Anime “Osananajimi to wa Rabukome ni Naranai”: Mizumoto Shio Role, Kusumi Rin Confesses♪ “The Clumsy, Oblivious-to-Love Part is Shio’s Cuteness” [Interview Project vol.1]

A Sweet, Frustrating, and Honest Love Story: The “Osananajimi to wa Rabukome ni Naranai” Anime is Here!

The TV anime Osananajimi to wa Rabukome ni Naranai (which can be translated as “You Can’t Have a Romantic Comedy With a Childhood Friend”) began broadcasting on January 5, 2026, on TV Tokyo and its five affiliate stations, among others. This is the hottest, most up-to-date “osananajimi” romantic comedy, based on the manga by Shinya Samiren serialized in “Magazine Pocket.” It paints a picture of a sweet, anxious, and frustratingly honest love story with a childhood friend.

The story follows high school boy “E-Yuu” (Kaiyonosuke), who is troubled by the fact that his two childhood friends—”Shio” (Mizumoto Shio) and “Akari” (Hiatori Akari)—are just way too cute. He’s painfully aware that while he has feelings for them, they likely don’t see him that way at all, and the thought of them finding out is utterly embarrassing. But on the other hand, these two childhood friends have their own secrets… This sets the stage for a sweet, frustrating, and painfully honest love triangle that’s anything but straightforward.

To celebrate the anime’s broadcast, we conducted interviews with the four heroines of the series, asking them about the highlights of the show and their most memorable episodes.

First up is Hisatsumi Rin, the voice of Mizumoto Shio!

Interview with Hisatsumi Rin (Voice of Mizumoto Shio)

First, please tell us your impressions of Osananajimi to wa Rabukome ni Naranai and the character you play, Mizumoto Shio.

Hisatsumi: She’s a bright, cheerful, and honest girl that everyone likes! But when it comes to romance, she’s a bit… off, you could say? She has this adorably unfortunate side to her, which makes you want to cheer her on.

Now that you’ve actually done the recording, were there any points you focused on or found challenging while playing her?

Hisatsumi: Shio is incredibly energetic and bright—the kind of girl who lights up a room just by being there. But she’s not just energetic; she’s also very perceptive of people’s feelings and kind enough to act on that understanding. I think that smart side of her, contrasted with her clueless, almost “ponkotsu” side when it comes to love around E-Yuu, is a huge part of her charm, so I paid close attention to that balance.

If you have any memorable episodes from the recording studio, please share.

Hisatsumi: The protagonist Kaiyonosuke’s nickname is “E-Yuu.” I thought the intonation was the same as the word for “hero” (eiyuu), so when I went to the recording for episode one, I found out it was actually based on “Keikyu” (the railway line). Since the intonation was different from how I’d been saying “E-Yuu” at home, I was nervously saying it all the way until episode two. That’s a personal memorable episode for me (laughs).

Are there any points you’d like viewers to pay special attention to when watching the anime?

Hisatsumi: Both the comedy and the romance go all out, and that range was so much fun to perform! Especially the romantic parts. Shio-chan is the type who actively tries to seduce E-Yuu, so if the viewers’ hearts race during those scenes, my mission is accomplished! Also, the visuals are, needless to say, absolutely gorgeous, so I worked hard not to be outdone by the beautiful artwork.

You’re also in charge of the theme song for this series. Could you share your thoughts on the song?

Hisatsumi: I’ve been listening to HoneyWorks’ songs since I was a student, so being able to sing one myself is incredibly moving. The four heroines are singing their hearts out in this super-cute HoneyWorks song, so please, please give it lots of listens! I’m listening to it every day too!

Four distinctive character types appear in the series. If it were you, which childhood friend would you fall for?

Hisatsumi: I think I’d be just like E-Yuu, flustering around saying “I can’t decide!” But in the end, I think I’d fall for Shio. Although, since I spent so much time thinking about Shio for the role, and her cuteness and charm were built up in my mind during that process, I don’t think I can judge fairly anymore.

This series’ charm lies in the “frustration of slow progress and the heart-pounding thrill when progress finally happens!” Is there anything you personally think, “This year, I want to make progress on this!”?

Hisatsumi: Honestly… I really want to work on building my stamina… Healthy eating and moderate exercise sounds simple, but… it’s hard. I’m hoping to keep at it gently and persistently!

Thank you very much!

Anime “Osananajimi to wa Rabukome ni Naranai” Official Info

Cast

Staff

Theme Songs

• Opening Theme: “Airabyu” by HoneyWorks meets Mizumoto Shio, Hiatori Akari, Tsukimiruna, Hinata Haru (CV: Hisatsumi Rin, Serizawa Yuu, Hirazuka Sae, Yamamoto Yuuki)
• Ending Theme: “Amanojaku” by Kodama Hikari

Broadcast Information

The TV anime began in January 2026 on the TV Tokyo network of 6 stations, AT-X, and BS Nittele!

• TV Tokyo Network (6 stations): Started January 5 (Mon), every Monday at 24:00 (Tue 12:00 AM).
• AT-X (Petite Doki Version): Started January 6 (Tue), every Tuesday at 22:30. [Reruns] Every Thursday at 10:30 / Every Monday at 16:30.
• BS Nittele: Started January 6 (Tue), every Tuesday at 23:30.

Streaming Information

• Starting January 5, every Monday at 24:30 (Tue 12:30 AM): “On-Air Version” available for fastest web streaming on d Anime Store & AnimeFesta. “Petite Doki Version” exclusively streamed on d Anime Store & AnimeFesta.
• Starting January 9, every Friday at 24:30 (Sat 12:30 AM): “On-Air Version” available sequentially on ABEMA, Amazon Prime Video, DMM TV, FOD, Hulu, J:COM STREAM, Lemino, milplus, TELASA, TVer, U-NEXT, Anime Times, Anime Hodai, Niconico, and Net mo Teleto among others.

*Broadcast and streaming times are subject to change without notice.

*The “Petite Doki Version” applies to select episodes.

© Shinya Samiren, Kodansha / Osananajimi to Rabukome ni Naritai Seisaku Iinkai

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