"The shy Kashiwada-san and the expressive Ota-kun" to be made into a TV anime

“Kashiwada-san and the Expressive Ota-kun” to be made into a TV anime; Akane Fujita will play Kashiwada-san and Kyohei Natsume will play Ota-kun

It has been decided that the manga “Ota-kun, who is always on his face” by Azuma Fuyu will be made into a TV anime, and it has been revealed that Fujita Akane, Natsume Kyohei, Hirose Yuya, and Horikin Sohei will appear. In addition, the first PV, staff, and spring visuals have also been released.

(C) Higashi Fuyu/KADOKAWA/Kashiwada-san and Ota-kun, who never lets their feelings show on their faces Production Committee

The original work is a romantic comedy that has been published in 10 volumes by “Dragon Comics Age” (KADOKAWA), and a spinoff “Kashiwada-san and Ota-kun, who never lets their feelings show on their faces +” has been serialized on the manga distribution site “Dora Dora Sharp #” since 2023. It depicts the heartwarming love story of Kashiwada-san, a middle school girl who never lets her feelings show on her face no matter what, and Ota-kun, a middle school boy who shows everything he’s thinking on his face.

Fujita plays the heroine Kashiwada-san, who doesn’t show it on her face but is thinking a lot in her heart, is actually a laughing stock and is kind to her friends, while Natsume plays the protagonist Ota-kun, who is very interested in Kashiwada-san and vows to surprise her, but always ends up failing when he messes with her. Hirose plays Tadokoro-kun, Ota-kun’s friend, who is a happy-go-lucky guy who is easygoing about everything but has a tendency to worry, and Horikane plays Sada-kun, who is also Ota-kun’s friend like Tadokoro-kun, and is an overly calm honor student, but is the only one who doesn’t understand what love is, and observes and studies the interactions between Ota-kun and Kashiwada-san.

The first PV shows the heartwarming exchange between Ota-kun, who plays all sorts of pranks to surprise Kashiwada-san, and Kashiwada-san, who shows no emotion at all. Tadokoro-kun and Sada-kun also appear in the video, and their character voices are also included.

The spring visual shows Ota-kun, who seems to be interested in Kashiwada-san under cherry blossoms in full bloom, and Kashiwada-san, who seems to notice and blushes pink in the cheeks, with the catchphrase, “Even if you don’t show your face, your feelings will surely reach them.” The staff is directed by Kamiya Tomohiro of “MIX MEISEI STORY ~Second Summer, Beyond the Sky~”, with series composition by Yokote Michiko of “Wasurei Battery” and character design by Nakamura Naoto of “Date A Live V”, who also serves as chief animation director. Music is by Hashimoto Yukari and Shitara Tetsuya, and animation is by STUDIO POLON of “The Strongest Tank’s Labyrinth Conquest ~A Tank with 9999 HP and Rare Skills is Expelled from the Hero’s Party~”.
The series will also be exhibited at the NBC Universal Entertainment Japan booth at AnimeJapan 2025, which will be held at Tokyo Big Sight on March 22nd and 23rd. In addition to a photo spot display, a special stage will be held from 1pm on the 23rd, with main cast members Fujita, Natsume, Hirose and Horikane taking to the stage. The event will also be streamed free of charge on ABEMA and YouTube’s NBCUniversal Anime/Music.
The full comments from Fujita, Natsume, Hirose and Horikane are below. Along with his comment, Azuma also sent a congratulatory illustration.
[Fujita Akane (role of Kashiwada)]

As the title suggests, Kashiwada-san is a girl who basically doesn’t show it on her face no matter what happens to her. But she’s cute…! The backgrounds and movements depicted in the original work, as well as lines that are like handwritten characters or onomatopoeia, are expressed in Kashiwada-san’s facial expressions, so I tried to convey those elements as emotions and cuteness while acting. Kashiwada-san doesn’t show it on her face. But her heart is very moved, and if you look really closely you can read her expressions? …Maybe? Can you read them? Please look forward to the broadcast.
[Natsume Kyohei (role of Ota-kun)]

I am Natsume Kyohei, and I will be playing the role of Ota. Ota is foul-mouthed and quick to get angry and shout! He is a boy who plays pranks every day to change the expression on Kashiwada-san’s face, which is the complete opposite of his own, as everything he shows on his face! Although he is a tomboy, he is very kind and warm-hearted at heart, which is why he is the beloved main character. Ota is cool and cute, but he is also a boy who is always bursting with emotion, so I tried to portray the charm of his emotional ups and downs and the changes in his facial expressions. It’s a really fun and wonderful production! I hope everyone looks forward to it!! [Hirose Yuya (role of Tadokoro-kun)]

I am Hirose Yuya, who will be playing the role of Tadokoro! When I heard about the audition, my teacher said with an apologetic look on his face, “Um… that’s the most stupid thing…” but he still gave me the stamp of approval! I think Tadokoro is the number one guy you want as a friend! Please look forward to Tadokoro, who will make sarcastic remarks, be treated unfairly… and get caught up in all sorts of things! Kashiwada-san and Ota-kun are so cute, lovable, and funny (lol)…! Let’s watch with a smile and a warm feeling! Please look forward to the broadcast!
[Horigane Sohei (role of Sada-kun)]

I’m Horikane Sohei, and I’ll be playing the role of Sada! The character I play, Sada, is a cool straight man. I’ll be working hard alongside the lively straight man, Tadokoro. Sada is a friend who is curious about the relationship between Kashiwada-san and Ota-kun. Be sure to pay attention to Sada, who watches over their relationship and sometimes gives them advice! There’s laughter and heart-pounding moments, and even the dubbing is soothing every time! I especially recommend it to those who want to be soothed and those who want to relive their youth, so be sure to watch it! Look forward to it!! [Azuma Fuyu (original author)]

I’ve been drawing Kashiwada-san and friends for a long time, but I’m really happy that it’s finally been made into an anime! They took my opinions into account, carefully considered every detail, and it was a warm set… I’m happy that it was made in such a wonderful environment. I was able to do all the dubbing, and the voice actors did a great job! There was laughter every time (lol)
I’m grateful to everyone who was involved. Kashiwada-san doesn’t usually move, but with the ingenuity unique to anime, he’s become a dynamic(?) Kashiwada-san! Ota moves around a lot too! This anime can be enjoyed by both long-time supporters and first-time viewers, so please check it out!