A Star Brighter Than the Sun (Taiyou Yorimo Mabushii Hoshi), the compelling romance anime, continues to captivate audiences as its central protagonist, Sae Iwata, navigates the complexities of her long-held feelings for Koki Kamishiro. As the school festival approaches, the stakes for Sae’s confession intensify, leading to pivotal moments in episodes 9 and 10 of the series. The anime, produced by Studio Kai, has been airing since October 2025 and is available on various international streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video.
Episode 9: “Someone’s Feelings” Unraveling Festival Preparations and Misunderstandings
Episode 9, titled “Someone’s Feelings” (or “Sae Finds a Defaced Drawing of Subaru”), aired on Thursday, November 27, 2025. This installment plunges Sae further into her resolve to confess her feelings to Kamishiro during the school festival‘s after-party.
Sae’s Determination to Confess
Following a movie date, Sae realizes the necessity of clearly expressing her emotions to Kamishiro. Hisui, a friend, highlights the school festival as an opportune moment for confessions, solidifying Sae’s decision to make her move during the post-festival celebration. However, this resolve is met with growing anxiety for Sae, especially after witnessing the recent rejection of Yushin by Hisui.
An Unexpected Incident and Rising Tensions
As preparations for the festival are underway, Sae stumbles upon a drawing of Subaru that has been defaced with graffiti. Unfortunately, the circumstances make it appear as though Sae might be the culprit. Just as suspicion mounts, Kamishiro appears, creating a tense situation that could significantly impact their burgeoning relationship and Sae’s confession plans. This incident also puts Kamishiro’s perceptions of Sae to the test.
Shifting Dynamics and Character Insights
The episode also delves into the dynamics between other characters, including the class representatives Mio and Yushin. Yushin’s unreliability and the burden placed on Mio lead to a confrontation where Kamishiro calls out Yushin for his presumptions and lack of effort, revealing Kamishiro’s own insecurities and intelligence. Ayukawa, another key character, demonstrates perceptiveness and subtly flirts with Sae, adding another layer of complexity to the romantic entanglements.
Episode 10: “Rumors” The Struggle for Connection Amidst Festival Buzz
Episode 10, officially titled “Rumors” (or “Sae Tries to Confess but Struggles to Talk to Kamishiro”), aired on Thursday, December 4, 2025. This episode picks up with Sae’s continued efforts to confess amidst the bustling school festival, facing new challenges and an unexpected proposal.
Sae’s Persistent Efforts and Obstacles
With her determination solidified, Sae submits a request song for the after-party, intending it as a prelude to her confession. Despite her resolve, finding the right moment to approach Koki proves challenging as she juggles preparations for the class exhibit. The constant busyness and the presence of other friends, particularly Hisui pointing out Sae’s time spent with Ayukawa, further complicate her attempts to speak with Kamishiro directly.
An Unexpected Proposal
Just as Sae yearns for more opportunities to talk with Kamishiro, he approaches her with an unexpected proposal, leaving viewers on a cliffhanger. This development promises to add another layer of intrigue and potentially alter the course of Sae and Kamishiro’s relationship. The episode explores Sae’s internal struggle as she navigates her feelings, the opinions of her friends, and the external factors that continually delay her confession.
The Enduring Appeal of “A Star Brighter Than the Sun”
The series continues to explore themes of first love, self-consciousness, and the courage it takes to pursue one’s feelings. Sae’s journey, marked by her initial timidity and fear of standing out due to her height, has evolved into a determined pursuit of Koki. The anime, based on the manga series by Kazune Kawahara, has garnered a following for its relatable portrayal of high school romance and character development. With only a few episodes left in its initial 12-episode run, the tension and anticipation for Sae’s eventual confession continue to build.
