The highly anticipated anime adaptation of “You Can’t Be In a Rom-Com with Your Childhood Friends!” (Osananajimi to wa Love Comedy ni Naranai) has released a new promotional video, showcasing its vibrant opening theme song “I Love You♡”. The series is officially set to premiere in January 2026, with some reports pinpointing January 5, 2026, as the debut date.
New Trailer Highlights Opening Theme and Cast Performances
The recently unveiled trailer gives fans a first listen to the anime’s opening theme, “I Love You♡” (あいらびゅ♡, Airabyu). This lively track is performed by HoneyWorks, featuring the voices of the main heroines: Shio Minamo (Rin Kusumi), Akari Hiodoshi (Yu Serizawa), Runa Tsukimi (Sae Hiratsuka), and Haru Hinata (Yuki Yamamoto). Previously, an ending theme song titled “Amanojaku” by Hikari Kodama was also announced.
January 2026 Release and Global Streaming
The romantic comedy is slated to begin its broadcast in January 2026. Specific dates mentioned include January 5, 2026, with the series airing on TV Tokyo and its affiliates, as well as AT-X and BS NTV. For international viewers, Crunchyroll has acquired the streaming rights and will make the series available worldwide, excluding Asia. The first episode even saw an early premiere at New York Comic Con 2025 on October 12, 2025.
Production Team and Voice Cast
Tezuka Productions is at the helm of the animation for “You Can’t Be In a Rom-Com with Your Childhood Friends!” Satoshi Kuwabara is directing the series, with Mitsutaka Hirota handling the series composition and Reina Iwasaki responsible for character designs.
The main voice cast bringing the endearing characters to life includes:
- Yonosuke Sakai (the protagonist, often called Eeyuu or Eyu): Takehiro Urao
- Shio Minamo: Rin Kusumi
- Akari Hiodoshi: Yu Serizawa
- Runa Tsukimi: Sae Hiratsuka
- Haru Hinata: Yuki Yamamoto
A Troublesome Love Story: Synopsis
The anime adapts Shinya Misu’s popular manga, which began serialization in Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket in March 2022. The story centers around Eeyuu, a high school boy grappling with a unique dilemma: his two childhood friends, Shio and Akari, have suddenly become incredibly attractive. While neither girl outwardly shows romantic interest in him, Eeyuu struggles to conceal his growing feelings, fearing the embarrassment if his affections were ever discovered. However, unbeknownst to Eeyuu, both Shio and Akari harbor their own secrets, setting the stage for a “sweet-yet-impatient romantic comedy” that explores the blurred lines between friendship and love.
