The summer 2026 anime season is upon us, with over 70 titles to choose from. To help you decide, we present a standout recommendation: the Chinese-style harem fantasy body-swap drama Futsutsukana Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga ~Suuguu Chou Nezumi Torikae Den~.
Highlights of Futsutsukana Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga ~Suuguu Chou Nezumi Torikae Den~
Based on the light novel by Nakamura Satsuki, published by Ichijinsha under their Ichijinsha Novels imprint and also adapted into a manga, this story is set in a Chinese-style imperial harem and revolves around a dramatic body swap. The original novel has been a hit, winning the Light Novel category at the “Cmoa Minna ga Erabu 2023 Denshi Comic Taishou” and ranking first in the female-oriented light novel category of the “BookLive Nenkan Ranking 2023.” As of September 2025, the series had surpassed 4 million copies in cumulative circulation (including digital editions).
The story takes place in the “Suuguu,” a palace where young ladies from five noble families are gathered to be trained as potential future consorts. Reirin (voiced by Iwami Manaka) of the Kou family is beloved by all and called “His Highness’s Butterfly.” On the night of the Qiqiao Festival, however, she is swapped into the body of Keigetsu (voiced by Kawaida Natsumi) of the Shu family, a girl despised as a villainess. Reirin, who has been frail and sickly since childhood, actually rejoices at gaining a healthy body. With her steel-like mentality, she enjoys her newfound freedom even after being banished to a dilapidated hut, overcoming adversity with her innate brightness and kindness. Meanwhile, Keigetsu, who envied and hated Reirin, begins to waver as she comes to know Reirin’s true character. What will become of the two opposite girls after the swap?
Directed by Yamazaki Mitsue (the character 崎 is read “tatsusaki”), the animation is produced by Doga Kobo. The dual lead roles are played by Iwami Manaka as Kou Reirin and Kawaida Natsumi as Shu Keigetsu. The cast also includes Furukawa Makoto as Ei Youmei, Umehara Yuuichirou as Shin U, Hishikawa Kana as Riri, Nikerai Faranaze as Kou Tousetsu, Igarashi Rei as Kou Kenshuu, Kayano Ai as Shu Gabei, Nakahara Mai as Kin Seika, Minase Inori as Ran Houshun, and Ishikawa Yui as Gen Kafuki. This is a stellar lineup of talented female voice actors playing the young ladies of the noble families.
Additionally, the popular singer milet, known for her tie-ups with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, will perform the opening theme for a TV anime for the first time under her own name, generating considerable buzz.
The biggest hook of this series is the clever premise of two opposite souls swapping bodies. Reirin, intelligent and loved by all, and Keigetsu, hated as a villainess, have their positions, reputations, and health completely reversed. Reirin’s “steel mentality” then drives a thrilling reversal, as she unexpectedly delights in gaining a healthy body—a surprising reaction that forms the core of the appeal.
With the Chinese harem fantasy setting (which has gained attention through works like The Apothecary Diaries) combined with body-swap comedy and a female buddy dynamic, this anime is sure to attract many fans. Former Takarazuka Revue top musumeyaku stars Hoshikaze Madoka and Jun Hana have been appointed as special supporters, and a collaboration project to portray the real Reirin and Keigetsu is also underway, drawing wide attention.
Broadcast Information
Airs on the TV Tokyo network from July 12 (Sunday) at 23:45 (TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TV Setouchi, TV Hokkaido, TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting).
Streaming begins on various platforms from July 13 (Monday) at 0:15, including DMM TV.
What is DMM TV?
DMM TV is a comprehensive video streaming service from DMM, focusing on anime but also offering variety shows, 2.5-dimensional works, stage plays, musicals, dramas, and movies.
The “DMM Premium” plan, which gives unlimited viewing of eligible titles, costs 550 yen per month (tax included) for web registration (650 yen per month via App Store or Google Play). As of January 2026, the total number of titles available exceeded 210,000 (including both unlimited and transactional video on demand). Moreover, the number of domestic unlimited-viewing titles ranks second in the industry. (*)
DMM TV has received high praise for its anime selection, ranking first for three consecutive years in the number of new anime unlimited-viewing titles among domestic subscription video services, according to a survey by the Communication Science Laboratory. It also won first place for three consecutive years in the “mybest Anime Unlimited Viewing Service” ranking by mybest, one of Japan’s largest product comparison services.
When you register for DMM Premium to watch DMM TV, you also gain access to all benefits, including unlimited viewing of popular short dramas via “DMM Short.” Notably, the 14-day free trial gives you 550 points immediately, which can be used across various DMM services such as DMM Books, DMM Games, and DMM Onkure. Even after the trial ends, you can effectively enjoy one month free with the common points and try other services you like.
*Source: GEM Partners survey, May 2026 data. Counts SVOD content (Japanese films, dramas, anime) displayed on each video streaming service’s website (films counted per title, dramas/anime per episode).
Registration is easy in three steps: create a DMM account, sign up for DMM Premium, and start watching your chosen titles on DMM TV immediately.
The service is compatible with multiple devices—smartphones, PCs, TVs, and game consoles—so you can watch anytime, anywhere. Up to four users can enjoy the service with no additional charge, making it convenient for family viewing. You can also download content for offline viewing while traveling or on the go, so be sure to use it as your anime companion.
