The romantic comedy light novel series that has charmed readers with its unique premise, “I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class,” continues its transition to the screen with significant new details. The official website for the television anime adaptation has just unveiled the supporting cast members and released a third promotional video, building anticipation as the series settles into its broadcast schedule. The anime, which premiered on April 7, now airs every Tuesday at 11:30 p.m. on Tokyo MX, with subsequent broadcasts on KTV and BS Asahi, bringing the heartwarming story of an unexpected friendship to a wider audience.
Supporting Cast Brings New Characters to Life
The newly announced cast adds depth to the classroom dynamics that define the series, featuring three talented voice actors who will give life to key supporting roles. Rikuya Yasuda, known for his work in “Ikoku Nikki,” will voice Nozomu Seki, a character whose presence is sure to add a new layer to the social fabric of the story. Joining him is Shinji Kawada, a seasoned performer recognized for his role in “Grand Blue,” who takes on the role of Itsuki Maehara. The cast is rounded out by Yurina Amami, whose recent credits include “Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu 2nd Season,” as Kyoka Minato. These additions promise to flesh out the world around the central duo, offering new interactions and potential complications that are a staple of the romantic comedy genre.
A Creative Team with a Proven Track Record
The anime is being shaped by a highly experienced production team under the direction of Hideki Tachibana, whose previous work includes directing “Busou Shoujo Machiavellianism.” The series is being produced at studio Connect, with Takumi Shibata, an episode director from “Little Witch Academia,” serving as the assistant director. The narrative backbone of the series is in the capable hands of Keiichirou Oochi, who is handling the series composition and script, bringing his experience from the acclaimed “Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Kan” to this project. Character designs are being crafted by Shouko Takimoto, known for “Ore wo Suki nano wa Omae dake ka yo,” ensuring the visual appeal matches the story’s charm. The musical landscape of the series is being composed by a trio of talented musicians: Ruka Kawada from “Kanojo ga Flag wo Oraretara,” Shuuhei Mutsuki from “Kimi no Koto ga Daidaidaidaidaisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo,” and Yayoi Sekimukai from “Mairimashita! Iruma-kun 3rd Season,” promising a rich auditory experience that supports the emotional beats of the story.
From Web Novel to Multimedia Franchise
The journey of “I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class” began on the Kakuyomu web novel platform in November 2020, where author Takata first began penning the story. Its popularity quickly led to a print release, with Kadokawa publishing the series under its Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko imprint in December 2021, featuring illustrations by Tom Osabe. The light novel has proven to be a consistent success, with the ninth volume having gone on sale on April 1, and the tenth volume already scheduled for release on July 1. This steady publication schedule underscores the sustained interest in the series and provides ample source material for the anime adaptation to draw from.
The Manga Adaptation and English Release
The franchise’s reach has expanded significantly through its manga adaptation, which began serialization in July 2022 on the Alive+ web magazine, illustrated by Rin Ono. This version of the story has also been a hit, with Kadokawa publishing the seventh volume in December 2025 and the eighth volume planned for release on June 26. For English-speaking audiences, Yen Press has been instrumental in bringing the story to a global readership. The publisher licensed the manga adaptation in December 2024, released the second volume in November 2025, and is set to publish the third volume on June 23, ensuring that the story of friendship and romance continues to reach new fans around the world.
What the New Promotional Video Reveals
The third promotional video offers a fresh look at the anime’s animation quality, character interactions, and the overall tone of the series. While the core premise revolves around the protagonist’s friendship with the second cutest girl in class, the new footage likely provides hints at the supporting characters’ roles and the developing dynamics within the group. The video serves as a key tool for building excitement among fans of the light novel and manga, as well as for attracting new viewers who may be curious about this entry in the romantic comedy genre. The consistent release of such promotional material highlights the confidence the production committee has in the series and its potential to become a standout title of the season.
A Story of Unconventional Friendship and Romance
At its heart, “I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class” explores a refreshingly honest take on high school relationships. The narrative begins with a straightforward premise: the protagonist finds himself becoming friends with the girl who is considered the second most attractive in his class. This setup allows the story to sidestep some of the more predictable tropes of the genre, focusing instead on the genuine, sometimes awkward, and often heartwarming process of building a meaningful connection. The anime adaptation aims to capture this nuance, bringing the characters’ internal thoughts and evolving feelings to life through voice acting, animation, and a carefully crafted soundtrack. For viewers seeking a romantic comedy that values character development and realistic emotional progression over dramatic misunderstandings, this series presents a compelling watch.
Broadcast Details and How to Watch
Fans in Japan can catch new episodes of the anime every Tuesday at 11:30 p.m. on Tokyo MX, with subsequent broadcasts on KTV and BS Asahi. As the series is currently airing, international audiences will be looking to streaming platforms for availability. While official streaming partners have not been detailed in this announcement, the series’ publication via Kadokawa and its strong source material make it a likely candidate for major anime streaming services. The anime’s production at studio Connect, with a director known for action-oriented series like “Busou Shoujo Machiavellianism,” suggests a polished visual presentation that could appeal to a broad audience, from long-time light novel readers to newcomers discovering the story for the first time.
Looking at the Source Material’s Continued Success
The fact that the light novel series is already on its tenth volume with no signs of slowing down speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of Takata’s writing and Tom Osabe’s illustrations. The story’s ability to maintain reader interest across multiple volumes is a strong indicator of a well-developed narrative arc and compelling character growth. For anime viewers, this means the potential for future seasons is promising if the current adaptation performs well. The simultaneous publication of new volumes in Japan and the steady release of the English manga adaptation by Yen Press demonstrate a franchise that is being actively cultivated for long-term success, ensuring that content will be available for fans to explore even after the first season concludes.
With the supporting cast now revealed and a third promotional video providing a deeper look into the series, “I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class” is positioning itself as a must-watch for fans of heartfelt romantic comedies this season. The combination of a beloved source material, a skilled production team, and a clear vision for the narrative promises an adaptation that does justice to the story that has captivated readers since its web novel days.
