Production on the television anime adaptation of Kei Misawa and Natsu Mizuno’s fantasy romance manga “Kimi wo Aisuru Ki wa Nai” to Itta Jiki Koushaku-sama ga Nazeka Dekiai shitekimasu has accelerated this week with the announcement of two major casting additions. The series, which is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated romance titles of mid-2026, will premiere on TV Asahi and BS Asahi in July 2026. The newly revealed voice actors bring considerable pedigree to the project, reinforcing the production’s commitment to a high-quality adaptation of the beloved source material.
Veteran Voice Actors Join the Cast as Lucas and Sophia Eukrainen
Daisuke Namikawa, widely recognized for his role as Shota Kazehaya in the enduringly popular “Kimi ni Todoke,” will voice Lucas Eukrainen. Namikawa’s extensive career also includes notable performances in “Haikyuu!!” as Tetsuro Kuroo and “Jujutsu Kaisenaaaaa” as Kokichi Muta, making him a versatile and respected figure in the voice acting industry. His casting as Lucas suggests a character of emotional depth and aristocratic bearing, fitting for a duke’s son caught between a declaration of disinterest and unfolding affection. Joining him is Mariko Kouda, celebrated for her role as the energetic and memorable Eu in “Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? of the Dead,” who will portray Sophia Eukrainen. Kouda’s long and distinguished career spans decades, with iconic roles across numerous series, and her performance as Sophia promises to bring warmth and complexity to the family dynamic at the heart of the story.
Production Team Led by Hitoyuki Matsui at Zero-G and Grass
The anime is being directed by Hitoyuki Matsui, whose previous work includes the atmospheric “Karakuri Zoushi Ayatsuri Sakon,” indicating a directorial approach that likely emphasizes visual storytelling and emotional nuance. The animation is handled jointly by Zero-G and Grass, studios whose collaboration suggests a pooling of resources and expertise to deliver a polished visual presentation. Series composition is in the capable hands of Tomoko Konparu, who is no stranger to the romance genre, having worked extensively on the beloved “Kimi ni Todoke” series. Her experience with character-driven romantic narratives bodes well for the adaptation’s pacing and emotional resonance. Character design is helmed by Yuuko Yahiro, whose credits include the critically acclaimed “Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen,” a series celebrated for its expressive character work and comedic timing. This background suggests that the visual identity of “Kimi wo Aisuru Ki wa Nai” will be both charming and highly communicative. The musical score is composed by Michiru, known for the emotionally charged soundtrack of the music-themed drama “Given,” promising a score that will deepen the romantic and dramatic beats of the series. This combination of experienced staff members points to a production that understands the delicate balance between fantasy world-building and intimate character relationships.
From Web Manga to Anime Adaptation
The story originated as a web manga serialized on the BookLive platform, with creators Kei Misawa (story) and Natsu Mizuno (art) launching the series in February 2021. The premise centers on a duke’s son who openly declares he will never love the protagonist, yet his actions consistently contradict his words, showering her with adoration and creating a delightful tension that has resonated with readers. The English-language title, “The Duke’s Son Claims He Won’t Love Me yet Showers Me with Adoration,” captures the central irony driving the narrative. Flex Comix has been publishing the collected volumes, with the fifth volume released on March 13, demonstrating the series’ sustained popularity. The manga is also available in English on the MangaPlaza digital service, broadening its international reach and building a fanbase outside Japan. A novel adaptation further expanding the story universe was launched on BookLive in October 2021, indicating a franchise that has successfully expanded across multiple media formats even before the anime announcement.
Anticipation Builds for a July 2026 Premiere
With a premiere date set for July 2026 on TV Asahi and BS Asahi, the production team has ample time to refine the adaptation. The casting of Namikawa and Kouda, combined with the experienced production staff, signals a serious investment in bringing this fantasy romance to life. The series enters a competitive landscape of romance anime, but its unique premise and the growing popularity of the source material position it as a standout title for the summer season. As details emerge regarding additional cast members and promotional materials, the project is likely to attract increasing attention from both longtime fans of the manga and newcomers drawn to its compelling central relationship. The combination of Zero-G and Grass as animation studios, along with a director known for nuanced storytelling and a composer with a gift for emotional music, suggests an adaptation that aims to capture both the humor and the heartfelt moments that define the original work. For now, the announcement of these two seasoned voice actors offers a strong indicator of the quality and care being poured into this production.
