A new trailer has been released for the upcoming anime sequel, “‘There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… ~Next Shine~’,” offering fans a fresh look at the continuation of the yuri romantic comedy series. The sequel is slated for a limited theatrical release in Japan starting November 21, 2025, before a television broadcast at a later date. While the trailer provides a glimpse into the next arc, the series’ established theme songs from the first season, “Muri Muri Evolution” by Akari Nanawo and “Mayocchauwa” by Philosophy no Dance, continue to be associated with the anime.
Theatrical Debut and Episode Count for ~Next Shine~
The sequel, officially titled “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… ~Next Shine~,” will initially be presented as a special theatrical edition in Japan. This cinematic release is set to run for a limited period, beginning on November 21, 2025. Following its theatrical run, the five-episode sequel (continuing the numbering from episodes 13-17) will also be broadcast on television. The exact television broadcast date has yet to be confirmed.
Returning Staff and Cast Bring the Story to Life
Studio Mother is once again at the helm for the animation production of the “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…” sequel. The creative team features Natsumi Uchinuma as the director, with Naruhisa Arakawa handling series composition and scripts, and kojikoji responsible for character designs. The music is composed by Yoshiaki Fujisawa.
The main voice cast members are also reprising their roles for “Next Shine.” Kanna Nakamura returns as Renako Amaori, Saori Ōnishi as Mai Oduka, and Yukari Anzai as Ajisai Sena. Kana Ichinose voices Satsuki Koto, and Takako Tanaka plays Kaho Koyanagi.
Expanding on Renako’s High School Journey
The sequel continues the story of Renako Amaori, a formerly gloomy and socially awkward girl who successfully reinvented herself in high school. After joining a popular group, Renako finds herself in a complex romantic situation, having received confessions from two prominent classmates: the school’s “prince” Mai Oduka and the “angel of the campus” Ajisai Sena.
As Renako grapples with these affections, the synopsis for “~Next Shine~” indicates she agrees to assist her friend Kaho with a cosplay event. This event serves as a temporary diversion, but witnessing Kaho’s passion may ignite new self-discoveries for Renako, prompting her to confront what she truly desires and whether being a “lover” is, in fact, not impossible for her.
The original “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…” light novel series, written by Teren Mikami and illustrated by Eku Takeshima, is published by Shueisha’s Dash X Bunko imprint, with an English license by Seven Seas Entertainment. The first season of the anime aired from July to September 2025.
