The highly anticipated television anime adaptation of Makoto Kudo’s romantic comedy manga My Awkward Senpai (Bukiyō na Senpai) is slated to debut in October 2025 on Tokyo MX and BS NTV channels, bringing the charming office rom-com to life. On July 21, 2025, the official anime website and X account unveiled a main promotional video, a new key visual, additional cast members, and the opening theme song, heightening excitement for the upcoming series.
The main promotional video introduces the core cast and previews the opening theme, Bukiyō na I Love You (The Awkward I Love You), performed by the musical duo angela. The trailer showcases the dynamic between the socially awkward senior office worker Azusa Kannawa and her junior colleague Yu Kamegawa, highlighting the series’ lighthearted tone and romantic tension. The accompanying key visual features Azusa Kannawa, portrayed with her characteristic stern yet endearing expression, alongside her coworkers, emphasizing the workplace setting central to the story.
The anime has assembled a talented voice cast to bring its characters to life. Lynn, known for her role as Miorine Rembran in Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, stars as Azusa Kannawa, the titular awkward senpai whose struggles with expressing her emotions drive the narrative. Joining her are newly announced cast members: Shōgo Sakata as Yu Kamegawa, the earnest and approachable kouhai; Ami Maeshima as Miho Hotta; and Mitsuki Saiga as Ritsu Kankaiji. These characters are expected to add depth to the office dynamics and romantic entanglements depicted in the series.
The production is helmed by Studio Elle, with Ayumu Kotake, previously involved with Acro Trip, directing the anime. Mio Inoue, who contributed to Slow Start and Wonderful Precure!, handles series composition and scriptwriting, ensuring a faithful adaptation of the manga’s comedic and emotional beats. Character designs are crafted by Kenro Tokuda, known for his work as chief animation director on Acro Trip, while Koji Fujimoto, recognized for The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated!, composes the music.
Additional staff includes Jun Osano, Takashi Yamanaka, Junya Nishihara, Yu-nit, and Noriko Tsutsui for art settings, alongside Tetsuya Nishimura, Takashi Hatono, Hiroyuki Kodama, and Ritsu Takesaki for 2D works. 3DCG is managed by Shō Yamada and Aaron “The Game” Pong from Makaria.
What is My Awkward Senpai about?
My Awkward Senpai, written and illustrated by Makoto Kudo, began as a webcomic on the artist’s Twitter account in March 2019 before transitioning to serialization in Square Enix’s Young Gangan magazine in December of the same year. The manga has since garnered a dedicated following, with nine tankōbon volumes published as of March 2025. It is available in English digitally through Comikey and Square Enix’s Manga UP! Global app, earning praise for its relatable characters and heartfelt humor. The series ranked fifth in the print category of the sixth Next Manga Awards, underscoring its popularity among readers.
The narrative centers on Azusa Kannawa, a senior office worker whose serious demeanor and social awkwardness often lead to misunderstandings. Her life takes a turn when she meets Yu Kamegawa, a new junior colleague who is both charming and approachable. As described by Manga UP!:
Kannawa-senpai is considered many things, but smooth is definitely not one of them. Then she meets Kamegawa, her new Kouhai. He’s cute, a little nerdy, and easy to talk to. How will this awkward Senpai be able to handle these new feelings?!” The story follows their evolving relationship, blending workplace comedy with tender moments of romantic development, as Azusa navigates her growing affection amidst her struggles to express herself.
With Studio Elle’s animation expertise and a skilled creative team, My Awkward Senpai promises to capture the manga’s charm while introducing its quirky characters to a broader audience. The October 2025 premiere marks a significant milestone for fans of the manga and newcomers alike, offering a fresh take on the office rom-com genre.
Sources: Comic Natalie, official X account of My Awkward Senpai & Asmik ACE YouTube channel
