The popular shōjo manga series, Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You. (Japanese: Dōse, Koishite Shimaunda.), written and illustrated by Haruka Mitsui, has officially begun its “countdown to climax,” signaling the impending conclusion of the romantic story. The announcement came with the release of its 12th compiled book volume on August 12, which also revealed that the series has over 1.7 million copies in circulation.
A Journey of Teenage Romance and Self-Discovery
Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You. centers on Mizuho Nishino, an aspiring manga artist navigating the complexities of her late teenage years. The story begins on her 17th birthday, in 2020, amidst unexpected challenges including a global pandemic that disrupts typical high school life. Mizuho, who initially has a crush on an older student, finds her world shifting when her longtime childhood friend, Kizuki, confesses his feelings for her. This confession forces Mizuho to confront her own emotions and the evolving dynamics within her close-knit group of four male childhood friends: Kizuki, Shin, Airu, and Shuugo.
The narrative intricately weaves together present-day high school drama with glimpses into Mizuho’s life ten years in the future, where she is 27 and a successful manga artist. These future segments often hint at past unresolved issues, including a period where Kizuki ghosted her, adding layers of mystery and anticipation to the ongoing romance.
Plot Highlights and Character Dynamics
The manga has been praised for its exploration of relatable themes, including first love, friendship, and the challenges of growing up. Mizuho is depicted as a peppy and confident shōjo lead who, despite her initial romantic confusion, is determined to pursue her dreams. Her relationship with Kizuki forms the central romantic arc, though the presence of other childhood friends, particularly Shin, often sparks debate among readers about potential alternative pairings due to their maturity and caring nature. The series also thoughtfully incorporates the backdrop of a global pandemic, exploring how it impacts the characters’ youthful experiences and relationships.
Publication History and Anime Adaptation
Haruka Mitsui launched Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You. in Kodansha’s Nakayoshi shōjo manga magazine in November 2020. Kodansha has been collecting its chapters into individual tankōbon volumes, with the first volume released on March 12, 2021. As of August 2025, twelve volumes have been released. Kodansha USA Publishing has licensed the manga for English digital release and began releasing print versions in 2024.
The manga’s popularity led to an anime television series adaptation, which was announced in February 2024. Produced by Typhoon Graphics and directed by Junichi Yamamoto, the first season aired from January to March 2025. Crunchyroll streamed the series in various regions, including North America, and also provided an English dub. A second season of the anime has already been announced and is slated to premiere in 2026, indicating continued interest in the series’ unfolding story.
What’s Next for Readers
With the manga entering its “climax countdown,” fans can anticipate the resolution of Mizuho’s romantic journey and the culmination of the character arcs that have developed over the series’ run. While the exact number of chapters or volumes remaining until the final conclusion is yet to be revealed, the announcement signals that the story is heading towards its highly anticipated ending.
