Spica Aoki’s popular romantic comedy manga, Kaiju Girl Caramelise (Japanese: 乙女怪獣キャラメリゼ, Otome Kaijū Kyaramerize), is officially receiving a television anime adaptation set to premiere in 2026. Liden Films will produce the series, bringing the unique blend of high school romance and kaiju transformations to screens.
Kaiju Girl Caramelise Roars onto the Small Screen
The announcement, made on December 22, 2025, confirms that fans can anticipate seeing protagonist Kuroe Akaishi’s charmingly monstrous adventures animated. The series will be directed by Teruyuki Omine, with Yuniko Ayana handling the series composition, and Mitomi Nakayama responsible for character designs. This creative team is set to translate Aoki’s distinctive art style and humorous storytelling into an animated format.
The Story of Kuroe Akaishi: A Shy Girl with a Giant Secret
Kaiju Girl Caramelise centers on Kuroe Akaishi, a high school freshman plagued by a rare, incurable condition: intense emotions cause her to transform, sometimes partially, sometimes fully, into a colossal kaiju. Described by her classmates as “Psycho-tan,” Kuroe has lived an isolated life to avoid embarrassing transformations and potentially endangering others.
Her carefully constructed solitude begins to crumble when the popular and charismatic Minami Arata shows an interest in her, inadvertently triggering her uncontrollable changes. As Kuroe navigates the complexities of first love, friendships, and high school life, she must also grapple with her monstrous secret and uncover deeper mysteries surrounding her condition. The manga blends elements of romantic comedy, science fiction, and supernatural fantasy, exploring themes of self-acceptance, isolation, and budding relationships.
The Acclaimed Manga Series by Spica Aoki
Spica Aoki’s Kaiju Girl Caramelise first began serialization in Media Factory’s Monthly Comic Alive magazine in February 2018. The series has garnered positive reception from critics, particularly for its unique premise and enjoyable narrative. Yen Press has licensed the series for English-language publication in North America, with multiple volumes already released. As of November 2025, eight tankōbon volumes have been released in Japan, with a ninth scheduled for December 2025, and it remains an ongoing series.
Aoki’s artwork is noted for its expressive character designs and dynamic action sequences, which effectively juxtapose everyday school settings with massive monster battles. Critics have praised its emotional depth and humorous take on kaiju tropes, often highlighting Kuroe’s endearing sweet tooth and her journey of self-love and opening up to others.
Spica Aoki’s Other Notable Works
Spica Aoki is a mangaka known for her distinctive art and storytelling. Beyond Kaiju Girl Caramelise, her other works include Beasts of Abigaile and Devi Rock. Her foray into a high-profile anime adaptation marks a significant milestone in her career, bringing her creative vision to a broader global audience.
