The Crunchyroll Showcase at New York Comic-Con 2026 delivered major updates for the highly anticipated anime adaptation of Sumiko Arai's critically acclaimed manga Kininatteru Hito ga Otoko ja Nakatta (The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All). Attendees were treated to a brand-new promotional video alongside comprehensive announcements regarding the main cast, musical directors, and a confirmed premiere date of January 8, 2027, broadcasting during NTV's Friday Anime Night timeslot.
Production Pedigree & Star-Studded Cast
Animation production is anchored by CloverWorks, with industry veteran Masashi Ishihama (Horimiya) sitting in the director's chair. Series composition is steered by Rino Yamazaki (Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku), while Kanna Hirayama ([Oshi no Ko]) handles character design. Musical duties will be orchestrated by composers Kousuke Noma and Takayuki "Koujirou" Sasaki.
The stellar voice cast features several prominent industry talents bringing the music-themed romance to life:
- Joe: Kenjirou Tsuda (Gokushufudou)
- Narita: Tasuku Hatanaka (Boku no Hero Academia)
- Chizuru: Yurina Amami (Mikadono Sanshimai wa Angai, Choroi.)
- Mao: Fairouz Ai (Chainsaw Man)
- Kanna: Maiko Nomura (Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru.)
From Social Media Phenomenon to Global Hit
Originally launched by Sumiko Arai as a music-themed web manga on X (formerly Twitter) in April 2022, the series—affectionately known as Kinioto—quickly garnered a massive following before being picked up for physical publication by Kadokawa. Yen Press handles the official English release, with global fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming anime premiere early next year.
Catch the official promotional video showcased at the event below:
