REMOW Co., ltd. has announced the anime adaptation of There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…, a popular light novel series written by Teren Mikami, illustrated by Eku Takeshima and published by Shueisha under the Dash X Bunko label. Studio Mother, (More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers; As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I’ll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World), will oversee the anime production.
To celebrate the announcement, the first teaser visual, illustrated by character designer kojikoji, has been revealed alongside a teaser trailer, cast & staff information, and comments from the author and cast. Details on the global streaming platforms will be announced in at a later date.
Synopsis: There’s No Way I’ll be Your Lover! Unless… (abbreviated in Japanese as WATANARE) is a non-stop girls’ love comedy set in a school environment with a cast of richly individual characters. The main character, Renako Amaori, who had a lonely time in junior high school, makes her debut in high school and meets her classmate, school superstar Mai Oduka. The two share each other’s worries and become secret friends…
The original light novel series won first place in the original work category of the Next Light Novel Grand Prize 2021, and has sold over 500,000 copies (as of September 2024). Author Teren Mikami is a prolific writer who not only authors light novels but also of manga, game scenarios and anime scripts. The illustrations are by Eku Takeshima, who is also making a name as a manga artist.
“WATANARE is finally being made into an anime! Yay! Four years ago, I created this work under the genre of ‘girls’ love comedy’ with the feeling that ‘there are too few yuri stories in light novels… I want to read more… I’ll make them popular…’ Now, the phrase “girls’ love comedy” is being heard from all over the place, even beyond the light novel genre,” Mikami commented in the announcement. “I’m so happy! I hope that this anime adaptation will be enjoyed by even more people! I’m counting on you, Renako!”
The series is directed by Natsumi Uchinuma with series composition/scripting by Naruhisa Arakawa. The creative team also includes chief animation directors Misaki Kaneko, Haruki Moriya, Takashi Shiokawa, Kino Tokino and Keinosuke Ami; art directors Yuri Takagi and Keito Watanabe; and composer Yoshiaki Fujisawa.
Meet the cast:
Renako Amaori, voiced by Kanna Nakamura
The main character in this story. A girl who had great success in her high school debut. As a reaction to spending her junior high school years alone, she longed for a life of popularity. Although her wish came true, she is an introvert with communication problems, so often has minor panic and secret delusions. Her daily routine is to have a “bedtime self-reflection session” before going to sleep.
“I’ve been a big fan of this work ever since I read the original story. Each of the characters has their own drama and they’re all attractive girls. Every episode is full of suspense and it’s the best. Renako is always panicking, but she has a high level of empathy and is a kind, natural charmer. I think that’s what makes her so attractive, so I’ll do my best to portray her. Please watch the anime!”
— Kanna Nakamura
Mai Oduka, voiced by Saori Onishi
She is the leader of the group and a superstar at school. She is perfect in every way, excelling in both academics and sports, and has a pleasant personality which makes her impeccable. She is nicknamed as “Miss Perfect” or “Supadari.” She is the type of person who likes to be pampered by the people she likes. Not known by many but she also has a surprisingly clumsy side, too.
“While playing the role of Mai, I’m very aware of how deep the theme of the ‘romance between girls’ is! The original authors, the director and the crew are all very passionate about this work, and it’s a luxurious production where we can do the re-recording carefully each time…! I’m grateful and excited to think that everyone will be able to see ‘WATANARE’ soon. Please look forward to it!”
— Saori Onishi
Ajisai Sena, voiced by Yukari Anzai
Healer of the group. An archangel-like personality
with a warm aura. She is cheerful and kind, and is not divisive. She has such a deep sense of affection for the members that she naturally brings them together. She has two little brothers, so she also works hard at
home as an older sister.
“When I first heard Ajisai’s words in my voice, I had a feeling inside me that felt very right, and I thought I would be happy if I got her role. When I later found out that I was going to be entrusted with the role, I was really very happy. I cherish playing her. I love her expressive conversations and relationships, and I’m really looking forward to seeing them in action in the anime. I hope you all look forward to it!”
— Yukari Anzai
Satsuki Koto (voice TBA)
In charge of the Mai group. A literary girl with
beautiful black hair. She is a childhood friend who has a bad relationship with Mai. Her goal is to make her feel defeated one day. At first glance, she is unsociable and aloof, but she also has the delicate sensibility of a girl of her age. She seems to have something in mind for the sweet weaver.
Kaho Koyanagi (voice TBA)
Mascot of the group. Sisterly figure at Ashigaya High
School. She is a mood-maker, changing her character to suit the mood and create the atmosphere. She declares herself a Mai fan and wears yellow accessories to show her devotion. In fact, there is a hidden side to her.
