The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Kazune Kawahara’s popular manga, “A Star Brighter Than the Sun” (太陽よりも眩しい星, Taiyō Yori mo Mabushii Hoshi), has officially announced its premiere date, along with key staff and cast details. The anime is set to debut in October 2025 on TBS in Japan, promising a heartwarming and visually stunning adaptation of the beloved shojo manga.
A Charming Love Story Begins
“A Star Brighter Than the Sun” has captivated readers since its serialization in Shueisha’s Bessatsu Margaret magazine in June 2021. The story revolves around the evolving relationship between Sae Iwata and Koki Kamishiro, childhood friends whose bond begins to shift as they navigate the complexities of high school.
Synopsis:
Sae and Koki have been inseparable since elementary school. However, as they grow older, Sae begins to notice a change in Koki. He’s no longer the small, somewhat fragile boy she once knew. He has blossomed into a charismatic and popular young man. Meanwhile, Sae, who has always been taller and stronger than average, feels increasingly insecure about her own appearance and her place beside him.
Now in high school, Sae realizes that her childhood affection for Koki has blossomed into something more profound: she’s in love with him! But she’s not the only one who has noticed Koki’s charms, and Sae must grapple with her feelings, her insecurities, and the possibility of unrequited love. The central question of the series becomes: Who does Koki have feelings for?
Stellar Staff and Cast Assemble
The anime adaptation is being brought to life by a talented team of industry veterans, ensuring a faithful and visually appealing adaptation of Kawahara’s work.
Key Staff:
- Director: Aya Kobayashi (My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999, Vinland Saga episode director)
- Series Composition: Yasuhiro Nakanishi (Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Shy, Chained Soldier)
- Character Design: Jinfeng Zeng
- Music: Natsumi Tabuchi (Aggretsuko, From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!) and Miki Sakurai (Girlfriend, Girlfriend, I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss)
- Animation Production: Studio KAI
The Main Cast:
- Sae Iwata: Voiced by Minori Fujidera (Hana Haruyama in Flower and Asura)
- Koki Kamishiro: Voiced by Yuki Ono (Josuke Higashikata in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable)
A Glimpse into the Anime
The official website has released a teaser visual and promotional video, offering fans a first look at the anime’s character designs, animation style, and overall tone. The trailer hints at the emotional depth of the story, showcasing Sae’s inner turmoil and the evolving dynamic between her and Koki.
Manga’s Success and Availability
“A Star Brighter Than the Sun” has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following since its debut. In 2023, the manga was ranked 8th among the top manga for female readers in Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (This Manga Is Amazing!) guidebook.
As of November 2024, ten collected volumes of the manga have been released in Japan, with the 11th volume released on April 24, 2025. VIZ Media has licensed the manga series in English, making it accessible to international fans. The first English volume was released on March 4, 2025.
About the Author
Kazune Kawahara is a renowned manga artist known for her heartwarming and relatable stories about young love and self-discovery. Her previous works, including “High School Debut” and “My Love Story!!,” have also been adapted into anime and live-action films, solidifying her status as a leading voice in the shojo manga genre.
What to Expect
“A Star Brighter Than the Sun” promises to be a touching and relatable coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of first love, self-discovery, and the challenges of growing up. With its charming characters, beautiful art style, and talented creative team, the anime adaptation is poised to capture the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Themes Explored:
- Childhood friendships: The series delves into how relationships evolve over time and the challenges of maintaining those bonds as individuals grow and change.
- Insecurity and self-acceptance: Sae’s struggles with her height and strength resonate with anyone who has ever felt insecure about their appearance. The story explores her journey toward self-acceptance and embracing her unique qualities.
- First love and unrequited feelings: The awkwardness, excitement, and heartache of first love are central themes in the series. Sae’s internal conflict and her uncertainty about Koki’s feelings will strike a chord with viewers who have experienced similar emotions.
- The challenges of high school: The series captures the social dynamics and pressures of high school, from navigating friendships and crushes to dealing with bullying and self-doubt.
Why You Should Watch
- Heartwarming Story: If you enjoy sweet and relatable romance stories with a touch of humor, “A Star Brighter Than the Sun” is sure to captivate you.
- Relatable Characters: Sae’s insecurities and Koki’s kind nature make them both endearing and relatable characters that viewers will root for.
- Beautiful Animation: With Studio KAI at the helm, the anime promises to be visually stunning, bringing Kawahara’s art style to life in a vibrant and expressive way.
- Nostalgia: The series evokes a sense of nostalgia for the joys and challenges of adolescence, making it a comforting and enjoyable viewing experience.
- Kazune Kawahara’s Legacy: Fans of Kawahara’s previous works will not be disappointed, as “A Star Brighter Than the Sun” embodies the same heartwarming and relatable storytelling that has made her a beloved figure in the shojo manga world.
Stay Tuned
With its October 2025 premiere date drawing closer, fans can look forward to more updates, trailers, and promotional materials in the coming months. “A Star Brighter Than the Sun” is set to be one of the standout anime of the year, offering a heartwarming and visually stunning adaptation of a beloved manga series.
