The highly anticipated TV anime adaptation of Eri Ejima’s manga series, “Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games” (Tai Ari Deshita. ~Ojō-sama wa Kakutō Gēmu Nante Shinai~), which was originally slated for a 2025 premiere, has officially been delayed to 2026. The news was confirmed recently, pushing back the debut of a series that has garnered significant attention for its unique premise and collaboration with Street Fighter 6.
Initial Excitement and 2025 Announcement
The anime adaptation of “Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games” was first announced on January 21, 2021, with a later confirmation that it would be a TV series produced by Diomedéa. Fans were looking forward to its broadcast in 2025, with a teaser trailer released in May 2025 showcasing the main characters, Aya Mitsuki and Mio Yorue, engaging in intense Street Fighter 6 matches. This collaboration with Capcom’s popular fighting game, where the anime would feature in-game footage of Street Fighter 6 instead of the manga’s fictional “Iron Senpai 4,” was a particular highlight that excited the fighting game community (FGC).
Reasons Behind the Delay and New Release Window
While an exact reason for the delay has not been explicitly detailed, production shifts are common in the anime industry, often attributed to factors such as maintaining animation quality, scheduling conflicts, or optimizing production timelines. The new release window is now set for sometime in 2026. This adjustment allows the production studio, Diomedéa, additional time to ensure the series meets audience expectations.
What is “Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games”?
“Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games” is based on Eri Ejima’s manga, serialized in Media Factory’s Monthly Comic Flapper since January 2020. Seven Seas Entertainment licenses the manga for North American release and describes the premise: Kuromi Girls’ Academy is a refined, elegant school where proper deportment is paramount.
Plot and Characters
The story centers on Mitsuki Aya, a scholarship student who enters the prestigious Kuromi Girls’ Academy, aiming to emulate the grace of her idol, Mio Yorue, also known as “Shirayuri-sama” (White Lily). However, Aya soon discovers Shirayuri’s secret: beneath her elegant facade lies a hardcore, trash-talking fighting game enthusiast. The manga and upcoming anime explore the burgeoning friendship and rivalry between these two unlikely gamers, set against the backdrop of an elite academy that frowns upon such “unladylike” hobbies.
Impact on Esports and Gaming Culture
The series has been lauded for its authentic approach to competitive gaming, promising realistic game mechanics, genuine esports tournament experiences, and a nuanced look at the Fighting Games Community. The inclusion of Street Fighter 6 is expected to bridge the gap between casual and competitive FGC gamers, introducing a new audience to the tournament scene and breaking stereotypes about competitive gaming. Voice actors Ikumi Hasegawa (Aya Mitsuki) and Kana Ichinose (Mio Yorue) are set to bring these characters to life.
Fans eagerly awaiting the anime will now have to mark their calendars for 2026, with further updates expected as production continues. In the meantime, the manga volumes are available for those who wish to delve into the story.
