Anime Adaptation in the Works for the Hit Light Novel ‘Koi Shita Hito wa, Imouto no Kawari ni Shinde Kure to Itta.’
Exciting news for fans! The popular light novel series 『Koi Shita Hito wa, Imouto no Kawari ni Shinde Kure to Itta.』 (which can be translated as “The Person I Loved Told Me: Die in My Sister’s Stead”) has an anime adaptation currently in the planning stages. This series, a winner of the Novel category at the “Piccoma AWARD 2025,” has surpassed 1.1 million copies in circulation, including digital versions, making it a major title to watch.
A Story of Frozen Time and an Unwanted Apprentice
Published by TO Books, 『Koi Shita Hito wa, Imouto no Kawari ni Shinde Kure to Itta.』 is a fantasy romance between a lonely former noblewoman and a genius prince. The series is written by Nagano Mizuki with illustrations by Toyata Saori, and also features a manga adaptation by Iemori Maki.
The story begins with Wisteria, a former lady who sacrificed herself to become the guardian of a poisonous otherworldly realm in place of her sister. Her stagnant existence is interrupted by the arrival of Lloyd, a man who bears a striking resemblance to her first love. Shockingly, Lloyd reveals himself to be the son of that very man. He has come seeking Wisteria’s sentient holy sword, Saltis, as a token to propose to a princess.
Wisteria, who has survived in a world where time stands still, uses her unique magic to defeat Lloyd and urges him to return to his own world. Her persuasion falls on deaf ears, however, as Lloyd stubbornly declares, “To defeat you, I will become your apprentice!” and forces himself into her life. Thus begins a one-sided master-apprentice relationship, with Wisteria constantly flustered by her new disciple’s frighteningly rapid mastery of magic. Will this unpredictable encounter finally cause her long-frozen time to begin moving forward again?
Soaring Popularity and Fan Demand
The series’ path to an anime has been paved by significant success. After winning the Piccoma AWARD 2025 and exceeding 1.1 million copies, it also placed 2nd in an Anime! Anime! reader poll titled “Which Light Novel/Novel Do You Want to See Animated? (Second Half of 2025),” garnering about 18% of the votes. With the latest novel Volume 8 and manga Volume 6 both set for release on January 10th, the announcement of an anime adaptation has fans eagerly awaiting what comes next.
Latest Release Information
New volumes go on sale from January 10th!!
- Koi Shita Hito wa, Imouto no Kawari ni Shinde Kure to Itta. 8
[Author] Nagano Mizuki
[Illustrations] Toyata Saori
Price: 1,399 yen (tax included)
ISBN: 9784867948224 - Koi Shita Hito wa, Imouto no Kawari ni Shinde Kure to Itta. @COMIC Volume 6
[Manga] Iemori Maki
[Original Story] Nagano Mizuki
[Character Design] Toyata Saori
Price: 704 yen (tax included)
ISBN: 9784867948156
(Currently serialized on the manga site CoronaEX!!) - Koi Shita Hito wa, Imouto no Kawari ni Shinde Kure to Itta. Drama CD 2
[Publisher] TO Books
Price: 2,200 yen (tax included)
(C) TO Books, Inc.
《Nakase Koutarou》
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