The popular light novel series, Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court, is officially being adapted into a TV anime. News of the anime adaptation, produced by Doga Kobo, broke on March 17, 2025, exciting fans of the light novel and manga series. The series, written by Satsuki Nakamura and illustrated by YukiKana, originated online before being published in print by Ichijinsha. A manga adaptation, illustrated by Ei Ohitsuji, also exists.
Doga Kobo to Produce “Inept Villainess” Anime
Doga Kobo, the studio behind Oshi no Ko, will be handling the animation for Though I Am an Inept Villainess. This announcement has generated considerable buzz, as Doga Kobo is known for its high-quality animation and faithful adaptations. Mitsue Yamazaki (ZENSHU) is set to direct the anime, ensuring a captivating visual experience for viewers.
Key Staff Revealed
Alongside the studio announcement, the key staff members who will be bringing Though I Am an Inept Villainess to life have been revealed:
- Director: Mitsue Yamazaki
- Series Composition: Yoshiko Nakamura (Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle)
- Character Design: Ai Kikuchi (Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie)
This talented team is poised to deliver an anime that captures the charm and intrigue of the original light novel series.
What is “Though I Am an Inept Villainess” About?
Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court is a Japanese light novel series by Satsuki Nakamura. The story is set in a kingdom inspired by historical China, where five clans present their maidens as imperial consorts, with only one destined to become empress. The plot revolves around a body swap between two maidens:
- Kou Reirin: A frail and beautiful maiden known as the “court butterfly,” favored to marry the crown prince.
- Shu Keigetsu: A jealous maiden known as the “court rat,” who feels overshadowed by Reirin.
During the Lantern Festival, Keigetsu uses magic to swap bodies with Reirin, hoping to steal her position at court. However, Keigetsu soon realizes that Reirin’s life is not as perfect as it seems, as she struggles with Reirin’s sickly constitution. Meanwhile, Reirin finds herself in Keigetsu’s healthier body and embraces her newfound strength and freedom, even as she faces accusations and imprisonment.
Seven Seas Entertainment, the English publisher for both the light novel and manga, summarizes the story: “In the Kingdom of Ei, five clans put forth their maidens as imperial consorts—but only one will be crowned empress. Just when frail and beautiful “court butterfly” Kou Reirin seems poised to marry the crown prince, jealous “court rat” Shu Keigetsu steals her body! Reirin wakes up in the dungeons as the conspirator, and things look dire…or do they? Now that she’s got a robust new body, not even the looming threat of execution can stop her!”
Light Novel and Manga Details
The Though I Am an Inept Villainess series has seen success in both light novel and manga formats:
- Light Novel: Written by Satsuki Nakamura and illustrated by YukiKana. It began publication online in July 2020 and was later published in print by Ichijinsha in December 2020. As of October 2024, nine volumes have been released.
- Manga: Illustrated by Ei Ohitsuji. It began serialization in Monthly Comic Zero Sum in December 2020. As of February 2025, eight tankōbon volumes have been collected.
Both the light novel and manga are licensed in English by Seven Seas Entertainment.
Reception and Awards
Though I Am an Inept Villainess has garnered significant praise and recognition:
- Won the grand prize in the light novel category at NTT Solmare’s “&Minna ga Erabu!! Denshi Comic Taishō 2023” competition in 2023.
- Has 3 million copies in circulation.
- Ranked seventh in the print category at the 2022 Next Manga Award.
- Ranked seventeenth on the list of top manga for female readers in the 2023 edition of the Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook.
These accolades highlight the series’ popularity and critical acclaim.
Teaser and Visuals
Alongside the anime announcement, a teaser visual and trailer have been released. The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the light novels teased the announcement with countdown images drawn by illustrator YukiKana. TOHO animation also teased the reveal of a new anime project, using the phrase: “On the night the comet lights up the night sky, the fate of two people will intersect,” which is also used in the light novels.
Expert Perspective
Satsuki Nakamura, the author of Though I Am an Inept Villainess, has crafted a compelling narrative that blends historical fantasy with themes of body swapping, court intrigue, and personal growth. Nakamura’s expertise in creating engaging characters and intricate plots has resonated with a wide audience, leading to the series’ success in both light novel and manga formats. The author’s ability to subvert traditional villainess tropes and explore the complexities of identity and self-discovery sets this series apart from others in the genre.
With a talented studio and staff at the helm, the Though I Am an Inept Villainess anime adaptation promises to be a must-watch for fans of historical fantasy and villainess stories. The series’ compelling characters, intricate plot, and stunning visuals are sure to captivate audiences and solidify its place as a beloved anime.
