Spica Aoki’s unique romantic comedy manga, Kaiju Girl Caramelise (Japanese: Otome Kaijū Kyaramerize), is officially set to receive a television anime adaptation in 2026. Liden Films will produce the series, bringing the story of a high school girl who transforms into a giant monster when she experiences strong emotions to the screen.
The Monstrous Romance Unfolds
The anime adaptation will be helmed by director Teruyuki Omine, with Yuniko Ayana handling series composition and Mitomi Nakayama designing the characters. This team aims to capture the distinct blend of romantic comedy, science fiction, and coming-of-age themes that have made the manga a critical favorite.
The plot centers on Kuroe Akaishi, an outcast high school student who suffers from a mysterious and incurable illness. This condition causes her body to undergo frightening transformations, ultimately turning her into a massive kaiju—a giant monster—whenever her emotions become intensely heightened. To avoid drawing attention and endangering others, Kuroe has lived a life of social reclusion.
However, her carefully constructed isolation begins to crumble when she develops a crush on Arata Minami, the popular and charismatic track star at her school. Minami’s presence inadvertently triggers Kuroe’s uncontrollable transformations, forcing her to grapple with her monstrous secret while navigating the complexities of high school life, budding friendships, and romance. As the story progresses, Kuroe uncovers deeper mysteries surrounding her condition and encounters other kaiju-like beings, leading to epic confrontations in Tokyo.
From Seinen Magazine to Anime Screen
Kaiju Girl Caramelise originated as a seinen manga series by Spica Aoki, first serialized in Kadokawa’s Monthly Comic Alive magazine in February 2018. Despite its publication in a male-targeted magazine, Aoki’s editors encouraged her to maintain the shōjo (girl-targeted) essence of the story, recognizing its unique appeal.
The manga has been compiled into eight bound volumes as of November 2025, with a ninth volume scheduled for December 2025. Yen Press has licensed the series for English-language translation in North America, with seven volumes released so far, receiving positive reception from critics who praised its enjoyable and unique premise. Reviewers have highlighted the manga’s humorous take on kaiju tropes and its exploration of themes like self-acceptance and isolation. It has also been recognized on the American Library Association’s list of “Great Graphic Novels for Teens.”
The Creative Minds Behind the Adaptation
Liden Films, the animation studio responsible for the adaptation, has a diverse portfolio of works, including popular titles like Tokyo Revengers and Cells at Work! CODE BLACK. Their involvement suggests a commitment to high-quality animation for the fantastical elements of Kaiju Girl Caramelise.
Yuniko Ayana, who is handling the series composition, has a strong background in anime screenwriting and series composition, having worked on titles such as BanG Dream! and Kin-iro Mosaic. Her experience will be crucial in translating the manga’s narrative structure and emotional depth into an engaging anime series.
Mangaka Spica Aoki is also known for other works, including Beasts of Abigaile and Devi Rock, showcasing a history of creating unique and engaging stories. Fans are eagerly anticipating how her distinctive art style and storytelling will be brought to life through animation.
