Anime Frontier 2025, set to take place in Fort Worth, Texas, will host the highly anticipated U.S. premiere of There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… ~Next Shine~. The special screening will offer American fans an early look at the sequel to the popular yuri romantic comedy series.
The convention, a vibrant celebration of anime culture, is scheduled from December 12 to December 14, 2025, at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
Anime Frontier: A Premier Texas Event
Anime Frontier, presented by Crunchyroll, aims to bring together the best of U.S. and Japanese anime culture to Texas. The three-day event is known for its exciting exhibits, exclusive premieres, and special events featuring notable guests from the anime and manga industries. Attendees can expect a diverse range of activities, including panels, workshops, cosplay competitions, and merchandise sales. The convention serves as a significant hub for anime fans, creators, and influencers globally.
Diving into ‘There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… ~Next Shine~’
The upcoming U.S. premiere at Anime Frontier marks a significant moment for fans of the There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… series, often shortened to WataNare. This sequel, titled ~Next Shine~, continues the story following the first season‘s conclusion.
Plot and Premise of the Series
The WataNare narrative centers on Renako Amaori, a high school student determined to shed her gloomy, introverted past and embrace a popular new image. Her efforts lead her to the school’s elite social circle, where she unexpectedly receives confessions from two of its most prominent members: Mai Oduka, the “school’s ultimate prince,” and Ajisai Sena, the “beloved angel of the campus.” Renako finds herself grappling with these unexpected affections while also embarking on a journey of self-discovery, questioning what she truly desires and if love is “not so impossible after all.”
Production Details and Japanese Release
There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… ~Next Shine~ is a five-episode follow-up, specifically covering episodes 13 to 17 of the overall story. This sequel is first being released as a “special theatrical edition” in Japan, running in select cinemas from November 21 to December 5, 2025. A television broadcast for the five episodes is planned to follow the theatrical run.
The anime adaptation is based on the popular light novel series written by Teren Mikami and illustrated by Eku Takeshima. The first season of the anime aired from July to September 2025.
The production team for the anime includes Natsumi Uchinuma as the director at Studio Mother, with Naruhisa Arakawa overseeing series composition and scripts. Character designs are handled by kojikoji, and the music is composed by Yoshiaki Fujisawa. The main voice cast features Kanna Nakamura as Renako Amaori, Saori Onishi as Mai Oduka, and Yukari Anzai as Ajisai Sena.
