New Anime 'Tenkō-saki no Seiso Karen na Bishōjo' Set for 2026 Release

ASMIK Ace has announced that the highly anticipated anime adaptation of the light novel series Tenkō-saki no Seiso Karen na Bishōjo ga, Mukashi Danshi to Omotte Issho ni Asonda Osananajimi Datta Ken (The Neat and Beautiful Girl at My New School Was My Childhood Friend Who I Used to Play With Who I Thought was a Boy) will premiere in 2026. Ikumi Hasegawa is set to star as Haruki Nikaidō, a character whose identity reshapes the narrative of youth romance and friendship.

Originally launched by Yu Hibari in 2020 on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō ("Let's Become Novelists") website, the series was picked up for publication by Kadokawa, advancing to its ninth volume due for release soon. The story follows Hayato, who, upon transferring to a new high school, reunites with Haruki—once perceived as a boy from his childhood—only to discover she is now his elegant female childhood friend.

The story has also inspired a manga adaptation, initiated in 2021, with its seventh compiled volume published recently. This combination of light novels and manga has established a growing fanbase, promising excitement as the anime prepares to capture audiences in 2026.

Source: Tenkō-saki no Seiso Karen na Bishōjo ga, Mukashi Danshi to Omotte Issho ni Asonda Osananajimi Datta Ken TV Anime Reveals Cast Member, 2026 Debut