The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Takata’s award-winning romantic comedy light novel series, “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class” (Kurasu de 2-ban Me ni Kawaii Onna no Ko to Tomodachi ni Natta), is officially set to premiere in 2026! Anime fans, get ready for a charming blend of comedy, heartfelt moments, and youthful drama. The series has revealed a teaser visual, promotional video, as well as the main cast and staff who will bring this beloved story to life.
A Story of Unexpected Friendship
“I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class” tells the story of Maki Maehara, a high school student who has trouble making friends. Introverted and lacking common interests with his classmates, Maki anticipates another solitary year. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Umi Asanagi, a popular girl known as the “second prettiest” in their class, at a video store. Despite their seemingly different worlds, Maki and Umi discover shared interests beyond B-grade movies, leading Umi to ask Maki to be her friend.
The series explores the complexities of youth, friendship, and romance as Maki and Umi navigate their growing emotional connection. Umi often chooses to spend her Fridays with Maki instead of her best friend, Yu Amami, who is considered the prettiest girl in the class. The anime promises a delightful balance of humor, heartfelt moments, and a slow-burning romance that has captivated readers of the light novels and manga.
Stellar Cast Announced
The anime adaptation boasts a stellar cast of voice actors who will bring the beloved characters to life:
- Haruki Ishiya as Maki Maehara: The shy and thoughtful protagonist who finds himself in an unlikely friendship.
- Manaka Iwami as Umi Asanagi:** The “second prettiest girl in class” whose vibrant personality adds an interesting dynamic to the group.
- Sayumi Suzushiro as Yu Amami:** Umi’s best friend and the most beautiful girl in the class, who brings charm and humor to the story.
- Ikumi Hasegawa as Nina Nitta:** Another close friend of the group, whose interactions with the main characters promise comedic and heartfelt moments.
The Creative Team
Behind the scenes, a talented team is working to bring “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class” to the screen:
- Director: Hideki Tachibana (known for his work on Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Season 2 onwards and The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio)
- Series Composition & Script: Keiichiro Ochi (Girlfriend, Girlfriend)
- Character Design: Shoko Takimoto (Slow Loop)
- Animation Studio: CONNECT
With Hideki Tachibana at the helm, known for his expertise in directing beloved series, and CONNECT leading the animation efforts, fans can anticipate high-quality visuals.
From Light Novel to Anime: A Journey of Success
“I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class” began as a web novel series written by Takata on Kadokawa’s Kakuyomu website in November 2020. In December 2021, Kadokawa Shoten began publishing the series as light novels under their Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko imprint. The light novels feature illustrations by Tom Osabe (volume 1) and Azuri Hyūga (from volume 2 onwards). Seven volumes have been released as of October 2024.
The series has also received a manga adaptation illustrated by Rin Ono, which began serialization on Media Factory’s Comic Alive+ website in July 2022. As of November 2024, five tankōbon volumes of the manga have been released. Yen Press has licensed the manga adaptation in North America.
The light novel series has garnered significant recognition, including 21st place in the Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! 2024 ranking and first place in the 2023 Next Light Novel Award’s bunkobon category. The series has over one million copies in circulation, a testament to its widespread popularity.
What to Expect from the Anime
The anime adaptation is expected to stay true to the source material, capturing the essence of the story and the charm of its characters. Viewers can look forward to:
- Heartwarming Interactions: The anime will showcase the developing relationships between Maki, Umi, Yu, and Nina, highlighting the joys and challenges of friendship.
- Humorous Moments: The series is known for its comedic elements, which will be brought to life through witty dialogue and funny situations.
- Emotional Depth: As the characters navigate their feelings and personal growth, the anime will explore themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the courage to be yourself.
- Visually Appealing Animation: With CONNECT at the helm, the anime promises to deliver stunning animation that captures the beauty of the characters and the vibrancy of their world.
Where to Watch
While the exact streaming platforms for the anime have yet to be confirmed, “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class” is expected to be available on major anime streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll, Funimation, or Netflix once it airs in 2026.
Final Thoughts
“I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class” has captured the hearts of readers and manga fans with its relatable characters, heartwarming story, and charming blend of comedy and romance. The anime adaptation promises to be a faithful and visually stunning representation of this beloved series, offering fans a new way to experience the magic of Maki and Umi’s friendship. Get ready to mark your calendars for 2026, as this is one anime you won’t want to miss!
