The manga series “Kusunoki-san wa Koukou Debut ni Shippai Shiteiru” by Mii Mitsuki, serialized on comic POOL, has officially been announced for a TV anime adaptation. Alongside the announcement, a teaser visual and teaser PV have been unveiled, as well as comments from the main cast members Uemura Yuuto and Kusunoki Tomori, and the original author Mii Mitsuki.
TV Anime “Kusunoki-san wa Koukou Debut ni Shippai Shiteiru” Logo
The story follows Shizuki Keisuke, a high school boy who successfully reinvented himself after a painful middle school experience, and Kusunoki Shizuka, a girl from his middle school who also underwent a dramatic transformation. However, despite her new appearance as the most beautiful girl in the grade, Kusunoki struggles with social anxiety and fails to make friends. She asks Keisuke to be her friend, leading to a clumsy and chaotic romantic comedy.
Kusunoki’s inability to converse and her awkward attempts at friendship prompt the two to enter a “limited-time” friendship to improve her communication skills. Complications arise when Hebiikawa Ririsa, who knows Keisuke’s past, and Ootobe Moe, Kusunoki’s old friend, appear.
To celebrate the anime adaptation, a teaser visual and teaser PV have been released, showcasing the endearing and clumsy interactions between the two protagonists. Fans of the original manga have already expressed excitement online.
Shizuki Keisuke, who polished himself after a middle school heartbreak, is a kind-hearted boy who can’t ignore people in trouble, often getting dragged into problems. He also suffers from a trauma that makes him physically ill when making eye contact with beautiful girls.
Shizuki Keisuke
Kusunoki Shizuka, his classmate from middle school, was a plain and quiet girl. She successfully transformed in high school, becoming the most beautiful girl in the grade. However, she struggles with conversation and making friends, and is determined to change.
Kusunoki Shizuka
The two leads are voiced by Uemura Yuuto as Shizuki Keisuke and Kusunoki Tomori as Kusunoki Shizuka. Both actors shared their impressions of the original work and their roles, as well as what they would like to “debut” in.
Additionally, original author Mii Mitsuki provided a congratulatory comment and an illustrated color board. The official anime X account is also running a giveaway campaign for the illustrated color board. (Entry period: July 23 (Thu) to August 2 (Sun), 2026, 23:59 JST)
Mii Mitsuki’s congratulatory color board
Comments
Uemura Yuuto (as Shizuki Keisuke)
Q1. What was your impression when reading the original work, and your impression after playing the role? Please also share your future enthusiasm.
“Keisuke wants to live a peaceful high school life but can’t leave Kusunoki alone. His kindness is endearing. I’m acting while balancing serious scenes and comedy, cherishing a natural high school atmosphere. I look forward to the activities of the charming characters.”
Q2. Is there anything you would like to “debut” in now?
“I love eating bread daily, and I’ve started wanting to get a bread maker. I want to wake up to the rich aroma of freshly baked bread and have a wonderful morning. If I make too much, I’ll bring it to the set.”
Kusunoki Tomori (as Kusunoki Shizuka)
Q1. What was your impression when reading the original work, and your impression after playing the role? Please also share your future enthusiasm.
“Kusunoki-san, who is both introverted and upbeat, has expressions that change rapidly, making you want to follow her. I’m playing her while cherishing her purity and honesty, even as I’m burned by her brightness in her relationship with Keisuke.”
Q2. Is there anything you would like to “debut” in now?
“I recently got my driver’s license… but the day I debut on the Shuto Expressway is still far away… It’s scary.”
Mii Mitsuki (Original Author)
“Thanks to the readers who have supported us since the serialization began, we have come this far. The anime is being made with care for the original atmosphere. I look forward to the broadcast date together with everyone!”
Staff
- Original work: Mii Mitsuki (comic POOL / Ichijinsha)
- Director and Series Composition: Yuui Midori
- Character Design: Haneda Kouji
- Music: Hyadain
- Animation Producer: Ishikawa Suzune
- Animation Production: Passione × Hayabusa Film
Campaign
To celebrate the anime adaptation, the official X account is holding a giveaway for an illustrated color board. Follow the official account and repost the target post. Entry period: July 23 (Thu) to August 2 (Sun), 2026, 23:59 JST.
The original manga is serialized on comic POOL. The latest volume 8 will be released on July 28, 2026 (Tue). To commemorate the anime adaptation, a free reading campaign for the first 2 volumes (up to chapter 15) is ongoing on “Ichijinsha Plus” until August 6, 2026 (Thu) 23:59 JST.
(C) Mii Mitsuki / Ichijinsha / “Kusunoki-san” Production Committee
