The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Makoto Kudo’s romantic comedy, My Awkward Senpai (Bukiyō na Senpai.), has added a unique touch to its cast with the inclusion of popular model, actress, and cosplayer Nashiko Momotsuki. Momotsuki, who also serves as a promotional ambassador for the series, makes a special guest appearance, bringing a real-world connection to the anime’s charming office romance. Her involvement marks an exciting blend of real-world talent with the animated narrative, creating buzz among fans and adding a fresh dimension to the series.
A Special Appearance: Nashiko Momotsuki’s Role
Nashiko Momotsuki is set to guest-star in episode 4 of My Awkward Senpai, where she will voice a character named Nashiko Akizuki. Intriguingly, the character’s name is only one kanji character off from Momotsuki’s own, further blurring the lines between the real-life personality and her animated counterpart. The episode, which will feature a photoshoot in Okinawa, aligns perfectly with Momotsuki’s background as a professional model.
Beyond her acting role, Momotsuki has been actively involved with the My Awkward Senpai series as a promotional ambassador. This dual capacity allows her to contribute to the anime both on-screen and through her public persona, enhancing the series’ visibility and connection with its audience. While primarily known for her modeling and live-action roles in productions like Mashin Sentai Kiramager, Momotsuki is also an experienced voice actress, having made her debut in 2022’s Love After World Domination.
The Core Cast of ‘My Awkward Senpai’
While Momotsuki’s appearance is a notable special event, the charm of My Awkward Senpai is primarily driven by its stellar main voice cast, who bring the relatable workplace characters to life.
Lynn as Azusa Kannawa
Taking on the pivotal role of Azusa Kannawa is the accomplished voice actress Lynn. Azusa is the titular “awkward senpai” – an office worker with a reputation for being intense and strict, but who is secretly clumsy and socially challenged. Lynn’s portrayal captures Azusa’s internal struggles and genuine desire to be a good mentor despite her communication difficulties, making her a deeply endearing protagonist.
Shogo Sakata as Yuu Kamegawa
Opposite Lynn, Shogo Sakata lends his voice to Yuu Kamegawa, the cute, nerdy, and approachable junior employee. Yuu’s gentle nature and ease of conversation often leave Azusa flustered, driving much of the romantic comedy’s core dynamic. Sakata’s performance highlights Yuu’s sincerity and his growing affection for his awkward senior.
Supporting Characters and Voice Talent
The world of My Awkward Senpai is further enriched by a talented ensemble cast:
- Ami Maeshima voices Miho Hotta.
- Mitsuki Saiga takes on the role of Ritsu Kankaiji.
These voice actors contribute to the vibrant office environment and the humorous interactions that define the series.
About ‘My Awkward Senpai’ Anime
My Awkward Senpai is an anime adaptation of Makoto Kudo’s popular romantic comedy manga. The story centers on Azusa Kannawa, an office lady who, despite her competent facade, is incredibly awkward and struggles with social interactions. Her life takes a delightful turn when she is tasked with training Yuu Kamegawa, a charming and easygoing new hire. The series beautifully explores their daily workplace interactions as Azusa grapples with her burgeoning feelings and her inability to express them smoothly, leading to many sweet and comical moments.
Production Details and Release
The anime series premiered on October 2, 2025, on Tokyo MX and BS NTV, with Crunchyroll streaming the series globally. Ayumu Kotake directs the anime at Studio Elle, with Mio Inoue handling series composition and scripts. Kenro Tokuda is responsible for character designs, and Koji Fujimoto composes the music. The opening theme song, “Bukiyō na I love you” (The Awkward I love you), is performed by Angela.
The inclusion of Nashiko Momotsuki in My Awkward Senpai not only highlights her versatility as a performer but also adds an exciting meta-layer to the anime’s storytelling. With its engaging premise and a talented cast, the series promises a heartwarming and humorous journey through office romance and self-discovery.
