The highly anticipated TV anime adaptation of Hisaya Nakajo’s popular romance shojo manga series, Hana-Kimi, is officially slated to premiere in January 2026. The announcement, made during Aniplex Online Fest 2025, also revealed that the acclaimed Japanese musical unit YOASOBI will be performing both the opening and ending theme songs, alongside the unveiling of the anime’s first key visual.
The upcoming series will be streamed by Crunchyroll in various regions, including North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS, and India.
January 2026 Premiere and Key Visual Unveiled
Fans have eagerly awaited an anime adaptation of Hana-Kimi, a beloved manga that ran from September 1996 to August 2004. The announcement of a January 2026 premiere date confirms its arrival early next year.
Accompanying the release date reveal was the debut of the anime’s first key visual. The visual offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of the series, which centers on Mizuki Ashiya, a Japanese-American girl who enrolls in an all-boys school disguised as a boy to meet her idol, high jumper Izumi Sano. Mizuki must then navigate the challenges of keeping her identity a secret while living alongside her idol and other unique classmates.
The Story of Hana-Kimi
The Hana-Kimi manga, also known as Hanazakari no Kimitachi e, follows Mizuki Ashiya’s journey after she becomes captivated by high jumper Izumi Sano. To get closer to him, she transfers to Osaka Gakuen, an all-boys high school, and attempts to blend in as a male student. This premise sets the stage for a romantic comedy filled with humorous situations and developing relationships as Mizuki strives to keep her true gender hidden.
YOASOBI to Provide Opening and Ending Themes
Further exciting news for fans is the involvement of the popular musical duo YOASOBI, who are set to perform both the opening and ending theme songs for the Hana-Kimi anime. YOASOBI, known for their work on hit anime such as BEASTARS, Mobile Suit Gundam the Witch from Mercury, and Oshi no Ko, expressed their honor and humility in contributing to a series that has resonated with so many during their youth.
While the titles of the specific songs have not yet been disclosed, YOASOBI shared their enthusiasm for reconnecting with the world of Hana-Kimi in the Reiwa era and pledged to enhance the story through their musical contributions.
Production Details and Previous Adaptations
The Hana-Kimi anime adaptation is produced by Signal.MD, with Natsuki Takemura directing and Shigeru Ueda serving as assistant director. Takao Yoshioka is handling the series composition, Shi Yi Su is designing the characters, and Masaru Yokoyama is composing the music.
Before this anime adaptation, the Hana-Kimi manga inspired several live-action TV dramas. These include adaptations in Taiwan (2006), Japan (2007, 2011), and South Korea (2012). This anime marks the first animated series for the beloved shojo title.
The main voice cast for the anime was previously revealed, with Aya Yamane as Mizuki Ashiya, Taku Yashiro as Izumi Sano, and Kikunosuke Toya as Shuichi Nakatsu.
