The popular romantic comedy manga “Jirai nandesu ka? Chihara-san” (Are You a Jirai Girl, Chihara-san?), written and illustrated by Ryon, is officially receiving a television anime adaptation set to premiere in 2026. A dedicated website has launched to confirm the news, thrilling fans of the unique school comedy.
The Story of Mai Chihara: A Misunderstood “Landmine” Girl
The manga centers on Mai Chihara, a high school student who, due to her distinctive appearance and aura—characterized by doll-like skin, strikingly red lips and eyes, and a perpetually unhappy expression—is widely rumored among her classmates to be a “landmine” girl. This Japanese slang term, “jirai,” often refers to someone who appears cute but is considered high-maintenance or has a problematic personality, essentially “ticking time bombs” in relationships.
However, the truth begins to unravel when Kuroki, a plain-looking and solitary second-year student, finds himself seated next to Mai. Despite the pervasive rumors, Kuroki observes Mai’s unexpected sides, discovering that she is, in fact, a kind, somewhat air-headed, and clumsy girl with a fondness for cats and gyoza. The series explores the gradual shift in Kuroki’s perception as he witnesses her true personality, building a heartwarming and comedic narrative around friendship and misunderstanding.
Manga’s Journey to Anime Adaptation
Ryon first launched “Jirai nandesu ka? Chihara-san” on Comic Smart’s GANMA! web service on June 25, 2021. The series has since been compiled into seven volumes by Ichijinsha as of June 2025. The manga gained recognition, even being nominated for the web category at the Next Manga Award in 2023, where it ranked 18th. Its ongoing serialization and positive reception have paved the way for this anticipated anime adaptation.
Key Staff and Cast Revealed for the Anime
The production team behind the “Jirai nandesu ka? Chihara-san” anime has been announced. Yasuaki Fujii, known for his work as an episode director on series like Teasing Master Takagi-san and Too Cute Crisis, will be helming the project at Synergy SP. Keiichirō Ōchi, who has a strong track record with series scripts for The Quintessential Quintuplets and Aikatsu!, will oversee the series composition. Character designs will be handled by Majiro (Macross Delta, UniteUp!), while Arisa Okehazama (Jujutsu Kaisen, DIGIMON BEATBREAK) will compose the music, produced by King Records.
Reprising their roles from earlier voice comic adaptations, Sayumi Suzushiro will voice the titular Mai Chihara, and Kazuki Ura will voice Kuroki. These voice actors previously contributed to a promotional video released on June 25, 2025, to commemorate the manga’s fourth anniversary.
What to Expect from the “Jirai nandesu ka? Chihara-san” Anime
Fans can look forward to a faithful adaptation that captures the manga’s blend of romantic comedy and slice-of-life elements. The series is praised for its “fluffy rom-com” nature, beautiful art, and a slow-burning yet engaging progression of the relationship between Mai and Kuroki. The humor often stems from visual gags and Kuroki’s awkward interactions as he navigates his understanding of Mai. The anime is expected to highlight the subtle development of their friendship, free from overly dramatic plot twists, offering a lighthearted and sweet viewing experience.
The announcement has been met with excitement, as Ryon also shared an illustration to celebrate the upcoming anime. With a confirmed release year of 2026, more details regarding the exact premiere date and streaming platforms are eagerly awaited by fans worldwide.
