Crunchyroll has begun streaming Kaguya-sama: Love Is War – The Stairway to Adulthood, a new anime special that continues the beloved romantic comedy series. The special became available for simulcast on Wednesday, December 31, shortly after its broadcast in Japan.
Fans of the popular “enemies-to-lovers” anime can now watch the latest episodes exclusively on Crunchyroll, with subtitle options in multiple languages including English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, and Brazilian Portuguese. This special marks the return of the Kaguya-sama: Love Is War anime following a three-year hiatus.
Delving into The Stairway to Adulthood
The Kaguya-sama: Love Is War – The Stairway to Adulthood special features a narrative previously unseen in the anime. It is structured as a two-part special, with both episodes now accessible on Crunchyroll. The special picks up sometime after the events of the third season, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -Ultra Romantic-, offering fans a glimpse into Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane’s evolving relationship.
The special initially premiered in Japan on December 31 at 10 p.m. JST (8 a.m. EST) across networks like Tokyo MX, BS11, and Tochigi TV. Starting in January 2026, it will also be broadcast on other Japanese TV networks, including Gumna TV, MBS, and RKB. Shinichi Omata returned to direct the special, and the main Japanese voice cast reprised their roles. The opening theme song, “Abunai Kioku” (Dangerous Memory), is performed by Masayuki Suzuki, featuring Aoi Koga, who voices Kaguya.
The Future of Kaguya-sama Anime: A Grand Finale Film
Adding to the excitement, a brand-new Kaguya-sama: Love Is War feature film has been announced, which will serve as the anime’s grand finale. Series creator Aka Akasaka has reportedly drafted an all-new story concept specifically for this movie, describing it as “new, but nostalgic.” This final film is expected to conclude the anime’s run with an original story by Akasaka, rather than being a direct adaptation of the manga’s remaining chapters.
While the new special skips over some manga events to highlight a new moment in Kaguya and Shirogane’s future, the upcoming film will be an original story. This approach aims to provide a unique and definitive conclusion to the anime series. A release date or window for this concluding film has not yet been announced.
Catching Up on the “Love Is War” Saga
For those looking to dive into or revisit the intricate romantic battles of Kaguya and Miyuki, all previous seasons of Kaguya-sama: Love Is War are also available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The series, adapted from Aka Akasaka’s manga, is a romantic comedy that creatively explores the “enemies-to-lovers” trope through the student council president and vice-president of Shuchiin Academy. The narrative revolves around their clever schemes to trick the other into confessing their love first.
Previous anime adaptations include three television seasons and the film Kaguya-sama: Love Is War – The First Kiss That Never Ends, which was released in 2022 and also streamed on Crunchyroll.
