It has been announced that the novel "The Fish That Got Away Was Big, But the Fish That Was Caught Was Too Big (Nige-zuri)" (Square Enix), written by Momoyo Manyo and illustrated by Mito Itsuki, will be adapted into a TV anime series that will air in the spring of 2026. The story is a love comedy about a militant young lady who is looking for a husband, and the comic version is serialized on the manga app "Manga UP!" (same publisher), and the series has sold over one million copies in total. The announcement of the TV anime series took place on "Good Fish Day," which runs from November 3rd to 7th.
Maria (nicknamed Mimi), the daughter of the Duke of Annovazzi, a family renowned for its martial arts, is the youngest child, but her talent for martial arts is discovered and she is raised as the heir. However, when her younger brother is born, she is suddenly forced to step down from this role and study abroad in the neighboring Kingdom of Rubini, where she works hard to find a husband. However, at the graduation party for her Royal Academy, she meets the prince of the Kingdom of Rubini, Renato di Rubini, for the first time and declares that he is breaking off their engagement, despite her having no recollection of doing so... This is the story.
The anime will be directed by Akira Oguro, with series composition by Michiko Yokote and character design by Isamu Suzuki, and will be produced by TROYCA.
The main cast has also been announced, with Yu Serizawa playing Maria Annovazzi and Tamaru Atsushi playing Renato di Rubini. It has also been announced that Saori Hayami will play Aida Ametis, the daughter of the Duke of Ametis in the Kingdom of Rubini, Shuichiro Umeda will play Placido di Rubini, Renato's younger brother, and Yashiro Taku will play Raimondo Cigata, the son of the Marquis of Cigata in the Kingdom of Rubini.
A teaser visual was released, depicting Maria in a gorgeous dress against the backdrop of a blue sky with roses falling. A teaser PV was also released, depicting Maria confused by the sudden cancellation of her engagement.
◇Comment from the original author, Momoyo Manyo
It's truly a big catch! Team Anime has joined us on "Runaway Fishing," which has set sail on the open seas with both fantastic illustrations and manga as its engines! This is all thanks to everyone who was involved in the production and everyone who supported us. We are truly grateful. It's a lively and happy romantic comedy from start to finish. We hope you'll enjoy it together.
◇Comment from original author (illustrator) Itsuki Mito
Congratulations on the anime adaptation of "Nigezuri"! I'm already feeling excited and nervous at the thought of my favorite scenes being gorgeously and vividly portrayed in a visual work that fully captures the charm of Nigezuri...! The Nigezuri team is made up of very warm and motivated members, who have put a lot of thought into the production in order to convey the charm of the work. As someone involved in the original illustrations, I want to work even harder!
◇Comment from Nagato Oyster, the comic adaptation artist
My name is Nagato Kaki and I am in charge of the comic adaptation of "The Fish That Got Away Was Big, But the Fish That Got Caught Was Too Big!" That's right everyone! "The Fish That Got Away" is being made into an anime!!! You'll be able to see Mimi's punches and uppercuts like this on screen! Aren't you really looking forward to it...?!??? Congratulations to Momoyo-sensei and Mito-sensei! As a fan, this is very good news, and I have been given the opportunity to participate in the project as a member of the "original team"! The novel, comic adaptation and anime are all bright and lively works full of Mimi power, so I hope everyone will enjoy them!
◇Comment from Yu Serizawa, who plays Maria Annovazzi
I'm Yu Serizawa, and I'll be playing Maria (Mimi). Mimi is a really pleasant girl to watch; she's a tomboy with a carefree personality, and she says everything out loud, so she's completely honest and has no hidden agenda! You just can't take your eyes off her! She's also a girl who has grown up receiving a lot of love. That includes her father and family, as well as the original author Momoyo Manyo and the production staff, and above all, all the fans of the original work. I played Mimi with just as much love, so I hope to bring just as much to the role. I hope I can make lots of people smile! Thank you!
◇Comment from Atsushi Tamaru, who plays Renato Di Rubini
I'm Tamaru Atsushi, and I'll be playing Renato. This work features many characters who aren't exactly orthodox, including the main character Mimi. Renato is portrayed as noble and dignified, but there are also many scenes that make the viewer want to make a comment. I'm having fun every episode dubbing a character that you wouldn't imagine from his appearance, and a story that deviates from what you would expect. I'm sure that the fun will be doubled when it reaches you. Look forward to it!
◇Comment from Saori Hayami, who plays Aida Amethyst
Aida is a kind person with a strong core and dignity, and she warmly supports the main character, Maria. Maria is always cheerful and gives energy to those around her, and the exchanges with her were such a happy time that I couldn't help but smile in front of the microphone. Also, please pay attention to the adorable exchanges between Aida and Prince Placido. Please look forward to the broadcast!
◇Comment from Shuichiro Umeda, who plays Placido di Rubini
I'm Shuichiro Umeda, and I'll be playing the role of Placido di Rubini! Mimi, who challenges the glittering world with all her might, is very charming, and it was a fun story to read! Placido has a gentle gaze and a lovely demeanor. I recorded the scene with the intention of portraying both his royal side and his life-sized side. Please look forward to the broadcast!
◇Comment from Taku Yashiro, who plays Raymond Chigata
My name is Yashiro Taku and I will be playing the role of Raymond. He is mainly an attendant to Prince Renato and always keeps a watchful eye on him. He is a very serious character who approaches his work honestly. However, his actions may be a little funny to those around him because he cares so much about Prince Renato. I hope you will enjoy these aspects as well.
