A New “Priest Slot” Original Anime Arrives This Winter!
The winter 2026 anime Ichigo Aika ~Zatsu de Namaiki na Imouto to Wakirirenai Ani~ (which can be translated as Strawberry Elegy ~The Crude, Sassy Little Sister and the Brother Who Can’t Stay Detached~), the latest “AnimeFesta Original” title—often nicknamed the “priest slot”—has released the synopsis and preview screenshots for its first episode, “Those Damn Siblings… Are Born!” The episode begins airing on Sunday, January 4th, 2026.
Key visual for the winter anime ‘Ichigo Aika’.
What’s This Anime About?
Ichigo Aika is based on the manga by原作 (original story) Hirafumi and作画 (art) Shinba Yaju. It’s a bumpy romantic comedy about a cheeky gal and her overly-logical, virgin stepbrother.
The story kicks off when the somewhat pedantic young man Takamura Kouta gains a new little sister, the hardcore gal Aika, after their parents remarry. Even after moving in together, Aika does as she pleases, even bringing guys to her room, much to Kouta’s chagrin. However, a certain incident leads her to start demanding hugs and more from him… and that’s where things really get started.
The anime is directed by Konno Hiyuta with animation production by studio HōKIBOSHI. The cast, shared between the on-air and premium versions, features Yurimoto Hana as Takamura Aika and Igarashi Yuuta as Takamura Kouta. They are joined by Momosuke as Takamura Yoshiyuki and Haruno Iroha as Takamura Misaki.
Episode 1 Synopsis: “Those Damn Siblings… Are Born!”
Aika, the new little sister Takamura Kouta gained after his father’s remarriage, is an ultra-cheeky gal who bluntly tells her new stepbrother at their first meeting that he’s “lame” (“mossai”).
“You idiot woman!” “You damn pig bastard!” Their impressions of each other couldn’t be worse as they start living under one roof.
But Aika’s habit of bringing guys to her room and getting intimate while their parents are out is a huge annoyance for Kouta, as their amorous sounds travel right through the walls. However, one day, something strange happens…
Broadcast & Streaming Info
The first episode of the winter anime Ichigo Aika ~Zatsu de Namaiki na Imouto to Wakirirenai Ani~, “Those Damn Siblings… Are Born!“, will begin airing sequentially on BS11 and TOKYO MX from January 4th (Sunday). The fastest streaming will be available on AnimeFesta and DMM TV, with AnimeFesta also offering an exclusive adult-oriented Premium version.
Staff & Cast
| Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| 原作 (Original Story) | Hirafumi |
| 作画 (Art) | Shinba Yaju |
| 監督 (Director) | Konno Hiyuta |
| シリーズ構成 (Series Composition) | Kurosaki Eeyo |
| キャラクターデザイン (Character Design) | Watanabe Yoshihiro |
| 色彩設計 (Color Design) | Washimi |
| 美術監督 (Art Director) | Yemaoyama |
| 編集 (Editing) | Shinkai Kouki |
| 音響監督 (Sound Director) | Amekuwa Mikumo |
| 音響制作 (Sound Production) | Studio Mouse |
| アニメーション制作 (Animation Production) | studio HōKIBOSHI |
| Character | Cast (On-Air & Premium) |
|---|---|
| Takamura Aika | CV: Yurimoto Hana |
| Takamura Kouta | CV: Igarashi Yuuta |
| Takamura Yoshiyuki | CV: Momosuke |
| Takamura Misaki | CV: Haruno Iroha |
Theme Song Info
Theme Song: “Koi wa Prism”
Lyrics: Akashi Yuki
Composition & Arrangement: Yoshida Jingo
Performed by: Akashi Yuki & Otokura Yui
(C) Shinba Yaju Hirafumi / Suiseisha Inc
《Nakase Koutarou》
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