The romantic comedy anime scene is set for a glamorous shakeup following the official announcement that Azusa Banjo’s popular cross-dressing rom-com manga, I Think I Turned My Childhood Friend Into a Girl (Koisuru (Otome) no Tsukurikata), is receiving a television anime adaptation. The news, unveiled on June 22, 2026, quickly ignited widespread celebration across social media platforms among long-time fans who have championed the series for years.
A Fresh Spin on High School Romance
First serialized in Ichijinsha’s Comic Pool web magazine in December 2019, Banjo’s manga offers a unique and modern twist on traditional transformation stories. The plot centers on high school student Kenshiro Mido, whose deep passion for cosmetics leads him to practice his skills on his plain, unassuming childhood friend, Hiura Mihate. A simple makeup experiment sparks a dramatic transformation, with Hiura embracing a feminine presentation as the pair navigates new social boundaries, evolving identities, and a growing mutual crush.
Fueled by Massive Fan Demand
The greenlight for a television adaptation comes as little surprise to industry observers. The manga has consistently garnered high reader engagement and critical praise, regularly placing among the top web manga titles. Notably, it ranked fourth in AnimeJapan’s influential 2024 “Manga We Want to See Animated” public poll, underscoring considerable grassroots demand for a screen adaptation. With 11 collected volumes currently in circulation and the 12th volume scheduled for release on June 25, 2026, the production committee has ample source material to draw from for the upcoming series.
Production Timeline and Next Steps
While an official X (formerly Twitter) account for the anime has already been launched, specific production details—including the main voice cast, core production staff, and animation studio—remain under wraps. Industry sources expect full trailers and the official broadcast window to be unveiled in the coming weeks, potentially anchoring major summer convention panels in early July. As anticipation builds, global and local fans are keeping a close eye on further updates for what promises to be one of the most talked-about romantic comedy adaptations of the year.