Karin Anzai’s heartwarming manga series, “It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love” (顔だけじゃ好きになりません, Kao Dake ja Suki ni Narimasen), is drawing to a close. Fans of the shojo romantic comedy will soon have to bid farewell to Sana and Kanato, as the manga is slated to end in just five chapters.
The Final Countdown Begins
The news broke in the 14th issue of Hakusensha’s Hana to Yume magazine, confirming that the story is heading towards its conclusion. This announcement marks the end of a delightful run that began in July 2020, leaving readers eager to see how Anzai will wrap up the series.
What’s the Story About?
“It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love” centers around Sana Chiken, a high school student who openly admits to being drawn to attractive individuals. Her world is turned upside down when she discovers that Kanato Ugo, the handsome influencer rumored to attend her school, is on the verge of expulsion due to poor attendance. Determined to keep her “ideal man” from disappearing, Sana takes on the challenge of managing the school’s social media account to boost its followers and save Kanato from being kicked out.
As Sana works closely with Kanato, she begins to see beyond his good looks and discovers a more complex and genuine person beneath the surface. The series explores their evolving relationship, filled with sweet and humorous moments, as they navigate the challenges of high school and the world of social media.
Seven Seas Entertainment, which publishes the series in English, summarizes the story as: “From holding hands to hugs and almost kisses… Days filled with sweet thrills beyond her imagination are about to begin.” This encapsulates the lighthearted and romantic nature of the manga, which has resonated with many readers.
Where to Read
For English-speaking fans, “It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love” is available digitally through Comikey and in print through Seven Seas Entertainment. The second volume was released in May 2025, with the third volume scheduled for release in August 2025.
A Live-Action Adaptation
The popularity of the manga led to a live-action film adaptation, which premiered in Japan on March 7, 2025. Directed by Saiji Yakumo and written by Kisa Miura, the film stars Rinka Kumada as Sana Chiken and Ryubi Miyase as Kanato Ugo, bringing the beloved characters to life on the big screen.
The Cast
- Sana Chiken: Portrayed by Rinka Kumada
- Kanato Ugo: Portrayed by Ryubi Miyase
- Ryo Doigaki: Voiced by Soma Saito (voice drama)
Production Staff
- Director: Saiji Yakumo
- Writer: Kisa Miura
- Music: Kōji Endō
- Production Companies: Asmik Ace, Robot
Manga Details
Volumes
As of March 2025, the manga has been compiled into 14 tankobon volumes. Hakusensha is set to publish the 15th volume on August 20, 2025.
Publication
- Author: Karin Anzai
- Magazine: Hana to Yume
- Published by: Hakusensha
- Original Run: July 20, 2020 – ongoing
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Demographic: Shojo
English Publishers
- Comikey (Digital)
- Seven Seas Entertainment (Print)
Why Fans Love It
“It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love” has garnered a dedicated following due to its charming characters, relatable themes, and lighthearted approach to romance. The manga explores the idea of looking beyond appearances and finding deeper connections, a message that resonates with readers of all ages.
- Relatable Characters: Sana’s initial superficiality and eventual growth make her a compelling protagonist. Kanato’s hidden depths challenge stereotypes and offer a refreshing take on the “pretty boy” trope.
- Humorous Situations: The manga is filled with comedic moments, often stemming from Sana’s over-the-top reactions and the characters’ interactions with social media culture.
- Sweet Romance: The evolving relationship between Sana and Kanato is both heartwarming and exciting, with plenty of “will they, won’t they” moments to keep readers engaged.
What to Expect from the Ending
With only five chapters remaining, fans are eager to see how Karin Anzai will conclude Sana and Kanato’s story. Will they overcome their remaining challenges and solidify their relationship? What will the future hold for the school’s social media account?
Possible Story Arcs to Wrap Up
- Kanato’s Future: Now that Kanato is no longer in danger of expulsion, what are his plans for the future? Will he continue to pursue a career as an influencer, or will he find a new path?
- Sana’s Growth: How will Sana’s experiences with Kanato change her perspective on love and relationships? Will she continue to prioritize looks, or will she focus on deeper connections?
- Supporting Characters: What will become of the supporting characters who have added depth and humor to the story? Will they find their own happy endings?
Other Romance Manga to Check Out
If you’re a fan of “It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love,” here are some other romance manga series that you might enjoy:
- Blue Box by Kouji Miura: A combination of high school romance and sports shonen, this manga follows a badminton player and a basketball star as they navigate their feelings for each other.
- Horimiya by Hero: This series explores the “opposites attract” trope, following a popular girl and a brooding loner as they discover each other’s hidden selves.
- Yakuza Fiancé: A story that mixes action with romance, following Yoshino Somei and Kirishima Miyama who are betrothed after their elders form an alliance.
2025 Romance Manga Releases
- SEX DRIVE by Monaka Toyama and Fumi Takamura
- A Sign of Affection Omnibus 3 (Vol. 7-9) by suu Morishita
- Gazing at the Star Next Door 7
- Gazing at the Star Next Door 6
A Fond Farewell
As “It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love” approaches its conclusion, fans can look back on a delightful series filled with heartwarming moments, relatable characters, and a charming message about the importance of looking beyond appearances. While it’s sad to see the story end, readers can take comfort in knowing that Sana and Kanato’s journey will leave a lasting impression.
