The highly anticipated “light anime” adaptation of Tenma Asahi’s Boys’ Love (BL) isekai fantasy light novel series, Saioshi no Gikei o Mederu Tame, Nagaikishimasu! (In Order to Love My Most Beloved Step-Brother, I’ll Live a Long Life!), has unveiled new key visuals and confirmed its main voice cast as it gears up for a January 2026 premiere. The series marks the inaugural project of the newly established BL-focused anime label, BALLOON.
Voice actor Ayumu Murase is set to star as the protagonist Alba, while Shōta Aoi will portray Orsis, his beloved step-brother.
A Deeper Look into the “Light Anime” Phenomenon and BL Label BALLOON
The production falls under the innovative “light anime” format, a concept spearheaded by Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) to enable animation at a lower cost and on a more timely schedule compared to traditional animation workflows. This approach aims to deliver emotionally resonant and stylized storytelling, ideal for digital streaming platforms and niche fandoms.
The anime is the first major project from the BALLOON label, a collaborative effort between IMAGICA Infos, Dai Nippon Printing, CYBIRD, and Blue Rights. The label’s ambition is to produce four new titles in the 2026 fiscal year, with plans to expand to 10 or more projects annually by 2028, significantly growing the presence of Boys’ Love anime in the industry.
Plot Summary: Reincarnation, Romance, and a Race Against Fate
Saioshi no Gikei o Mederu Tame, Nagaikishimasu! centers on Alba, a young man who is reincarnated as the son of an impoverished noble family in a world reminiscent of an otome game he played in his previous life. His new life takes a dramatic turn when he meets his new step-brother, Orsis—who happens to be his absolute favorite character from the game.
Alba’s initial joy is short-lived as he realizes a grim truth: his own character’s tragic death in the game is the catalyst for Orsis losing his smile. Determined to change this fate and ensure his beloved step-brother’s happiness, Alba embarks on a mission to live a long life and protect Orsis, all while navigating the complexities of his new noble identity and concealing his true feelings. The narrative promises a blend of isekai themes with heartfelt Boys’ Love storytelling, exploring themes of loyalty, identity, and profound devotion.
Key Staff and Animation Details
The “light anime” adaptation is being directed by Yūsuke Morishita, with Izumi Tezuka overseeing the series scripts. Animation production is a joint effort by IMAGICA Infos and Imageworks Studio, with Kazuya Takahashi serving as the production supervisor. DNP and Imagica Info’s Animation ID are also producing the project.
The original light novel series, written by Tenma Asahi and illustrated by Kazuaki, began serialization online in September 2021, with print volumes published by Alphapolis starting November 2022. A manga adaptation by Aki Tsujimoto also launched in January 2024.
Fans can look forward to the premiere of Saioshi no Gikei o Mederu Tame, Nagaikishimasu! in January 2026, marking a significant entry for the new BALLOON label.
