Anime Frontier 2025, presented by Crunchyroll, is set to host the exclusive U.S. premiere of “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… ~Next Shine~” at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas, from December 12 to 14, 2025. The event will also feature a special appearance by Yukari Anzai, the voice actor for Ajisai Sena, marking her first U.S. event appearance. This premiere offers American fans an early look at the highly anticipated sequel, which will debut in Japanese theaters on November 21 JST.
A Major Premiere for Anime Fans
The U.S. premiere of “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… ~Next Shine~” is a significant event for attendees of Anime Frontier 2025. The sequel is a theatrical format release comprising five episodes (Episodes 13 to 17) that will later be broadcast on television. This screening provides a unique opportunity for fans to experience the continuation of the popular yuri harem anime before its wider release.
Anime Frontier: A Hub for Japanese Entertainment
Anime Frontier, held annually in Fort Worth, Texas, serves as a prominent platform for showcasing the latest in Japanese entertainment, blending cosmopolitan energy with a touch of cowboy culture. The three-day convention, from December 12-14, 2025, features exciting exhibits, exclusive premieres, and special events, drawing together anime fans, creators, and industry professionals from across the globe.
Delving into ‘~Next Shine~’: Story and Production
“There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… ~Next Shine~” continues the narrative of Renako Amaori, a formerly gloomy and socially awkward girl who reinvented herself for high school. Her new popular status leads to unexpected confessions from two of the school’s brightest stars: Mai Oduka and Ajisai Sena. As Renako navigates these complex affections, she also finds herself helping a friend, Kaho, with a cosplay event, leading to self-discovery and a re-evaluation of her desires.
The Continuation of a Beloved Story
The sequel adapts Volume 5 of the original light novel series, building upon the events of the first 12-episode season, which aired from July to September 2025. The anime is based on the yuri light novel series written by Teren Mikami and illustrated by Eku Takeshima, with the light novels and a manga adaptation both licensed in North America by Seven Seas Entertainment. The staff for the anime includes Natsumi Uchinuma as director, Naruhisa Arakawa handling series composition and script, and Yoshiaki Fujisawa composing the music. Studio Mother is responsible for the animation production.
Special Guest Appearance
The presence of Yukari Anzai, the voice actor for the character Ajisai Sena, adds another layer of excitement for attendees. This marks Anzai’s inaugural event appearance in the U.S., offering fans a unique opportunity to interact with one of the voices behind the beloved series. While the specific date and time for the screening and Anzai’s panels have yet to be announced, her participation underscores the significance of this U.S. premiere.
