Get ready for some sibling shenanigans because the latest addition to the “Souryō-waku” (also known as “AnimeFesta Original”) lineup, the TV anime Ichigo Aika: Zatsu de Ikiiki na Imouto to Warikirenai Ani (which can be translated as “Strawberry Elegy: A Messy and Lively Little Sister and an Irresolvable Older Brother”), is set to premiere in January 2026. Alongside this exciting news, a captivating key visual and detailed character design sheets have been unveiled. The main cast and production staff have also been revealed, and they’ve shared some comments to amp up the anticipation!
About the Series
Ichigo Aika: Zatsu de Ikiiki na Imouto to Warikirenai Ani is based on the manga by Hirafumi with art by Jinba Yaju. This romantic comedy explores the chaotic yet heartwarming relationship between an outspoken gal and a logical, albeit awkward, virgin step-sibling.
The story kicks off when Takamura Kouta, a young man with a rather logical and somewhat inflexible personality, gains a new stepsister through his father’s remarriage. This new sister, Aika, is a complete opposite: a vibrant, assertive gal. Kouta finds himself constantly exasperated by Aika’s free-spirited ways, including her tendency to bring guys home. However, an unexpected incident sparks a shift in their dynamic, leading Aika to start seeking hugs and more from Kouta… How will their complicated relationship evolve?
Key Visuals and Character Designs
The newly released key visual for Ichigo Aika: Zatsu de Ikiiki na Imouto to Warikirenai Ani features the heroine, Aika, holding a strawberry and offering a sweet smile, leaving a strong impression. Fans were also treated to the character design sheets, skillfully crafted by Watanabe Yoshihiro.
Cast & Staff Revealed
The main cast members bringing these characters to life have also been announced! Yurimoto Hana will voice Takamura Aika, Igarashi Yuuta will take on the role of Takamura Kouta, Momosuke is cast as Takamura Yoshiyuki (Kouta’s biological father), and Haruno Iroha will voice Takamura Misaki (Aika’s biological mother). Both Yurimoto-san and Igarashi-san have shared their thoughts on their roles. Furthermore, the production staff has been unveiled, with director Konno Hyuuta and series composer Kurosaki Eiyo also providing comments.
The new TV anime, Ichigo Aika: Zatsu de Ikiiki na Imouto to Warikirenai Ani, a fresh addition to the “Souryō-waku” / “AnimeFesta Original” lineup, is scheduled to begin broadcast in January 2026. The official website is now open, so keep an eye out for the latest updates!
Comments from the Cast and Staff
Yurimoto Hana (as Takamura Aika)
I hope everyone will warmly watch over these two contrasting characters, each burdened with their own struggles, as they clash and eventually come to understand each other in various ways.
The ending of #6 is a personal favorite of mine. Without any prior discussion, I threw an improv line at Kouta, and Igarashi-san perfectly played along, which made me so happy!
Also, I especially recommend the episode where Takahashi appears. There’s just something about him… you can’t hate him! (laughs)
Igarashi Yuuta (as Takamura Kouta)
I’m Igarashi Yuuta, playing Takamura Kouta. I hope you’ll pay attention to how the relationship between Aika, the gal, and Kouta, who’s a bit awkward, changes significantly as they clash. There are many highlights, but personally, Kouta’s line “I’m your older brother!” in episode 5 is my favorite, so please check it out!
Director Konno Hyuuta
I was already familiar with the original manga from online ads and had been reading it digitally, but I never imagined I’d be approached to direct the anime adaptation. Because it’s a work I truly love, I tried my best to preserve the original image and translate the impression I got from reading the manga directly into the visuals.
The voice actors were also magnificent. The voices I imagined while reading the manga were exactly as I pictured, or even better, which moved me deeply. I hope you’ll enjoy watching that aspect too.
Series Composer Kurosaki Eiyo
Hello everyone. I’m Kurosaki Eiyo, and I was in charge of the script and series composition. For this anime series, while prioritizing the content and flow of the original work, we also received appropriate advice from the original author, allowing us to incorporate anime-original episodes.
Please enjoy this work, which brings out the delicate and pop essence of the original while also taking on unique challenges for the anime adaptation!
Production Information
TV Anime Ichigo Aika: Zatsu de Ikiiki na Imouto to Warikirenai Ani
Starts broadcasting January 2026!!
Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Work | Hirafumi (Story), Jinba Yaju (Art) |
| Director | Konno Hyuuta |
| Series Composition | Kurosaki Eiyo |
| Character Design | Watanabe Yoshihiro |
| Color Design | Washimi |
| Art Director | Yemaoyama |
| Director of Photography | Hououin Shurakku |
| Editing | Shinkai Kouki |
| Sound Director | Usa Mikumo |
| Music | Aiueoka |
| Animation Production | studio HOUKIBOSHI |
| Production | Suiseisha |
Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Takamura Aika | Yurimoto Hana |
| Takamura Kouta | Igarashi Yuuta |
| Takamura Yoshiyuki | Momosuke |
| Takamura Misaki | Haruno Iroha |
(C)Jinba Yaju Hirafumi/Suiseisha Inc.
Written by Nakase Koutarou
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