The TV anime adaptation of Arai Sumiko’s manga Ki ni Natteru Hito ga Otoko ja Nakatta, also known as Kinooto, is set to premiere on January 8, 2027, on NTV’s ‘Furaani’ slot. The news was announced at New York Comic Con 2026, held in New York, USA.
Along with the broadcast date, the first PV using footage from the anime and its background music was revealed. Five additional cast members were also announced: Tsuda Kenjirou, Hatakenaka Yuu, Amami Yurina, Fairouz Ai, and Nomura Maiko.
A teaser visual for Ki ni Natteru Hito ga Otoko ja Nakatta has been released.
Story and Background
The original manga by Arai Sumiko is serialized in Kitora/KADOKAWA and has surpassed 2.25 million copies in cumulative worldwide circulation, with total SNS followers exceeding 2 million.
The story centers on Oosawa Aya, a high school girl who loves Western rock. She is interested in a mysterious ‘onii-san’ who works at a CD shop and always wears black. Wanting to get closer to this distant figure, Aya finds herself drawn to him more each time they talk about music and wants to know more about him. However, the ‘onii-san’ turns out to be someone from her own school, setting up a youth story connected through music.
Staff, Cast, and PV
The anime is directed by Ishihama Masashi, with series composition by Yamazaki Rino, character design by Hirayama Kanna, and animation production by CloverWorks. Ise Mariya voices Koga Mitsuki, while Kitou Akari voices Oosawa Aya.
The first PV features the voices and dialogue of Ise Mariya’s Mitsuki and Kitou Akari’s Aya, along with background music by Noma Kousuke and Sasaki ‘Kojirou’ Takayuki.
Tsuda Kenjirou plays Joe, the uncle of protagonist Koga Mitsuki. Among Mitsuki and Aya’s high school classmates, Hatakenaka Yuu plays Narita, Amami Yurina plays Chizuru, Fairouz Ai plays Mao, and Nomura Maiko plays Kanna.
Staff and Cast Comments
Noma Kousuke (Composition, Keyboard)
This is actually my first time producing background music. I am glad that my first experience was with such a wonderful work! I feel very honored to have been able to color the world of Kinooto together with the famous songs I have always listened to and loved. Recording took place in Tokyo and LA. It was a raw, somewhat nostalgic musical session, as if we had time-slipped 20 years. I made it carefully while imagining the original work’s world. I hope you enjoy it!
Sasaki ‘Kojirou’ Takayuki (Composition, Guitar)
I was in charge of the background music for Ki ni Natteru Hito ga Otoko ja Nakatta. When I read the original, the famous grunge rock songs I myself had listened to appeared, and I was very happy to be able to make music for such a work. Through recording in Japan and LA, we created the work’s worldview with the best music team. I would be happy if you also enjoy the music that accompanies the characters’ delicate emotions!
Joe: Tsuda Kenjirou
The nostalgic rock and the new romance (friendship?) story are very fresh and interesting. The two clumsy people who cannot communicate well are very cute, and Joe, who watches over them, is also cool-cute. I am happy to participate in such a wonderful work. Please look forward to the broadcast!
Narita: Hatakenaka Yuu
This is the work I previously performed in the drama CD! I am incredibly happy to be able to play Narita in the anime as well. This work is light and stylish, yet has great depth and warmth. Even at the dubbing studio, there were many moments that moved me. Please enjoy it, everyone! Thank you!
Chizuru: Amami Yurina
I am Amami Yurina, playing Chizuru. This is the best friendship and youth connected through music! Happiness and excitement, and the loneliness I suddenly feel. I treasured the heart that is born in each moment. Sometimes delicate, and vividly. Please pay attention to everyone’s various ‘sounds’ and ‘colors’ shown in the anime! Please look forward to the broadcast!
Mao: Fairouz Ai
I am Fairouz Ai, playing Mao! The pain born from being yourself, the pain of continuing to hide your true self—whichever you choose, it always comes with pain. But even so, there are people who will surely be watching you and liking you. This is a wonderful work that conveys such a warm message. Please watch it!
Kanna: Nomura Maiko
I am Nomura Maiko, playing Kanna. Kanna is an adult-like, cool, slightly admired senior in life for Mitsuki and Aya. This work is full of the ‘kyun’ moments when someone’s heart draws closer. I am very much looking forward to seeing how the music ringing inside the two is expressed in the anime!
Broadcast and Production Details
Broadcast: From January 8, 2027 (Friday), on NTV’s ‘Furaani’ slot, every Friday at 11:00 PM. Broadcast times are subject to change.
| Staff | Credit |
|---|---|
| Original Work | Arai Sumiko (Kitora/KADOKAWA) |
| Director | Ishihama Masashi |
| Series Composition | Yamazaki Rino |
| Character Design | Hirayama Kanna |
| Music | Noma Kousuke × Sasaki ‘Kojirou’ Takayuki |
| Animation Production | CloverWorks |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Ise Mariya | Koga Mitsuki |
| Kitou Akari | Oosawa Aya |
| Tsuda Kenjirou | Joe |
| Hatakenaka Yuu | Narita |
| Amami Yurina | Chizuru |
| Fairouz Ai | Mao |
| Nomura Maiko | Kanna |
Music: Opening theme: Nirvana ‘Breed’
Copyright: (C) Arai Sumiko/KADOKAWA/Kinooto Production Committee
Manga Volume Information
Ki ni Natteru Hito ga Otoko ja Nakatta VOL.1 (with digital bonus) (Comic Essay)
￥1,089
Prices and availability are current as of the article’s publication.
Ki ni Natteru Hito ga Otoko ja Nakatta VOL.4 (with digital bonus) (Comic Essay)
￥1,287
Prices and availability are current as of the article’s publication.
