Get ready for a heartwarming and hilarious high school experience! The anime adaptation of Fuyu Azuma’s popular manga, Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota (顔に出ない柏田さんと顔に出る太田君, Kao ni Denai Kashiwada-san to Kao ni Deru Ōta-kun), is set to premiere in October 2025. This charming romantic comedy explores the unique relationship between two junior high classmates who couldn’t be more different.
The Story: Opposites Attract, Hilariousness Ensues
Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota centers on the budding connection between Kashiwada, a girl who maintains an unwavering poker face, and Oota, a boy whose emotions are always on full display. Oota, constantly seeking amusement, makes it his mission to elicit any reaction from the stoic Kashiwada. His attempts, usually involving pranks and surprise tactics, inevitably backfire in comical fashion.
Despite their contrasting personalities, a sweet and supportive dynamic forms between them. Kashiwada secretly enjoys watching Oota’s very visible emotional responses, while their classmates are endlessly entertained by their unusual interactions. The series explores whether these opposites can truly attract as they navigate the ups and downs of junior high life and begin to realize their feelings for each other.
Production Team: Studio Polon Brings the Manga to Life
The Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota anime is being brought to life by Studio Polon, with a talented team at the helm:
- Director: Tomohiro Kamitani ( Mix: Meisei Story Season 2)
- Series Composition: Michiko Yokote
- Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Naoto Nakamura
- Music: Yukari Hashimoto & Tetsuya Shitara
With Kamitani’s direction and Yokote’s series composition, fans can expect a faithful and engaging adaptation of Azuma’s manga. Nakamura’s character designs will ensure that Kashiwada and Oota retain their distinctive looks and expressions (or lack thereof!). The combined musical talents of Hashimoto and Shitara promise a score that perfectly complements the series’ comedic and heartwarming moments.
The Characters and Cast:
The cast for Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota includes:
- Kashiwada: Akane Fujita (voice)
- Oota: Kyohei Natsume (voice)
- Tadokoro: Yuya Hirose (voice)
- Sata: Sohei Horikane (voice)
From Web Manga to Anime Sensation: A Look at the Origins
Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota began as a web manga series written and illustrated by Fuyu Azuma. It was serialized on Niconico Seiga’s Dra Dra Sharp# website from June 2018 to June 2023. The manga quickly gained popularity for its charming characters, relatable scenarios, and gentle humor.
The original manga series spans 10 tankōbon volumes, published by Fujimi Shobo. In addition to the main series, a spin-off manga titled Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota+ began serialization in October 2023.
Kadokawa publishes the original Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota manga in Japan under their Dragon Age Comics imprint and also serializes an English language version of the series. In North America, the manga is licensed for digital English release by Kadokawa.
What to Expect: A Heartwarming and Hilarious Ride
Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota promises to be a delightful anime series filled with:
- Charming Characters: Kashiwada and Oota are an endearing pair, and their contrasting personalities create a compelling dynamic.
- Relatable Situations: The series captures the everyday experiences of junior high students, from classroom antics to navigating friendships and budding feelings.
- Gentle Humor: The humor is lighthearted and character-driven, arising from Oota’s failed attempts to surprise Kashiwada and their overall interactions.
- Heartwarming Moments: Beneath the comedy lies a sweet and genuine connection between Kashiwada and Oota, as they learn to appreciate each other’s differences and support one another.
- A Unique Romantic Comedy: The series offers a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre, with its focus on non-verbal communication and the development of a relationship between two seemingly opposite individuals.
Where to Watch
As the anime is scheduled to air in October 2025, specific streaming platforms and broadcast details are yet to be announced. Keep an eye on Crunchyroll and other anime streaming services for updates as the premiere date approaches.
Final Thoughts:
Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota is poised to be one of the most anticipated anime releases of 2025. With its charming story, relatable characters, and talented production team, this series is sure to capture the hearts of viewers around the world. Get ready to laugh, smile, and maybe even shed a tear or two as you follow Kashiwada and Oota on their journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance.
