Otsuji’s popular manga series, My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren’t Wicked (original Japanese title: Ibitte Konai Gibo to Gishi), is officially receiving a TV anime adaptation set to premiere in 2026. The announcement was made on Tuesday with the launch of an official website, revealing a teaser visual, key staff, main cast details, and an announcement video.
An Unexpectedly Sweet Cinderella Story Gets Animated
The television anime adaptation of Otsuji’s My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren’t Wicked manga will be produced by NEWON. Keisuke Inoue, known for directing My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!, will be helming the project. Nanami Hoshino, who has contributed to series scripts for shows like Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!, is in charge of the series composition. Character designs will be handled by Mutsumi Sasaki.
The beloved series, which playfully subverts classic fairy tale tropes, focuses on Miya, an illegitimate child who, after her mother’s death, expects a life of hardship at her new home with her stepfamily. However, to her surprise, her stepmother and stepsisters turn out to be genuinely kind and sweet. This heartwarming and comedic premise has captivated readers, earning it an award-winning distinction.
Key Staff and Voice Cast Revealed
The production studio for the anime is NEWON. Leading the directorial efforts is Keisuke Inoue, celebrated for his work on various anime adaptations. Nanami Hoshino will handle the series scripts, ensuring the narrative maintains the charm of the original manga. Mutsumi Sasaki is confirmed as the character designer.
Regarding the voice cast, Kujira has been announced to voice the stepmother, Teru Kōnokura. A teaser visual released alongside the announcement depicts Miya, her stepmother Teru, and stepsisters Marika and Arisa, hinting at the delightful dynamics to come.
The Manga’s Journey to Anime
Otsuji’s My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren’t Wicked manga first began serialization on Ichijinsha’s Comic POOL digital manga magazine in November 2020. The series has steadily gained popularity, leading to its upcoming anime adaptation. Ichijinsha will publish the manga’s eighth compiled book volume on Friday, July 25, 2025. Seven Seas Entertainment publishes the manga in English, with the sixth volume having been released on June 17, 2025.
The manga’s premise, as described by Seven Seas Entertainment, highlights Miya’s initial trepidation upon entering her father’s estate, expecting a “life of servitude and misery” at the hands of a “wicked stepmother and stepsisters.” This expectation is hilariously and heartwarmingly overturned when she discovers her new family is anything but wicked, instead proving to be sweet and supportive. This comedic subversion of a classic fairy tale narrative is at the core of the manga’s appeal.
Fans can look forward to seeing this unique and heartwarming story come to life on screen when My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren’t Wicked premieres in 2026.
