The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Kazune Kawahara’s popular shojo manga, A Star Brighter Than the Sun (Taiyō Yori mo Mabushii Hoshi), is officially set to premiere in October 2025 on the TBS channel. A teaser trailer and visual have been released, offering a sneak peek at the heartwarming “first love story” that has captivated readers since the manga’s debut.
What’s A Star Brighter Than the Sun About?
A Star Brighter Than the Sun centers around the relationship between Sae Iwata and Koki Kamishiro, childhood friends whose bond deepens as they navigate the complexities of high school.
- Sae Iwata: Sae has always been taller and stronger than the average girl, leading to some insecurities as she enters high school.
- Koki Kamishiro: Koki, once smaller and weaker, has grown into a popular and handsome young man.
As they enter high school, Sae realizes her feelings for Koki have blossomed into love. However, she soon discovers she’s not the only girl vying for his attention. The story explores themes of first love, self-discovery, and the challenges of growing up. It delves into the changes that come with adolescence and the questions of identity that arise during this period.
VIZ Media, which has licensed the manga for English publication, describes the story:
Sae and Koki have been friends since childhood. One fateful day at the end of middle school, she has a revelation: Koki has grown up! Now they’re in high school, and she has another revelation: she has feelings for Koki! But Sae isn’t the only girl who does… The question is, who does Koki have feelings for?!
Meet the Cast and Crew
The anime adaptation boasts a talented cast and crew:
- Director: Aya Kobayashi (known for work on Vinland Saga and SPY x FAMILY)
- Series Composer: Yasuhiro Nakanishi (Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Chained Soldier, SHY)
- Character Designer: Jinfeng Zeng
- Music Composers: Natsumi Tabuchi (Aggretsuko, From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!) and Miki Sakurai (Girlfriend, Girlfriend, I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss)
- Animation Studio: Studio KAI
- Sae Iwata: Voiced by Minori Fujidera
- Koki Kamishiro: Voiced by Yuki Ono
Both Minori Fujidera and Yuki Ono have expressed their enthusiasm for their roles. Fujidera commented on Sae’s thoughtful nature and kindness, while Ono, who has personal connections to the story’s setting in Sapporo, aims to capture the essence of Koki’s youthful character.
A Beloved Manga
A Star Brighter Than the Sun has been serialized in Shueisha’s Bessatsu Margaret magazine since June 2021. As of November 2024, the series has been compiled into 10 tankobon volumes. The manga’s popularity is evident through its accolades:
- Nominated for the 12th Anan Manga Award in 2021
- Won the 14th Anan Manga Award in 2023
- Ranked 8th in Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (This Manga Is Amazing!) guidebook in 2023
Kazune Kawahara, the author of A Star Brighter Than the Sun, is also known for other popular shojo manga, including My Love Story!!, High School Debut, and Aozora Yell. Many of her works have received anime or live-action adaptations, attesting to her storytelling prowess.
What to Expect
With its engaging storyline, relatable characters, and talented creative team, the A Star Brighter Than the Sun anime adaptation is poised to capture the hearts of viewers. The series promises to deliver a sweet and heartwarming story about first love and the challenges of growing up. Fans of shojo anime and manga should definitely add this to their watchlists for Fall 2025.
