Anime adaptation Taiyō yori mo Mabushii Hoshi (A Star Brighter Than the Sun) announced

The manga series Taiyō yori mo Mabushii Hoshi by Kazune Kawahara will receive a TV adaptation in 2025. The coming-of-age story follows the tall, confident high school student Sae Iwata as she confronts her suppressed feelings for her former childhood friend Kouki Kamishiro. During elementary school, Kouki was a delicate boy, but in middle school, he develops into the popular "dream type," unsettling Sae. A decisive sports event in their final school year becomes the catalyst for her emotional journey.

Key elements of the adaptation

- With Fujidera Mitoku as Sae and Yūki Ono as Kouki, the production relies on experienced voice actors who have been heard in numerous anime projects.

- Aya Kobayashi directs, supported by screenwriter Yasuhiro Nakanishi. Studio KAI handles the animation.

- The released teaser image shows Sae and Kouki in a classroom-like setting, separated by symbolic distance but connected through glances. The trailer portrays Sae's childhood memories with Kouki in warm pastel tones, contrasted by the vibrant, dynamic scenes of her current emotional conflicts.

The series explores not only first love but also self-acceptance during a phase of physical and emotional change. Sae's struggle to love her "unfeminine" stature while questioning societal expectations forms the core of the narrative. The dynamic development between the two protagonists—from childhood familiarity to adolescent confusion—is said by the production team to "capture universal fears and hopes of adolescence."

A special focus lies on the portrayal of Sae's inner monologue, supported by subtle animations of her body language and facial expressions. The creative execution of the sports event scenes is also intended to emphasize the energetic atmosphere of youthful competitions.