The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Fuyu Azuma’s “Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota” (Kao ni Denai Kashiwada-san to Kao ni Deru Ōta-kun) manga is set to premiere on October 4, 2025. A new promotional video has also unveiled the artists performing the series’ opening and ending theme songs.
The romantic comedy series, which had its world premiere of the first episode at Anime Expo on July 3, will debut on Tokyo MX on October 4, followed by broadcasts on Kansai TV on October 5, BS11 on October 6, and AT-X on October 7.
Theme Song Artists Announced
Fans can look forward to musical contributions from two distinct artists for the anime’s theme songs:
- Opening Theme: Hashimero will perform the opening theme song titled “Hyakumensō” (Funny Faces).
- Ending Theme: Sangatsu no Phantasia will provide the ending theme song, “Amanojaku Hero” (Contradiction-Filled Hero).
What to Expect from “Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota”
The anime adapts Fuyu Azuma’s heartwarming romantic comedy manga. The story centers on the titular characters, Kashiwada-san and Oota-kun, junior high school classmates with contrasting personalities. Kashiwada-san is known for her unexpressive face, rarely showing emotions regardless of the situation. In stark contrast, Oota-kun’s emotions are always clearly visible on his face.
Oota-kun frequently attempts to surprise Kashiwada-san, though his efforts often prove unsuccessful. Despite their apparent differences, the two share a unique bond, with Kashiwada-san particularly enjoying observing Oota-kun’s easily readable expressions. Their heartwarming interactions and the comedic dynamic between the stoic Kashiwada and the overtly expressive Oota form the core of the series.
Production and Staff Details
The anime is being directed by Tomohiro Kamitani (known for MIX Season 2 and Katana Maidens – Tomoshibi) at STUDIO POLON. The series composition is handled by Michiko Yokote, while Naoto Nakamura serves as both character designer and chief animation director. The music for the series is composed by Yukari Hashimoto and Tetsuya Shitara.
The main cast bringing these characters to life includes:
- Akane Fujita as Kashiwada-san
- Kyohei Natsume as Oota-kun
- Yūya Hirose as Tadakoro-kun
- Sōhei Horikane as Sata-kun
- Yumiri Hanamori as Tabuchi-san
- Mayu Mineda as Odajima-san
The original “Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota” manga was serialized on Niconico Seiga’s Dra Dra Sharp# website from June 2018 to June 2023, with Kadokawa publishing the tankōbon volumes. An English-language serialization of the manga is also available.
