Fans of Midori Tayama’s popular K-Pop-themed manga series, Girl Crush, have cause for celebration as a TV anime adaptation has been officially announced. The series, which follows two high school students chasing their dreams in the competitive K-Pop industry, is now set to bring its vibrant story to the screen.
Diving into the World of Girl Crush
Girl Crush centers on Tenka Momose, a high school student who excels at everything except finding love, and Erian Satou, a dorky girl with a passionate dedication to becoming an idol. The narrative unfolds as these two unlikely friends venture to South Korea to pursue their K-Pop dreams. The manga explores their journey through auditions, training, and the challenges of the idol world, highlighting themes of friendship, rivalry, and self-discovery.
The Manga’s Origins and Success
Written and illustrated by Midori Tayama, Girl Crush began serialization on the Line Manga website under Shinchosha’s Comic Nicola brand in November 2020. The series has garnered significant attention, accumulating eight ebook volumes as of July 2024. Shinchosha began releasing print copies in Japan in April 2025, with the series surpassing 500,000 digital copies sold even before its physical release.
In English-speaking markets, Girl Crush is licensed by Comikey for digital release, with Viz Media announcing in October 2024 that they would begin releasing physical volumes in Q3 2025. The first physical volume from Viz Media was released on June 10, 2025.
Midori Tayama’s Creative Vision
Midori Tayama debuted in 2014 and is known for works that often blend drama, slice of life, and sports elements, as seen in her previous manga like Hyoujou no Crown (Crown on the Ice). Her distinctive art style and storytelling ability have resonated with readers, making Girl Crush a standout in the K-Pop-themed manga genre. Tayama is active on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where fans can follow her work and updates.
What to Expect from the TV Anime
While specific details regarding the anime’s production studio, cast, and release date are yet to be fully revealed, the adaptation promises to bring the dynamic performances and emotional depth of the manga to life. Given the manga’s focus on music and dance, the anime is expected to feature captivating musical numbers and intricate choreography, central to the K-Pop experience. The announcement has generated excitement among both manga readers and K-Pop enthusiasts, eager to see Tenka and Erian’s journey unfold in animated form.
