A new visual has been released for the TV anime "Hanazakari no Kimitachi e," based on the popular shojo manga by the late Hisaya Nakajo, which was also adapted into a live-action drama. It depicts the protagonist Mizuki, who has advanced to her second year at Sakurazaki Academy, and her friends, with whom she is beginning to form bonds.
Additional cast members were also announced, including Masaaki Mizunaka as Tennoji Megumi, Junya Enoki as Kujo Taketsuki, and Takehito Koyasu as Himejima Masao.
Mizunaka commented, "Tennoji Megumi is the dorm manager of the first dorm and also the captain of the karate club. He has a passionate and straightforward personality, so I hope to be able to fully express his charm, including his power and contrast!!! Osu!!!"
Enoki said, "I think there's something mysterious about Kujo that makes it hard to know what he's thinking, so I hope I can portray that in an interesting way! Thank you!"
Koyasu commented, "I was very happy to be able to play Himejima again, a character I have fond memories of with Nakajo-sensei. At the same time, I also felt a bit resentful that so much time has passed for me. To put it simply, I wish I had played the role when I was younger (laughs)." Regarding his role as Himejima, he said, "It was very stimulating to voice Himejima as she moves in the anime. The other actors around me are young, but I will do my best to raise my voice so that I don't lose out in spirit. Koyasu Takehito will continue to do his best! Please support me!"
The series is a school comedy that was serialized in the manga magazine "Hana to Yume" (Hakusensha) from 1996 to 2004. The story follows Ashiya Mizuki, a girl who disguises herself as a boy and transfers to an all-boys boarding school in order to meet her crush, Sano Izumi. She lives her school life without anyone realizing her true identity, until one day her true identity is discovered to be a girl. It was also made into a TV series in 2007 and 2011, which became a hot topic. The anime is directed by Takemura Natsuki and produced by Signal MD. The cast includes Yamane Akari as Ashiya Mizuki, Yashiro Taku as Sano Izumi, and Toya Kikunosuke as Nakatsu Shuichi.
