’s Dra Dra Sharp# website from June 2018 to June 2023. Fuyu Azuma launched the manga in July 2018. Fujimi Shobo collected the chapters into ten tankōbon volumes, released from December 2018 to July 2023.
- Author: Fuyu Azuma
- Publisher: Fujimi Shobo (Kadokawa)
- Magazine: Niconico Seiga (Dra Dra Sharp#)
- Original Run: June 22, 2018 – June 9, 2023
- Volumes: 10
A spin-off manga series, Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota+ (顔に出ない柏田さんと顔に出る太田君+, Kao ni Denai Kashiwada-san to Kao ni Deru Ōta-kun+), also illustrated by Azuma, began serialization on the same website on October 13, 2023. As of May 9, 2024, one volume has been released.
Where to Read the Manga
In North America, the manga is licensed for digital English release by Kadokawa. Both BookWalker Global and MangaPlaza are publishing the manga in English.
Reception
The manga has garnered positive attention for its heartwarming story and relatable characters. On MyAnimeList, the manga holds a rating of 7.12 out of 10, based on over 2,400 users.
