The highly anticipated anime adaptation of the yuri/girls’ love light novel series, “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…” (also known as WataNare), officially premiered on July 8, 2025, on Tokyo MX and other networks. The series, based on the light novels by Teren Mikami and illustrated by Eku Takeshima, brings to life the comedic and heartfelt struggles of two high school girls navigating the blurred lines between friendship and romance.
The Premise of “WataNare”
The story centers on Renako Amaori, a formerly introverted middle schooler determined to reinvent herself as a popular, outgoing high school student. Her efforts lead her to befriend Mai Oduka, a glamorous and confident supermodel who is her complete opposite. Their unexpected connection takes a sharp turn when Mai confesses her love for Renako, sending Renako’s carefully constructed new life into a tailspin.
Renako, valuing their friendship, attempts to convince Mai that being best friends is superior to being lovers. However, Mai is equally persistent in proving that they are destined for romance. This leads to a unique and humorous “switch system” where the two alternate between being friends and lovers, each attempting to prove their preferred relationship dynamic is better. This competitive dating premise explores themes of self-esteem, imposter syndrome, and the complexities of love and friendship.
Production and Staff Details
The anime adaptation is produced by Studio Mother. Natsumi Uchinuma, known for their work as an episode director on More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers., is helming the series as director. Naruhisa Arakawa, who worked on This Art Club Has a Problem!, is in charge of series composition and scripts. Character designs are handled by kojikoji, and the music is composed by Yoshiaki Fujisawa, recognized for their work on Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation.
Key Voice Cast
The main cast bringing these characters to life includes:
- Kanna Nakamura as Renako Amaori
- Saori Onishi as Mai Oduka
- Yukari Anzai as Ajisai Sena
- Kana Ichinose as Satsuki Koto
- Takako Tanaka as Kaho Koyanagi
- Mayu Sagara as Haruna Amaori
Music and International Release
The opening theme song for the anime is “Muri Muri Evolution,” performed by Akari Nanawo. The ending theme song, “Mayocchauwa” (迷っちゃうわ), is performed by The Dance for Philosophy.
Remow has licensed the series for international simulcasting via their It’s Anime YouTube channel, though episodes are generally available for a limited time after airing.
Origins in Light Novels and Manga
The “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…” series originated as a yuri light novel written by Teren Mikami and illustrated by Eku Takeshima, with Shueisha publishing seven volumes since February 2020 under their Dash X Bunko imprint. A manga adaptation, illustrated by Musshu, began serialization on Shueisha’s Dash X Comic section of the Niconico Seiga website in May 2020 and has since collected eight tankōbon volumes as of June 2025. Both the light novel and manga are licensed for English release in North America by Seven Seas Entertainment.
