Anime Expo 2025 hosted a special SANDA panel and world premiere event featuring Paru Itagaki’s newest series, SANDA, the unconventional Santa Claus action story from the creator of BEASTARS. The panel took place on July 4, 2025, in Los Angeles, treating fans to exclusive first looks and insights into the upcoming anime adaptation.
With a packed room buzzing with anticipation, BEASTARS creator Paru Itagaki unveiled the world’s first look at her latest creation—SANDA, a wild holiday-infused action mystery that blends Santa Claus lore, social satire, and school mayhem into one unforgettably absurd adventure. The Anime Expo panel delivered more than just a screening: it gave fans a deep-dive into the making of the anime, never-before-seen visuals, heartfelt commentary from the creators, and even an exclusive themed souvenir. And yes, Paru Itagaki wore the chicken mask.
About SANDA
Set in a dystopian near-future Japan where children are protected to the point of imprisonment and birthrates have plummeted, SANDA follows a mild-mannered boy named Kazushige Sanda—until he discovers he may be the heir to an ancient Santa Claus lineage. What unfolds from there is part superhero origin story, part social commentary, and all kinds of chaotic.
The manga originally ran for 16 volumes, finishing in 2024. The anime adaptation, produced by the ever-stylish Science SARU, is set to premiere October 3, 2025.
Panel Highlights: Premiere, Guests, and Santa-Fueled Chaos
The Anime Expo panel kicked off with a full screening of Episode 1, making it the official world premiere of the SANDA anime. Roaring laughter, scattered gasps, and some of the most engaged audience reactions we’ve seen all AX weekend.
Following the screening, attendees were treated to a live talk session featuring:
Paru Itagaki (creator of SANDA, in her signature chicken mask)
Tomohisa Shimoyama (director, YUREI DECO)
Kōhei Sakita (producer, Science SARU)
Together, the trio offered insight into the creative process behind the show—everything from designing explosive Santa transformations to capturing Itagaki’s signature mix of humor and emotional depth.
“It’s completely ridiculous,” Itagaki joked, “but that’s kind of the point.”
Director Shimoyama revealed that nailing the tone was the biggest challenge, SANDA had to be funny without undercutting its mystery, and heartfelt without losing its absurdity.
“We approached Santa not just as a myth,” Shimoyama explained, “but as a symbol of lost wonder—and also as a total unit in a red suit.”
From the Panel: The Cast
During the panel, fans were also introduced to the anime’s main voice cast, Ayumu Murase as Kazushige Sanda, Hiroki Tōchi as Santa Claus featuring Umeka Shōji, Anna Nagase, Yūki Shin and Misato Matsuoka in undisclosed roles.
The series is scripted by Kimiko Ueno (known for Space Dandy), with character designs by Masamichi Ishiyama, and music by Tomoyuki Tanaka. Science SARU’s animation style—equal parts kinetic and offbeat—suits SANDA’s unpredictable tone.
If you thought a Santa-themed anime would be tame, think again. The world of SANDA is packed with dark satire, sci-fi overtones, and commentary on Japan’s social systems, particularly the pressure on youth and declining birthrate. But at its heart, it’s still a coming-of-age story gifted wrapped with a tinsel bow.
In one of the most talked-about sequences from the premiere, Sanda’s slim, meak body undergoes a Hulk-like transformation into a buff, Alpha bearded Santa—complete with dramatic sakuga overtones, blaring jingle bells, and enough flexing to break the sleigh.
And yet, amid all the madness, there’s sincerity. The panel made it clear that this isn’t just parody: SANDA is about identity, responsibility, and the idea of growing up in a world that treats children like porcelain.
Manga English Release
During the panel, it was announced that SANDA will be published in English by Titan Manga, starting with Volume 1 on September 2, 2025, followed by Volume 2 on November 18, 2025. Pre-orders are open, and AX attendees were encouraged to dive into the manga for deeper context and character arcs.
Itagaki noted that while she’s not involved in every episode of the anime, she’s thrilled to see the anime team “taking her weird little story and running wild with it.”
Panel Swag
Attendees of the panel didn’t leave empty-handed—they received an exclusive SANDA-themed tenugui towel featuring art from the series and the show’s logo.
During the fan Q&A, one bold attendee asked if there were any BEASTARS Easter eggs hidden in the anime. Itagaki, under the mask, simply said:
“Let’s just say… they share DNA. Literally? You’ll have to watch to find out.”
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
The SANDA panel proves Paru Itagaki is still one of the most original minds in manga today. With its absurd and fun premise, slick animation, and genuine emotional undercurrents, SANDA is shaping up to be the surprise hit of Fall 2025. Whether you’re a BEASTARS devotee, a holiday chaos connoisseur, or just someone who thinks Santa should have six-pack abs, SANDA is the anime gift you didn’t know you needed.
Catch it when it premieres October 3, 2025. And don’t forget to read the manga!
For more interviews and coverage from Anime Expo 2025, follow The Kitsune Network.
Since its debut on the digital manga platform GANMA! in 2018, I Wanna Be Your Girl (Japanese title: カノジョになりたい君と僕) has touched the hearts of millions of readers in Japan—and now, it’s finally reaching English-speaking audiences through Random House Graphic’s newest brand, InkPop. Behind this moving series is Umi Takase, a manga artist and writer whose work fearlessly explores the blurry, sometimes painful questions that come with adolescence, identity, and human connection. Takase writes from a place of vulnerability, authenticity, and quiet resilience—qualities reflected deeply in the lives of protagonists Akira and Hime.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Takase to discuss the origins of I Wanna Be Your Girl, the complexity of self-discovery, and the messages she hopes her readers carry with them.
Interview with Umi Takase
What inspired you to create I Wanna Be Your Girl and its characters?
Takase: Honestly, the idea for the story began with a pretty mundane moment. When I was still a rookie trying to get published in magazines, I was constantly pitching one-shot ideas to editors—most of which got rejected. One day, I suddenly pictured Akira in a girl’s uniform. I vaguely thought, “This child was born male but has always dreamed of wearing a girl’suniform and being a girl.” Then I thought, “If that’s Akira, I want to create a girl in a boys’ school uniform who supports her,” and that’s how Hime was born. That one-shot was rejected at the time, but years later I revisited it as a serialized project, pouring in all my thoughts and experiences. That’s how I Wanna Be Your Girl came to life.
The story explores transgender identity and queer themes with care. What influenced your approach?
Takase: My own experiences—getting lost in life, meeting different people, and clashing with others—are the foundation of the story. One of the things I struggled with was my sexual orientation. I’d wonder things like, “Maybe I’m a lesbian? But if that’s the case, is it weird that I like male characters in anime?” and I’d feel a contradiction within myself. I compared myself to others and thought, “Other queer people probably have it all figured out,” and I’d get discouraged. Eventually, I came to accept that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Honestly, how many people truly understand themselves? We question our career paths, our choices—sometimes we don’t even know what we want to eat. So I now see confusion as something normal. Through this story, I wanted to tell people who are lost, “It’s okay. You’re not alone.”
Akira’s journey is central, but Hime’s growth is also key. How did you approach that balance?
Takase: Honestly, I didn’t consciously try to balance them. I was overwhelmed by deadlines, so I’m thankful my editor helped with the bigger picture. To me, it was a simple story, a girl falls in love with her childhood friend, who turns out to be a girl. Hime grows because she wants to understand someone she cares deeply for. Their arcs unfolded naturally.
How did you handle sensitive themes like LGBTQ+ identity and bullying for a younger audience?
Takase: To be honest, I didn’t write it specifically to reach young readers. I didn’t intend to present LGBTQ+ themes as something “special” that readers had to understand. Feelings like “the person I love doesn’t love me back” or “I can’t become my ideal self” are universal. Rather than emphasizing the struggles of being a minority, I focused on making it a story that people could empathize with. I didn’t want to label the characters—I wanted to depict them as individuals with feelings. Instead of conveying delicate themes, I hoped readers would think, “Yeah, I get that,” or “That was me too.”
Many readers say the series made them cry. Were there any particular scenes that were emotionally significant or difficult for you to write?
Takase: Honestly, I was surprised when readers said they cried. I wasn’t aiming for that—I was just desperately doing my best, so those responses mean a lot. A scene I personally love is from Volume 2, when Akira confesses, “I’m scared of living as someone like me.” Before that, most portrayals of transgender people I saw in books or media seemed very confident in their identity. They seemed to know who they were and had already found their “right answer.” But I think many trans people have different personalities and stories. What if someone like Akira—timid, ordinary—struggled with confidence and couldn’t easily explain her choices? I depicted Akira as a realistic girl, shaken by her father’s words, uncertain of herself, frustrated when people questioned her. That’s why I really love that scene.
Many readers related personally to the characters. Were there any particularly memorable messages or episodes from your readers?
Takase: It meant a lot to hear that readers saw themselves in the characters. Messages like “This gave me hope” or “I finally felt like I could exist” gave me encouragement too. One moment that stood out was in the GANMA! comments section. Someone wrote, “To be honest, I still don’t fully understand LGBT issues. But when I see someone crying, I want to be someone who can accept them.” Others replied with things like, “It’s okay not to force yourself,” and “You don’t need to change who you are—just don’t be hateful or hurtful.” It wasn’t a fight—it was gentle kindness. Witnessing that moment really stayed with me.
In addition to the web serialization, this series was also published through crowdfunding. How did the direct support from readers and digital platforms impact your creative process?
Takase: It made me more aware of the need to succeed as a creator. Before, I thought wanting to “sell well” felt greedy. But thanks to the support of readers, I realized that success means being able to keep creating. Selling a work allows you to publish volumes, deliver stories to readers, and support all the people involved—editors, marketers, designers. Now, I seriously ask myself, “How can I create something worth paying for?” Of course, it’s hard to achieve my ideal—but I’m always striving.
The title I Wanna Be Your Girl seems to carry multiple meanings. Could you share the intention behind it?
Takase: The phrase has two meanings; One is Hime’s wish to become Akira’s girlfriend. The other is Akira’s desire to be recognized as a girl. “Your” and “I” in the title are deliberately ambiguous. Is “I” Akira, born male? Or Hime, in her boys’ uniform? Since it’s a dual-protagonist story, I wanted the title to reflect both of them.
With over 8 million views in Japan, the series is now being released in English. What message would you like to share with international readers discovering your work for the first time?
Takase: First of all—thank you so much for picking up this story. It’s overwhelming to think a one-shot idea that was once shelved has reached readers overseas. This may sound odd coming from the author, but… if while reading you ever feel, “This is too much for me,” please don’t force yourself. Close the book if you need to. There are a lot of different characters—some might make you uncomfortable. But even feelings of dislike are clues to understanding yourself. Of course, I love all of my characters, so I’d prefer not to hear “I hated this!”—at least, not where I’ll see it! (laughs) Still, what matters most is that readers honor their own feelings.
LGBTQ+ representation has been increasing in manga recently. What are your thoughts on the current state of the industry and what stories would you like to see going forward?
Takase: I don’t have particularly strong opinions, but if I had to say something, it’s that this feels like a natural progression. LGBTQ+ people have always existed—it’s just that we’re finally starting to see them in stories. If, in the future, I Wanna Be Your Girl is seen as “a bit outdated and hard to relate to,” I’d be thrilled. That would mean society has evolved to a point where this topic is no longer seen as something “special.”
Your art style is soft and expressive, especially in how you capture emotion. Do you feel your style or techniques have evolved since the beginning of the series?
Takase: Since this was my debut series, the beginning was pretty rough. But over time, I got more comfortable, and I started to get a feel for things like character expressions and pacing. I truly appreciate your kind words about my art.
Your follow-up series, I DON’T WANT A VISIT FROM A STORK explores more mature themes like marriage and family. Did working on I Wanna Be Your Girl influence that project?
Takase: To be honest, I saw I DON’T WANT A VISIT FROM A STORK! as a completely separate work. Initially, I approached it with the mindset of, “This is going to be a tense drama about a troubled couple!” (laughs) But a friend told me, “This feels very you.” They pointed out that both stories feature characters from marginalized or hard-to-voice positions. I wouldn’t say I write with the intention of “standing up for the minority,” but I’m naturally drawn to those vague, hard-to-name feelings—like the loneliness of wondering, “Is it just me who feels this way?”
If you could say one thing directly to Hime and Akira, what would it be?
Takase: Hmm… I usually don’t talk to my characters, it’s kind of embarrassing… But if I had to say something, maybe “Take care, and thank you!” Hime and Akira both made their own choices in the story, but that doesn’t guarantee lifelong happiness. Still, I just hope they’re doing well out there somewhere—that would be enough for me. Thanks to them, I was able to tell this story. During the serialization, I went through a lot, and honestly didn’t expect the series to reach so many readers. Now, I’m just filled with gratitude.
Lastly, what message would you like to share with young readers—especially those who may be struggling with their identity?
Takase: The phrase “struggling with identity” sounds kind of cool, but the reality is messy, awkward, and painful. You might not be able to define yourself in one word, or you might say, “This is who I am!” and then immediately second-guess it. That was my adolescence, honestly—awkward, embarrassing, painful, and full of hurt. There were times I thought, “Maybe it’d be better if I weren’t here.” But now, I see that all of that was my own treasure. No one can take away those struggles, and they’ve become the foundation that supports me. Thanks to those painful, uncool moments, I get to do the work I love today—creating stories. (laughs) So even if you hate yourself right now, or feel like a mess, that’s okay. Just maybe—maybe—trust that someday, those struggles might become something precious. Even if you don’t believe me, please tuck that idea into the corner of your heart.
I Wanna Be Your Girl Vol. 1 will be available in English through Random House Graphic. Takase’s work stands as a moving and accessible entry point for queer storytelling in manga—one where identity, confusion, and kindness intersect with empathy and hope.
Still on the fence on reading “I Want To Be Your Girl”? Read our review here.
Acknowledgements
I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Takegami of the GANMA! Editorial Department at Comisuma Co., Ltd., for their generous support and guidance throughout this interview process. Most importantly, heartfelt gratitude to Takase-sensei for taking the time to thoughtfully answer my questions and share insight into her creative journey. This feature would not have been possible without you both. Thank you.
For more interviews and coverage from Anime Expo 2025, follow The Kitsune Network.
Get ready, Trainers—Pokémon just dropped an info bomb, and we’re still catching our breath (and plushies). In a globally streamed Pokémon Presents, The Pokémon Company unveiled major updates, game launches, and jaw-dropping collabs sure to keep fans buzzing through 2026 and beyond.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest announcements from today’s showcase:
Welcome Back to Lumiose City in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Launching October 16, 2025 on Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2, Pokémon Legends: Z-A takes players back to a beautifully reimagined Lumiose City—but this isn’t your average Kalos stroll.
Daytime Exploration: Wander through city zones and wild areas, where you’ll run into massive, glowing Alpha Pokémon that are tough to catch and tougher to beat. Z-A Royale Battles (at night!): Battle your way up the ranks and take on high-tier Trainers—including Corbeau, leader of the shady Rust Syndicate.
Meet the Locals: Help detective Emma solve mysteries or support scientist Mable in Pokémon research to earn sweet rewards like TMs. Rogue Mega Evolution Alert: Wild Pokémon are Mega Evolving without warning! Battle them with the help of Team MZ and earn Mega Stones.
New Mega Forms Revealed: Say hello to Mega Dragonite, now rocking sleek Dragonair-inspired wings and serious flight speed boosts.
Pokémon Champions (2026): Competitive Battling Goes Global
Ready to build your dream team and rise through the ranks? Pokémon Champions hits Switch, Switch 2, iOS, and Android in 2026, bringing an intense new format focused on strategy and customization.
Trial & Permanent Recruitment: Try Pokémon before committing, then use Victory Points (VP) to permanently recruit and train your favorites.
Battle Modes: Choose from Ranked Battles, Casual Battles, or invite friends to Private Battles—play solo or in doubles!
Plushie Chaos in Pokémon Friends — Available Now!
Need a mental cooldown? Pokémon Friends is a new puzzle game now live on Switch, Switch 2, and mobile platforms. Solve puzzles to earn yarn and craft Pokémon plushies using the adorable Plush-O-Matic. Decorate your own plushie room and help the residents of Think Town through “friend quests.”
Over 1,200 puzzles
150+ plushies to collect
Daily stamps, calendar goals, and up to 5 save files for family fun
Created with Wonderfy Inc., this one’s perfect for cozy gamers and collectors.
Aardman x Pokémon = Stop-Motion Gold
Yes, you read that right. The team behind Wallace & Gromit is teaming up with Pokémon for a new stop-motion series, Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu.
Coming 2027, the series promises all the wit, charm, and visual magic Aardman is known for. The teaser already has fans swooning. Watch it now on the official Pokémon YouTube channel,
Mega Evolution Returns to the Pokémon TCG
Revealed ahead of the Mega Evolution Expansion launching September 26, 2025, new cards features, Mega Lucario ex, Mega Kangaskhan ex, Mega Gardevoir ex, and A stunning Bulbasaur–Ivysaur–Mega Venusaur ex panorama set.
This expansion is a must-have for collectors and competitive TCG players alike.
2025 Pokémon World Championships – Anaheim, CA
From August 15–17, Trainers will gather in Anaheim for this year’s World Championships. A newly revealed Paradise Resort promo card joins the previously announced Celebration Pikachu—available to participants (while supplies last).
Get ready, anime fans and baseball lovers—two passionate fandoms are colliding under the lights of Dodger Stadium! On Friday, August 15, the Los Angeles Dodgers will transform their home field into a Demon Slayer-themed celebration, complete with exclusive giveaways, themed entertainment, and a stunning drone show inspired by Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle, the highly anticipated film debuting this September.
As part of this epic crossover event, every fan in attendance for the Dodgers vs. Padres game at 7:10 p.m. will receive a co-branded Dodgers × Demon Slayer hat—a collectible that’s sure to ignite both team spirit and anime hype.
But the night doesn’t stop at free merch.
Fans can expect pregame and in-game promotions, a Demon Slayer activation area in Centerfield Plaza, and even a ceremonial first pitch—all leading up to a spectacular postgame drone show themed around the Infinity Castle arc. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Demon Slayer Corps soar above a baseball diamond, this is your chance.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba enjoys a following with the same kind of passion that Dodger fans bring to the ballpark,” said Lon Rosen, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer for the Dodgers. “There’s a real overlap between these two fanbases, and we’re excited to bring them together for what’s sure to be an unforgettable night.
This special event marks the latest in a growing wave of anime collaborations in mainstream sports—and it’s perfectly timed. The upcoming Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle film, the first chapter of a three-part cinematic finale, hits North American theaters September 12, 2025, courtesy of Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
The film plunges viewers into an all-out war within Muzan Kibutsuji’s domain, as Tanjiro, Nezuko, and the elite Hashira face their most perilous mission yet. Expect jaw-dropping animation from ufotable, intense battles, and the emotional stakes that made Demon Slayer a global phenomenon.
Whether you’re shouting “Let’s go Dodgers!” or “Breath of the Sun, First Form!”—this is a night you won’t want to miss.
For tickets and more info visit, dodgers.com. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle premieres September 12, 2025 – in theaters, IMAX®, and premium formats. Visit demonslayer-anime.com for more information.
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STARTING TODAY, Burger King is leveling up its kids’ meals with a shinobi twist! This summer, the fast food giant is teaming up with one of anime’s most iconic franchises—Naruto—for a limited-edition King Jr. Meal toy drop that’s sure to stir up nostalgia and excite new fans alike.
Participating Burger King locations across the U.S. will serve up more than just fries and Whoppers—they’ll be dishing out exclusive Naruto toys with every King Jr. Meal. The lineup includes eight collectible figures featuring beloved characters from the Hidden Leaf Village, including Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Kakashi Hatake.
Whether you’re a longtime fan who grew up watching Naruto chase his dream of becoming Hokage, or you’re just getting into the series (which, by the way, has been the most streamed anime on Hulu and Netflix for three years running), this collab is the perfect way to bring some ninja flair to your next meal.
But wait, there’s a special perk for California-based fans: From July 14 through early October, select locations in the Golden State will be offering King Jr. Meals for just $3.99. Yep—you can grab food and get one step closer to completing your Naruto toy collection without breaking the bank.
So, whether you’re collecting them all or just snagging your favorite shinobi, this is one fast food collab that deserves a dattebayo!
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Hololive’s presence in the global pop culture landscape has grown from niche phenomenon to household name, with fans cheering on their favorite VTuber talents across continents. But in July 2025, that evolution took a historic leap—straight onto the field of Dodger Stadium..
During the second-ever Hololive Night at Dodger Stadium, VTubers Ninomae Ina’nis, IRyS, and Koseki Bijou took over the jumbotron along side a first-of-its-kind live stream from a major U.S. sports venue. The night also featured themed merch, interactive fan activities, and a first pitch thrown by COVER Corporation CEO, Motoaki Tanigo himself.
Motoaki Tanigo takes to the mound for the ceremonial first pitch | Image via linkedin
We caught up with COVER Corp CEO Motoaki Tanigo following the wildly successful Hololive × Dodgers Night 2025. From ceremonial first pitches to real-time VTuber livestreams in a stadium, Tanigo shared his thoughts on Hololive’s explosive growth and future plans.
Interview with COVER Corporation CEO Motoaki Tanigo
Krystal:
You threw the ceremonial first pitch at the second Hololive Night at Dodger Stadium—how did it feel stepping onto that mound with thousands of fans cheering? Did you prepare/practice before the game?
Tanigo-san:
I’ve thrown the first pitch in Japan before, but doing it at Dodger Stadium was a special experience. I didn’t practice beforehand, but I did get a chance to warm up on the field right before.
This was the first time Hololive VTubers livestreamed from a major U.S. sports stadium. What did it mean for you to witness Hololive talents on the stadium screen?
Tanigo-san:
One of the biggest appeals of VTubers is their interactive engagement with fans. By having them appear on the stadium screen in real time, I believe fans enjoyed it even more than the first collaboration.
Krystal:
Did you get to meet any of the Dodgers players backstage? Any fans of VTubers among them?
Tanigo-san:
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to meet any of the Dodgers players.
Krystal:
The fan response at the stadium was electric—did anything from that night surprise or deeply move you?
Tanigo-san:
After the game, seeing fans run around the field together, having so much fun, made me truly glad we did this collaboration.
Now that Hololive has reached Dodger Stadium, are there any other unexpected venues or collaborations you’re aiming for? Maybe the Super Bowl halftime show or The Olympics next?
Tanigo-san:
First, I’d like to deepen collaborations with gaming events. But eventually, I’d also love to partner with other major sports leagues like the NBA or NFL.
Krystal:
What’s something you still want Hololive to explore that hasn’t been done yet?
Tanigo-san:
I’d love to have our talents appear on American TV shows, music programs, or talk shows. We’ve already done this in Japan, but I want to make it happen in the U.S. too.
With more in-person VTuber events growing popular, anime cafes have also seen an increase outside Japan. Can we expect a Hololive Cafe in the near future?
Tanigo-san:
I’d love to bring the kind of collaboration cafes we’ve done in Japan and Asia to the U.S. And not just cafes—I want to expand partnerships with restaurants and other venues too.
Krystal:
If you were to debut as a Hololive VTuber tomorrow, what would your name, concept, and catchphrase be?
Tanigo-san:
Unfortunately, I don’t have the talent to be an entertainer, so debuting in Hololive would be tough. I’d rather leave those opportunities to younger, more talented people.
Krystal:
Finally, any message you’d like to send to Hololive fans around the world?
Tanigo-san:
I believe VTubers are an incredible tool for young, talented individuals to shine as entertainers. Moving forward, we’ll keep debuting amazing talents that fans will love to support, and we’ll explore new ventures—like TCGs—that bring everyone joy. Thank you for your continued support!
Looking ahead
As Hololive’s reach continues to expand—from streaming platforms to IRL locations—Tanigo’s vision remains rooted in uplifting young talent and reimagining what entertainment can be in the ever evolving, digital age. Whether it’s a late-night talk show debut or a slam dunk VTuber collab with the NBA, fans around the world will be watching—and cheering.
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In a manga industry still learning how to sincerely represent LGBTQ+ lives, Umi Takase’s I Wanna Be Your Girl Vol. 1 stands out—not because it gets everything right, but because it’s unafraid to depict queer youth with emotional complexity, contradictions, and all the messy, real-life nuance that comes with growing up.
Written and illustrated by Umi Takase and originally serialized on the GANMA! platform, this debut volume plunges us into the emotional turmoil of Hime Sakuragaike, a shy but passionate high schooler who is grappling with the fact that her childhood best friend—and longtime crush—Akira Yonezawa is transitioning into a girl. While the premise alone could have set off red flags in less capable hands, Takase approaches the subject with grace, restraint, and subtle realistic, emotional intelligence.
Please note: This review may contain spoilers. We recommend reading with caution if you haven’t experienced the story yet
A Tale of Love, Identity, and Unspoken Boundaries
In the opening pages of I Wanna Be Your Girl, we meet Akira, a quiet and sincere high school freshman who shows up to her first day in a girl’s uniform. It’s a brave act—because while Akira has always felt like a girl on the inside, she’s only just begun to live openly as one. This isn’t a fantasy transformation story. There’s no magical realism. Instead, Umi Takase offers something far more rare in manga: a grounded, emotionally, realistic and honest depiction of a transgender girl trying to find her place in the world—with a little help (and a lot of chaos) from her childhood best friend, Hime.
From the moment Akira steps onto the school campus, we’re invited into her internal world. She’s not trying to stand out—she just wants to blend in. To be “one of the girls.” To giggle with classmates, talk about hair styles, and share lunch like any other high schooler. But fitting in isn’t so simple. Takase draws Akira with visible discomfort in some panels—her shoulders slightly hunched, her glances cautious, her voice hesitant. And yet, even without narration-heavy exposition, we can tell how much it means for Akira to finally exist authentically.
A Story of Two Girls: Akira and Hime
Akira’s quiet journey is given contrast by her best friend Hime, a bold, expressive girl who storms into school in a boy’s uniform—partly to support Akira, partly because she’s impulsive like that. The two have known each other since childhood, and there’s a powerful intimacy between them. Hime has always known Akira’s truth and has stood by her side, but now, with high school changing everything, even that friendship is starting to shift.
What sets I Wanna Be Your Girl apart is how naturally it portrays these evolving dynamics. Hime’s protective instincts are fierce and sometimes overwhelming, but they come from a place of real care. She insists she wants to be Akira’s girlfriend, but doesn’t quite know what that means—or whether Akira feels the same way. Their relationship dances between comedy, romance, and confusion in a way that feels very real for two teenagers navigating identity, hormones, and complexity of high school all at once.
Transitioning, Quietly and Honestly
What makes I Wanna Be Your Girl so moving is its honest portrayal of transitioning—not as a spectacle, but as a series of small, deeply personal experiences.
Akira doesn’t have a dramatic coming-out speech. Instead, she fidgets with her uniform hem. She hesitates before speaking in class. She glances at her reflection, wondering if she’s convincing enough—or, more painfully, if she even needs to be.
Moments like joining a group chat, trying on lip gloss, or laughing with other girls aren’t treated as plot points. They’re acts of courage, hope, and deep yearning to belong. It’s clear that Takase understands these feelings intimately, and she communicates them with subtle expression work, gentle pacing, and silent panels that speak louder than words.
Despite its emotional weight, the series still carries a warm tone, using comedy and awkward teen moments to keep the story approachable. Hime’s antics are often exaggerated and hilarious, giving the story bursts of energy that balance out Akira’s softer, more introspective journey. It’s a harmony that mirrors the way real friendships operate—especially when one friend is carrying more invisible weight than the other, while the other may not understand or even see their friend’s dilemma.
Artistic Tone
The art style complements the tone beautifully—expressive eyes, subtle posture shifts, and tight paneling give even mundane classroom interactions emotional weight. You’ll notice the manga avoids “fanservice” entirely, a conscious choice that helps center the story’s emotional intimacy rather than reducing characters to tropes.
That said, it still knows its audience. The classroom drama, unspoken feelings, and exaggerated reactions are pure shōjo fuel. If you’ve binged Kimi ni Todoke or A Silent Voice, you’ll feel right at home here. There’s even a mild yuri-coded tension in Hime’s feelings for Akira that’s likely to stir up discourse in queer anime spaces. Is it romantic? Is it platonic? That ambiguity is the point—and it’s handled beautifully. To put in our own words, its a trans slice of life manga.
Final Thoughts
I Wanna Be Your Girl Vol. 1 is not here to educate. It’s here to show a deeply personal story between two teenagers trying to redefine what they mean to each other. And in doing so, it ends up saying a lot—about trans identity, about friendship, about the bittersweet pain of watching someone you love change and realizing that maybe you need to change, too. I Wanna Be Your Girl isn’t loud or preachy, it simply is—and in being so, it becomes one of the most emotionally sincere, slice of life, queer narratives in modern manga.
For fans of grounded, emotionally resonant manga with LGBTQ+ themes, this is a must-read. It’s a soft, sometimes awkward, but deeply honest first step in what promises to be a powerful story. And if you’re an otaku who thrives on character-driven tension and queer-coded nuance, you’ll find a lot to love here.
As a transgender woman myself, I found something deeply resonant in Umi Takase’s depiction of the unspoken emotional labor that comes with transitioning—especially in the way it affects friendships and the ways people perceive us even when they mean well.
What struck me most was Takase’s decision not to idealize the experience. She shows both the beautiful and ugly sides of coming into your identity: the strength, the fear, the awkwardness, the bittersweet feeling of outgrowing people who once felt like home. It’s rare for a manga to hit those notes without dipping into melodrama or flattening trans characters into meaningless, exuberant characters. This one doesn’t. It gives Akira room to exist as a person first, and as a trans girl second.
The awkward pauses. The inner monologues. The half-finished sentences when someone gets your pronouns wrong but you’re too tired or too scared to speak up. But also—the small wins. The validation. The friendships that shift but don’t break. The “gal pal” moments that feel like everything. Seeing a character like Akira navigate all of that—while still building new connections, while still trying to smile—felt quietly empathetic.
About “I Wanna Be Your Girl” Vol. 1
Preorder Your Copy Now!
Being in love with your childhood best friend can be complicated, especially when, right before high school, she transitions to living as a girl. Printed for the first time in English, this manga series tells a thoughtful story about the complications of first loves, friendship, and what it truly means to be an ally.
Hime has secretly been in love with her childhood best friend Akira for as long as she can remember. She was the first person who knew that Akira identified as a girl, and she made it her mission to be her Akira’s protector against the world. Hime is thrilled that Akira has finally decided to live as her true self now that they are starting high school.
However, as Akira starts to attract all types of attention, Hime takes it upon herself to aggressively stick up for Akira whenever necessary. Not wanting her to be singled out or bullied, Hime decides that her only option is to put herself in Akira’s shoes. Hime dresses like a boy in support of the friend she loves…too bad her plan only backfires on them both.
INTERVIEW
Want more of Takase? Read our exclusive interview with Umi Takase here.
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TOKYOPOP and Kinokuniya USA have announced a special summer art exhibition to celebrate the ongoing success of Lullaby of the Dawn, the acclaimed BL fantasy manga by creator Ichika Yuno. Titled Scenes from Lullaby of the Dawn: Celebrating 1.7 Million Copies Sold, the activation will take place at eight Kinokuniya store locations across five U.S. states from July through August 2025.
The limited-run in-store exhibits will showcase official artwork from the series and offer fans a chance to purchase manga volumes and exclusive licensed merchandise, including art prints, postcards, and sticker sets. Each exhibit will run for 10 days, with select dates aligning with major anime conventions such as Anime Expo, Anime Matsuri, and Anime NYC.
Exhibit Schedule and Locations
July 3–13: Kinokuniya Katy (TX) – during Anime Matsuri
July 3–13: Kinokuniya Los Angeles (CA) – during Anime Expo
July 18–27: Kinokuniya Austin (TX) and Kinokuniya Santa Anita (CA)
August 1–10: Kinokuniya Atlanta (GA) and Kinokuniya San Francisco (CA)
August 21–31: Kinokuniya New York (NY) – during Anime NYC
August 21–31: Kinokuniya Seattle (WA)
The exhibit celebrates the growing global fanbase of Lullaby of the Dawn, which won first place in the 2022 Chill Chill BL Awards’ Best Comic category. The story follows Elva, a kannagi warrior priest corrupted by the power of the black sea, and Alto, a devoted young villager who vows to serve him and help free him from his curse. Set in a rich fantasy world, the series explores themes of fate, loneliness, devotion, and healing.
“We’re very proud to partner with Kinokuniya USA to present this special exhibit for manga fans,” said Owais Farooqui, Director of Marketing and Sales at TOKYOPOP. “Several dates also coincide with some of North America’s biggest summer anime conventions, and we invite fans to add it as a must-see highlight on their con schedules.”
Kinokuniya also emphasized the collaboration’s significance, with East Coast Regional Manager Shigekazu Watanabe stating, “We are excited to present Scenes from Lullaby of the Dawn with TOKYOPOP and mark an important sales milestone for the series.”
The English edition of Lullaby of the Dawn is published under TOKYOPOP’s LoveLove imprint. The original Japanese edition is released by ShuCream, Inc. Explore the titles here.
About Lullaby of the Dawn
Elva, an immortal shaman with snow-white hair and cursed blackened limbs, battles nightmarish sea creatures to protect his island. Feared and isolated, his world changes when he meets Alto, a brave and loyal boy who pledges to serve him. As the years pass, Alto matures into a skilled warrior whose presence begins to undo the corruption within Elva’s body—and perhaps his heart.
Japanese audio brand AVIOT, operated by Preseed Japan Corporation, has officially launched its 2025 Spring/Summer Promo Tour with appearances scheduled at five major anime conventions throughout North America. Known for combining cutting-edge technology with fan-favorite characters, AVIOT will showcase and sell its unique line of character voice earbuds and exclusive collaboration merchandise during this promotional run.
Following appearances at Sakura-Con and Anime Boston earlier this year, the tour will continue with stops at OffKai Expo (June 19–21), Anime Expo (July 3–6), and Anime NYC (August 23–25). Fans attending these events will have a chance to explore AVIOT’s character voice earbuds—high-performance wireless earbuds featuring custom voice recordings, thematic artwork, and immersive audio tuning inspired by popular anime, games, and VTubers.
Each earbud model offers voice prompts voiced by the featured characters, including exclusive lines only available through the “Random Voice” function. Some models come equipped with multiple voice modes that can be toggled through a companion app, enhancing replayability and personal customization. In addition to fan-centric features, AVIOT earbuds include high-end specs such as active noise cancellation, long battery life, and premium sound quality. Many collaboration models are based on AVIOT’s award-winning TE-V1R, praised for its performance and design.
At each convention stop, AVIOT will host interactive booth displays with product demos, limited-run merchandise, and previews of upcoming collaborations currently open for pre-order. Supplies are limited, and product availability may vary at each event.
Frontier Works Inc. has announced an exclusive collaboration that merges the world of virtual pop idol Hatsune Miku and the Tokyo National Museum’s cultural preservation efforts. Titled the “Hatsune Miku × Tokyo National Museum Cultural Property Conservation Program,” this unique initiative brings limited-edition merchandise to North America and will be showcased at Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles.
Running from July 3 to July 6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Anime Expo attendees can experience the exhibit at the animate GROUP booth (South Hall, SH-504), where Frontier Works will display the collaborative collection. Exclusive ticket-style cards will be distributed only at the venue, and merchandise will be available for purchase on-site. Sample items from the made-to-order collection will also be on display.
This collaboration features Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin, and Kagamine Len reimagined through the lens of iconic Japanese cultural artifacts. Among the most anticipated items are those inspired by the Important Cultural Property “Robe (Kosode) with Autumn Flowers,” affectionately nicknamed “Fuyuki Kosode.” This includes “Fuyuki Kosode Miku,” developed as part of the Korin Kimono Restoration Project.
Other featured characters include “Beauty Looking Back Miku,” and new renditions such as “Haniwa: Warrior in ‘Keikō’ Armor Miku” and “Haniwa: Dancing People Rin & Len,” created for the “Dancing Haniwa & Beauty Looking Back Conservation Project.”
The collaborative goods will be available for pre-order beginning June 16, 2025 (PDT), exclusively through the animate USA Online Shop. The pre-order period will run until July 20, 2025. A portion of all sales will be donated to the Tokyo National Museum to support the conservation of cultural properties.
This project is a joint initiative between Crypton Future Media, the Tokyo National Museum, and the National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties.
Merchandise Highlights Include:
Fuyuki Kosode Miku Tenugui, Poster, Postcard, and Big Acrylic Stand
Beauty Looking Back Miku Tote Bag, Mouse Pad, Clear File, Acrylic Keychains, and Can Badges
Haniwa Series Acrylic Stands, Postcards, Stickers, and Mascot-themed Goods
