The official website for the upcoming television anime adaptation of Masakuni Igarashi’s manga, Tune In to the Midnight Heart (Mayonaka Heart Tune), announced today that Rikuya Yasuda will voice the protagonist, Arisu Yamabuki. The romantic comedy series is slated to premiere in 2026.
The announcement also revealed a character visual for Arisu Yamabuki and shared details about a unique endeavor by Yasuda, Igarashi, and key anime staff members: a climb up Mt. Fuji to pray for the anime’s success.
Rikuya Yasuda Takes on the Lead Role
Rikuya Yasuda, a Japanese voice actor affiliated with Arts Vision, will be stepping into the shoes of Arisu Yamabuki, the central character in Tune In to the Midnight Heart. Yasuda has been active in the voice acting industry since 2017 and is known for his roles as Taishi Manza in Cute High Earth Defense Club Happy Kiss!, Fubuki Sumie in Beyblade Burst Turbo, and Mullin in As Miss Beelzebub Likes. His casting as Arisu Yamabuki marks a significant lead role in a highly anticipated romantic comedy anime.
Arisu Yamabuki: A Quest for a Midnight Voice
The protagonist, Arisu Yamabuki, is a high school sophomore driven by a singular mission: to find a mysterious radio host known only as “Apollo.” Arisu found solace in Apollo’s voice during lonely nights, but her broadcasts abruptly ceased. Years later, Arisu discovers a crucial lead in his new high school’s broadcasting club, where he encounters four distinct girls, all harboring dreams of careers utilizing their voices. He vows to help fulfill their aspirations, hoping to uncover Apollo’s true identity along the way.
“Tune In to the Midnight Heart” Anime: What We Know
The anime adaptation of Tune In to to the Midnight Heart is generating considerable buzz ahead of its 2026 debut. The series is based on Masakuni Igarashi’s manga, which began serialization in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine in September 2023 and has already compiled nine tankōbon volumes as of June 2025.
Key Staff and Studio
The production of Tune In to the Midnight Heart is being handled by studio GEKKOU. Leading the project is director Masayuki Takahashi, known for his work on Butareba -The Story of a Man Turned into a Pig-. Yukie Sugawara, who has contributed to series like Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again, is in charge of the series composition. Character designs will be managed by Tomoyuki Shitaya, recognized for his work on 2.5 Dimensional Seduction.
Main Heroine Cast Revealed
In addition to Rikuya Yasuda as Arisu Yamabuki, the main voice cast for the heroines of the broadcasting club was previously announced at AnimeJapan 2025:
- Momoko Seto as Rikka Inohana
- Rumi Okubo as Nene Himekawa
- Sayumi Suzushiro as Iko Kirino
- Miku Ito as Shinobu Uzuki
These four talented voice actresses will bring to life the diverse dreams and personalities of the girls Arisu encounters on his quest.
A Mountainous Prayer for Success
In an unconventional and dedicated display of commitment, Rikuya Yasuda joined original manga author Masakuni Igarashi and anime staff members on a climb up Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji. This ascent was undertaken with the goal of witnessing the sunrise from the summit, a traditional act of prayer for the prosperous and successful run of the Tune In to the Midnight Heart anime. This unique gesture highlights the passion and hope surrounding the upcoming series.
