Prepare for a delightful dive into the complexities of platonic-turned-romantic relationships, as the highly anticipated anime adaptation of Shinya Misu’s popular manga, Osananajimi to wa LoveCom ni Naranai (often translated as “It’s Not Possible To Be In a Romantic Comedy With a Childhood Friend” or “I’ll Never Have a Romantic Comedy with My Childhood Friend”), has officially announced a key voice talent. Renowned voice actress and singer Yū Serizawa is set to lend her voice to the character of Akari Hiodoshi, one of the central figures in this burgeoning romantic comedy.
Yū Serizawa’s Role as Akari Hiodoshi
Yū Serizawa, known for her diverse roles across various anime, will portray Akari Hiodoshi. Akari is introduced as one of protagonist Eiyū’s two childhood friends who attends the same high school. Described as a “tsundere and gyaru (gal) childhood friend who used to have a quiet personality,” Akari’s dynamic with Eiyū and Shio promises to be a focal point of the series’ romantic entanglements. Serizawa’s casting brings a wealth of experience to the role, having voiced memorable characters such as Shera L. Greenwood in How Not to Summon a Demon Lord and Mini Yaemori in Rent-A-Girlfriend. Her ability to capture a range of emotions, from assertive “tsundere” traits to softer, more vulnerable moments, makes her a fitting choice for Akari’s nuanced character.
The Broader Cast and Creative Team
While Yū Serizawa steps into the role of Akari Hiodoshi, another significant casting announcement for Osananajimi to wa LoveCom ni Naranai reveals Rin Kusumi as the voice of Shio Minamo. Shio is characterized as having a carefree personality and being popular at school, creating an intriguing contrast with Akari’s “gyaru” persona.
The anime adaptation is being brought to life by Tezuka Productions, a studio known for its animation work on series such as The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses. The series is slated for broadcast in Japan in 2026, building anticipation for fans of the original manga. CyberAgent is also involved in the production of the project.
Unraveling the Romantic Comedy Plot
Osananajimi to wa LoveCom ni Naranai originates from the romantic comedy manga by Shinya Misu, which began its serialization on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket website in March 2022. The story centers on Eiyū, a high school boy grappling with a relatable adolescent dilemma: his two childhood friends, Shio and Akari, have blossomed into incredibly charming young women.
Eiyū finds himself developing romantic, and at times “lustful,” feelings for them, yet he is convinced that his childhood friends see him in a purely platonic light. This internal conflict and the fear of embarrassing himself by revealing his true emotions form the core of his predicament. However, the narrative hints at deeper complexities, revealing that both Shio and Akari also harbor their own “secrets” and perhaps unspoken feelings.
The series is described as a “sweet, impatient, and twisted love triangle romantic comedy,” emphasizing the frustration and tantalizing nature of a situation where childhood friends struggle to transcend their established relationship dynamics into something more romantic. With its focus on miscommunications, hidden affections, and the unique bonds of long-standing friendships, Osananajimi to wa LoveCom ni Naranai is poised to deliver a relatable and entertaining narrative for fans of the romantic comedy genre.
