Fans of the upcoming anime adaptation of Hirafumi and Yagi Shinba’s manga, “Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy,” can get an exclusive early look as the first episode will begin streaming on December 12, 2025. This special premiere will be available on both the AnimeFesta and OceanVeil platforms, ahead of its official Japanese television broadcast slated for January 2026.
The early release on streaming services offers an uncensored version with English subtitles for international viewers. This provides an initial glimpse into the romantic drama surrounding the complex relationship between two step-siblings.
Early Streaming Details and Broadcast Premiere
The inaugural episode of “Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy” will be accessible on December 12, 2025, at midnight PDT (3:00 a.m. EST) via AnimeFesta and OceanVeil. While the digital premiere offers an early and potentially “premium” viewing experience, the anime is scheduled to make its television debut in Japan in January 2026. This dual-release strategy is common for AnimeFesta titles, often providing both a censored “broadcast” version and an uncensored “premium” version online. OceanVeil has confirmed it will stream all future episodes in conjunction with the Japanese TV broadcast schedule.
Plot Overview of “Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy”
The story of “Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy” centers on Kōta, whose life takes an unexpected turn after his father remarries. He finds himself living with his new step-sister, Aika. Initially, Kōta is struck by Aika’s beauty, but this impression quickly shatters as he discovers her true personality. Behind her “perfect angel” facade for their parents, Aika is a cheeky, super sassy, and foul-mouthed “gyaru” who behaves uncontrollably when left alone with Kōta. Their clashing personalities lead to constant arguments and make Kōta’s life a “living hell.”
However, the narrative hints at a subtle shift, suggesting that beneath Aika’s wild exterior, a flicker of interest grows for her caring older brother. The series explores how their initially difficult relationship begins to change as Aika gradually warms to Kōta’s responsible nature.
Key Cast and Production Staff
The anime boasts a dedicated team bringing the manga to life:
Main Voice Cast
- Hana Yurimoto as Aika Takamura
- Yūta Ikarashi as Kōta Takamura
- Momosuke as Yoshiyuki Takamura
- Iroha Haruno as Misaki Takamura
Production Team
- Director: Pyuta Konno (also known as Hiyūta Konno)
- Series Composition: Eeyo Kurosaki
- Character Design: Yoshihiro Watanabe
- Music: Aiue Oka
- Animation Production: Studio Hōkiboshi
- Producer: Suiseisha
Additional staff members include Washimi for Color Design, Yemaoyama as Art Director, Shurakura Hōōin as Director of Photography, Kōki Shinkai as Editor, and Mikumo Amakuwa as Sound Director.
The Manga’s Origins
“Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy” (original Japanese title: Ichiko Aika: Zatsu de Namaiki na Imōto to Warikirenai Ani) is an adult manga series penned by Hirafumi and illustrated by Yagi Shinba. It began its digital serialization in November 2022 on the Comic Cmoa service under CLLENN’s DEDEDE label. The manga has since been compiled into three digital volumes, with the first three volumes released digitally on September 5, 2025. The manga is also available in English on Coolmic, with the first chapter offered for free.
