The popular light novel series, “Even a Replica Can Fall in Love” (Japanese: レプリカだって、恋をする。, Repurika Datte, Koi o Suru.), is officially getting a TV anime adaptation. The announcement was made at the Dengeki Bunko Winter Festival 2025 on Sunday, sending waves of excitement through the anime and light novel community.
From Light Novel to Anime Sensation
Written by Harunadon and illustrated by raemz, “Even a Replica Can Fall in Love” has captured the hearts of readers with its unique premise and emotionally resonant story. The light novel series debuted on February 10, 2023, under ASCII Media Works’ Dengeki Bunko imprint. As of July 10, 2024, four volumes have been released.
A Story of Identity and Love
The story revolves around a high school girl named Sunao Aikawa, who has the ability to create a replica of herself. This replica, often referred to as “Second,” takes Sunao’s place when she is unwell or simply doesn’t feel like attending school. Second is aware of her existence as merely a substitute, a stand-in for the original. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she falls in love. To differentiate herself from Sunao, Second styles her hair in a half-updo. This simple change becomes a symbol of her burgeoning identity as she navigates her feelings for a boy and questions her place in the world.
Yen Press, which publishes the novel series in English, describes the story: “When she doesn’t feel well, when there’s a test, when she doesn’t want to go to school…I take her place. I’m her replica. I’m not meant for anything else. But that changed when I fell in love. I wear my hair up so the boy I fell for knows it’s me. We skip school and promise to meet again tomorrow–and every day after. I’m her replica. Everything about me is borrowed and empty, but my heart is mine.”
Critical Acclaim
The novel series has garnered significant recognition, winning the grand prize in the 29th Dengeki Novel Prize in 2022. This prestigious award highlights the quality and appeal of Harunadon’s writing, solidifying its place as a noteworthy work in the light novel landscape.
The Manga Adaptation
The popularity of “Even a Replica Can Fall in Love” extends beyond the light novels. A manga adaptation, illustrated by Momose Hanada, has been serialized in Kadokawa’s Dengeki Maoh magazine since April 2023. As of December 27, 2024, three volumes of the manga have been published. Kadokawa’s BookWalker service also releases the manga in English, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Anime Adaptation Details
While the anime adaptation has been officially announced, specific details such as the release date, studio, staff, and cast are yet to be revealed. Fans are eagerly awaiting further information, with many speculating about which studio will take on the project and who will voice the beloved characters.
What to Expect from the Anime
Given the source material’s focus on emotional depth, character development, and romantic relationships, the anime adaptation is expected to be a heartfelt and visually appealing series. It will likely delve into themes of identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of love.
Key Characters
While official character designs and voice actor announcements for the anime are pending, understanding the key characters from the light novel and manga provides insight into the story’s core dynamics.
Sunao Aikawa
Sunao is the original high school girl who possesses the ability to create a replica of herself. She relies on her replica, Second, to handle tasks she finds inconvenient or undesirable, such as attending school when she is sick.
Second/Nao
Second is the replica of Sunao Aikawa. Initially, she exists solely to fulfill Sunao’s needs, but her perspective shifts when she falls in love. She begins to question her identity and desires to be recognized as an individual. To differentiate herself from Sunao, she adopts a half-up hairstyle. She is also called Nao by her close friends.
Akiya
Akiya is a boy who becomes the main love interest of Second/Nao. Their relationship develops as they spend time together, leading Second to experience new emotions and question her role as a replica. There is a twist where in Akiya also happens to have a replica
Ricchan
Ricchan is a childhood friend who’s a member of the Literature Club.
Where to Read
For those eager to dive into the world of “Even a Replica Can Fall in Love,” the light novels are available in English through Yen Press. Digital and paperback versions of Volume 1 were released on September 17, 2024, with Volume 2 following on January 21, 2025. The manga adaptation can be read on Kadokawa’s BookWalker service.
A Promising Addition to the Anime Landscape
The upcoming anime adaptation of “Even a Replica Can Fall in Love” is poised to be a significant addition to the anime landscape. With its compelling story, relatable characters, and exploration of complex themes, it has the potential to resonate with a wide audience. As more details emerge, fans eagerly anticipate the opportunity to experience this heartwarming tale in animated form.
