The upcoming TV anime adaptation of Teren Mikami’s yuri romantic comedy light novel series, “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…” (Japanese title: Watashi ga Koibito ni Nareru Wake Naijan, Muri Muri! Muri Janakatta!?!? or WATANARE), has released a new trailer, revealing additional cast members and offering a glimpse into the series’ comedic and romantic storyline. The anime is slated to premiere in July 2025 and is produced by Studio Mother.
New Trailer Unveils More of the Story
The newly released trailer showcases the main character, Renako Amaori, and her interactions with Mai Oduka, along with other characters like Ajisai Sena, Satsuki Koto, and Kaho Koyanagi. The trailer provides a sneak peek into the vibrant school life and the complex relationships between these characters, highlighting the comedic and romantic elements of the series.
Additional Cast Members Announced
In addition to the previously announced cast, two new voice actors have joined the project:
- Kana Ichinose as Satsuki Koto
- Takako Tanaka as Kaho Koyanagi
The previously announced cast includes:
- Kanna Nakamura as Renako Amaori
- Saori Ōnishi as Mai Ouzuka
- Yukari Anzai as Ajisai Sena.
Synopsis: A Yuri Romantic Comedy
“There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…” is a yuri romantic comedy set in a high school environment. The story revolves around Renako Amaori, an introverted girl who struggled to make friends in junior high school. Determined to change her image, she aims to become a popular and outgoing high schooler. She meets Mai Oduka, a glamorous and confident girl who is Renako’s opposite. Despite their differences, the two girls form a connection. However, Renako’s world turns upside down when Mai confesses her romantic feelings. Renako is determined to prove that being best friends is better than being lovers, while Mai is set on convincing Renako that they are meant to be together.
The series is described as a high school yuri comedy involving fake dating, real dating, and competitive dating, with Renako caught in the middle of it all.
Production Staff
The anime is directed by Natsumi Uchinuma, with Naruhisa Arakawa handling the series composition and scripts. The character designs are by kojikoji. Misaki Kaneko, Haruki Moriya, Takashi Shiokawa, Kino Tokino, and Keinosuke Ami are listed as chief animation directors. The music is composed by Yoshiaki Fujisawa.
- Director: Natsumi Uchinuma
- Series Structure / Script: Naruhisa Arakawa
- Character Design: kojikoji
- Chief Animation Directors: Misaki Kaneko, Haruki Moriya, Takashi Shiokawa, Kino Tokino, Keinosuke Ami
- Music: Yoshiaki Fujisawa
- Animation Production: Studio Mother
Light Novel and Manga
“There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…” began as a light novel series written by Teren Mikami and illustrated by Eku Takeshima. Shueisha has published seven volumes since February 2020 under their Dash X Bunko imprint. A manga adaptation, with art by Musshu, launched on Shueisha’s Dash X Comic section of the Niconico Seiga website in May 2020. Both the light novel and manga are licensed in North America by Seven Seas Entertainment.
Reception
The original light novel series won first place in the original work category of the Next Light Novel Grand Prize 2021 and has sold over 500,000 copies as of September 2024.
Anticipation for the Anime Adaptation
With the release of the trailer and the announcement of additional cast members, anticipation is building for the anime adaptation of “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…” Fans of yuri romantic comedies are eagerly awaiting its premiere in July 2025.
