Midori Tayama’s popular K-Pop-themed manga series, Girl Crush (ガールクラッシュ), is officially receiving a television anime adaptation. The announcement has been met with excitement from fans of the manga, which chronicles the journey of two high school students aiming to become K-Pop idols. While specific details regarding the anime’s release date and production studio are yet to be fully disclosed, the news signals a significant new chapter for the beloved series.
The Road to K-Pop Stardom: What is Girl Crush About?
Girl Crush centers on Tenka Momose, a high school freshman who excels in nearly every aspect of her life—singing, dancing, and academics—but struggles with finding love. Her seemingly flawless world is upended when she encounters Erian Satou, a passionate and dedicated K-Pop enthusiast. Erian’s unwavering dream of becoming a K-Pop idol sparks a similar ambition within Tenka, leading both girls to embark on an arduous journey to South Korea to enter the competitive K-Pop industry.
The manga delves into the rigorous training, fierce rivalries, and personal growth experienced by aspiring idols. It explores the challenges of surviving in a demanding industry, highlighting themes of friendship, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams. The narrative also touches on the intense audition processes and the daily life of trainees within fictional K-Pop agencies, drawing inspiration from real-world K-Pop dynamics.
From Web Manga to Global Phenomenon
Written and illustrated by Midori Tayama, Girl Crush began its serialization on the LINE Manga website under Shinchosha’s Comic Nicola brand on November 20, 2020. The series quickly gained a significant following, with its chapters collected into eight ebook volumes as of July 2024. Shinchosha commenced the release of print copies in April 2025, with the first two volumes, followed by a third in June 2025.
The manga has also achieved international recognition. It is licensed in English by Comikey, which began releasing chapters digitally in August 2021. Viz Media further expanded its reach by announcing in October 2024 that they would begin releasing physical volumes of the series in Q3 2025, with the first volume debuting in June 2025. The series has sold over 500,000 digital copies, demonstrating its widespread appeal even before its physical release.
Midori Tayama’s Previous Works
Midori Tayama debuted as a manga artist in 2014. Before Girl Crush, Tayama was known for works such as Hyoujou no Crown (Crown on the Ice). She has also contributed original character designs for the anime television series Dusk Beyond the End of the World.
Anticipation for the Anime Adaptation
The announcement of a TV anime for Girl Crush has generated considerable anticipation, particularly among fans who appreciate its unique blend of coming-of-age drama and K-Pop idol culture. While the specific animation studio and main staff have not yet been revealed, fans are hopeful that the adaptation will faithfully capture the manga’s energetic dance sequences, emotional character arcs, and the vibrant world of K-Pop.
Further details regarding the anime’s production, including cast, staff, and exact broadcast schedule, are expected to be announced in the coming months.
