Great news for fans of Mika Yamamori’s captivating manga, “In the Clear Moonlit Dusk” (Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki)! The series is officially set to receive a TV anime adaptation, promising to bring its beautiful artwork and heartwarming story to life. The anime is scheduled to premiere in January 2026 across 28 TBS network affiliates nationwide in Japan.
A Prince(ss) Meets a Prince: The Story
“In the Clear Moonlit Dusk” tells the story of Yoi Takiguchi, a first-year high school student known as the “Prince” due to her tall stature, deep voice, and handsome, somewhat androgynous appearance. Yoi is accustomed to being admired by female classmates, though she doesn’t intend to attract their attention. She has resigned herself to this perception, believing there is little she can do to change how people see her.
Yoi’s life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Kohaku Ichimura, another student who is also referred to as “Prince,” this time due to his rumored wealth and charming demeanor. Kohaku quickly takes an interest in Yoi, seeing past her “princely” facade. He acknowledges her as a girl, something she rarely experiences. After a series of interactions, Kohaku offers Yoi a proposition: to try dating him as an experiment. The story follows the two “princes” as they navigate their feelings and reveal their true selves to each other.
What to Expect from the Anime
While specific details regarding the anime’s cast, staff, and studio were initially scarce, recent announcements have shed light on the production.
Staff and Cast:
- Director: Yusuke Maruyama (Assistant Director on Lycoris Recoil)
- Series Composer: Ayumu Hisao (I’m in Love with the Villainess)
- Character Designer: Yuki Fukuda (Insomniacs After School)
- Music: Tsubasa Ito
- Animation Production: East Fish Studio
- Yoi Takiguchi: Rei Ichinomiya
- Kohaku Ichimura: Ryota Suzuki
With a talented team at the helm, the “In the Clear Moonlit Dusk” anime promises to be a faithful and visually stunning adaptation of the beloved manga.
Why Fans Are Excited
“In the Clear Moonlit Dusk” has garnered a dedicated following due to its refreshing take on the shojo romance genre. Several elements contribute to its appeal:
- Unique Characters: Yoi and Kohaku defy typical shojo tropes. Yoi is a strong, independent character who challenges traditional gender roles, while Kohaku is more than just a wealthy playboy; he genuinely seeks to understand Yoi for who she is.
- Beautiful Art Style: Mika Yamamori’s artwork is consistently praised for its elegance and expressiveness. The anime adaptation aims to capture the manga’s visual appeal, bringing the characters and their emotions to life.
- Relatable Romance: The series explores the complexities of first love with honesty and sensitivity. Yoi and Kohaku’s struggles with their feelings, insecurities, and communication resonate with readers. The story emphasizes genuine connection and acceptance.
- Gender Bender Themes: The manga thoughtfully addresses gender identity and perception. Yoi’s experiences with being misidentified and challenging gender expectations add depth and nuance to the narrative. Kohaku’s attraction to Yoi regardless of her “princely” image is a refreshing and progressive element.
Meet the Main Characters
Yoi Takiguchi
Yoi is a first-year high school student known for her androgynous appearance, tall stature, and deep voice. Often mistaken for a boy, she has earned the nickname “Prince” at school and unintentionally attracts the attention of her female classmates. Despite her “princely” image, Yoi is a shy and thoughtful person. She is intelligent, serious, and skilled in karate. Yoi initially struggles with accepting Kohaku’s advances, as she is unaccustomed to being seen as a girl.
Kohaku Ichimura
Kohaku is a second-year student who is also called “Prince” because of his good looks, charisma, and wealthy background. He is initially perceived as a flirtatious playboy but is, in reality, a more complex character. Kohaku is drawn to Yoi’s unique qualities and makes an effort to get to know her beyond her outward appearance. He is perceptive, honest, and unafraid to challenge social norms. Kohaku’s past relationships have been superficial, and he seeks a genuine connection with someone who appreciates him for who he is.
Supporting Characters
While the anime adaptation will primarily focus on Yoi and Kohaku’s relationship, several supporting characters add depth to the story.
- Nobara Tone: A classmate of Yoi.
- Shun Kuwabatake: A friend of Kohaku.
Manga Details
“In the Clear Moonlit Dusk” is written and illustrated by Mika Yamamori. The manga began serialization in Dessert magazine on July 21, 2020. As of August 2024, the series has been compiled into eight tankobon volumes. Kodansha USA has licensed the series for English publication, with print releases available since Fall 2022. Volume 7 was released in February 2025. The manga was nominated for the 46th Kodansha Manga Award in the Shoujo Category in 2022. The ninth volume is scheduled to release on May 13, 2025.
Where to Read the Manga
“In the Clear Moonlit Dusk” is available in English from Kodansha USA. You can find it at most major book retailers, both online and in physical stores. The series is also available digitally on platforms like K Manga.
Final Thoughts
With its engaging story, relatable characters, and stunning visuals, “In the Clear Moonlit Dusk” has all the ingredients to become a beloved anime series. Fans eagerly anticipate its premiere in January 2026, ready to experience the enchanting romance of Yoi and Kohaku in a new and exciting way.
