The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Hirafumi and Yagi Shinba’s Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy manga has released its promotional video. The anime is set to begin streaming its first episode, uncensored with English subtitles, on December 12, 2025, at 12 midnight PDT on OceanVeil and AnimeFesta in Japan. This early streaming debut precedes its official Japanese television broadcast scheduled for January 2026.
Early Streaming Access and Broadcast Details
Fans eager to experience Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy will have the opportunity to watch the first episode through an early streaming release on December 12. OceanVeil will provide an uncensored version with English subtitles, making it accessible to international audiences. Simultaneously, the AnimeFesta service will also premiere the anime in Japan. The broader television broadcast in Japan is slated for January 2026, with OceanVeil planning to stream all subsequent episodes in conjunction with their TV broadcast dates.
This dual-release strategy, featuring a “premium” uncensored online version ahead of the standard TV broadcast, is a common practice for many anime series, particularly those with mature themes.
The Story of Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy
The anime is based on the adult manga Ichiko Aika: Zatsu de Namaiki na Imōto to Warikirenai Ani, also known by its English title Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy. The story revolves around step-siblings Kōta and Aika. Kōta’s initial impression of his new stepsister, Aika, as beautiful is quickly shattered as he discovers her to be a “super-bratty, trend-obsessed gyaru”.
When their parents are away, Aika’s free-spirited and chaotic nature takes over, contrasting sharply with Kōta’s nit-picky and straight-laced personality. Their personalities constantly clash, leading to frequent arguments. However, beneath Aika’s wild exterior, a subtle shift begins, and a flicker of interest grows for her caring brother. The narrative explores whether Kōta’s responsible nature might be exactly what Aika needs.
Production Team and Voice Cast
The adaptation is being directed by Pyuta Konno at Studio Hōkiboshi. Eeyo Kurosaki is responsible for the series composition, while Yoshihiro Watanabe handles character design. The music for the anime is composed by Aiue Oka, and Suiseisha is producing the series.
The main cast bringing the characters to life includes:
- Hana Yurimoto as Aika Takamura
- Yūta Ikarashi as Kōta Takamura
- Momosuke as Yoshiyuki Takamura
- Iroha Haruno as Misaki Takamura
Additional staff members include Washimi for color design, Yemaoyama as art director, Shurakura Hōōin as director of photography, Kōki Shinkai as editor, and Mikumo Amakuwa as sound director.
Manga Background
The full-color manga, Ichiko Aika: Zatsu de Namaiki na Imōto to Warikirenai Ani, written by Hirafumi and illustrated by Yagi Shinba, is published digitally under CLLENN’s adult comic label DEDEDE on the Comic Cmoa service. Individual chapters were first launched in November 2022, and three compiled digital volumes were released on September 5, 2025. The manga is also available in English on Coolmic, with the first chapter offered for free.
