The popular romantic comedy manga, Marika’s Love Meter Malfunction (茉莉花ちゃんの好感度はぶっ壊れている, Marika-chan no Kōkando wa Bukkowarete Iru), is officially receiving an anime adaptation as part of the AnimeFesta lineup, slated for broadcast in 2026. The announcement has generated excitement among fans of the quirky love story, which began serialization in April 2024.
Anime Adaptation Set for 2026 Broadcast
The upcoming anime series, confirmed to be an AnimeFesta production, will bring Rin Komugi’s unique romantic comedy to screens in 2026. AnimeFesta is known for producing adaptations of digital manga, often releasing both on-air and premium “complete” versions of its titles. While specific details regarding the animation studio, staff, and voice cast are yet to be revealed, the early announcement indicates a promising future for the series. The relatively swift anime greenlight for a manga that only started in 2024 highlights its growing popularity and intriguing premise.
The Intriguing Premise: A Broken Love Meter
Marika’s Love Meter Malfunction centers on Kanata Kitami, a timid protagonist harboring deep feelings for his popular childhood friend, Marika Chitose. Feeling that a confession is impossible due to their contrasting social standings, Kanata makes a desperate wish upon a shooting star: to understand people’s feelings better, much like in a love simulation game.
His wish comes true, granting him the extraordinary ability to see “love meters” floating above people’s heads, indicating their affection levels. However, this newfound power leads to immediate confusion when he checks Marika’s meter. Instead of a clear reading, her love meter is inexplicably “broken” and plunges into the negative, appearing almost “hellish.” This perplexing situation leaves Kanata bewildered, as Marika continues to treat him with surprising kindness despite what her meter suggests.
The core mystery and comedic tension of the series stem from Kanata’s attempts to reconcile Marika’s outwardly affectionate behavior with her seemingly non-existent (or overloaded) affection meter. The manga delves into the “hidden truth behind her cute façade,” hinting at an extreme, possibly yandere-like, level of love for Kanata that the conventional meter simply cannot register.
Manga’s Genesis and Ongoing Popularity
Written and illustrated by Rin Komugi, Marika’s Love Meter Malfunction launched its online serialization on April 29, 2024. It is published by Wwwave Comics under its Trahison imprint and has quickly accumulated 16 volumes as of October 2025, demonstrating its rapid release schedule and consistent engagement with readers.
The series has gained a significant following for its blend of romantic comedy, fantasy elements, and school-life tropes. Its exploration of the “yandere” archetype, where extreme devotion manifests in unconventional ways, has particularly resonated with fans. For international readers, the manga is officially available in English on digital platforms such as MangaPlaza and Coolmic. The announcement of an anime adaptation further solidifies Marika’s Love Meter Malfunction as a rising star in the romantic comedy genre.
