Watashi wo Center ni suru to Chikaimasu ka? anime reveals cast and characters

The anime adaptation of Watashi wo Center ni suru to Chikaimasu ka? has revealed its main cast and character profiles. The announcement includes the first promotional visual featuring Natsuno Mizuki, Okuda Kōichi and the members of Melty Strawberry, plus a teaser trailer and the production staff.

The series will air on six channels in the TV Tokyo network. A premiere date has not been confirmed yet.

Who plays each character

Kazuki Mikawa voices Natsuno Mizuki, the Melty Strawberry idol who ranks last in popularity. Taito Kimura plays Okuda Kōichi, her only fan. Mai Kanno is Shirai Awayuki, the group's undisputed center, and Yukari Anzai voices Fukuwa Hatsune, another MelSto member.

The four voice actors have shared comments about their roles. Mikawa highlights the pressure of playing an idol and how she connects with Mizuki's effort. Kimura jokes that Kōichi is "the happiest otaku in the world" and asks viewers to pay attention to the background comments, recorded by actors who are idol fans themselves. Kanno describes Awayuki as a charismatic, professional idol who never shows her true feelings. Anzai confesses that Hatsune is her oshi and welcomes fans who share that preference.

Meet MelSto

The official website has detailed the nine members of Melty Strawberry, nicknamed MelSto. Mizuki stands in the third row and goes by the nickname "Zukki": her expression barely changes and she hardly talks at handshake events, but she never misses a rehearsal. She likes melon bread.

Kōichi is a middle school student who always lines up alone in Mizuki's lane and organizes her birthday festival all by himself. When he talks about his oshi, he can't stop talking.

Awayuki, nicknamed "Awayuki" or "A-chan," is the front-row center and the group's number one. Her gestures, which some consider calculated, draw fans in. She likes strawberries.

Hatsune, "Hā-chan," is the oldest member of the third row. Polite, attentive and helpful, she looks after the others. She likes cod roe and cheap sweets, especially if she makes them herself.

The third row is completed by six other members: Saku-chan, who talks in her sleep and speaks formally to her groupmates; Nikorin, with her signature bun whose explanation changes depending on the day; Shiomin, who cooks the dorm menu; Mī-chama, who refers to herself as "boku" and measures everything by efficiency; Minorin, who also uses "boku" and drops a joke now and then; and Rara-pyon, the youngest and tallest, direct and full of energy.

What the story is about

The original manga by Jun Wakatsuki runs in Kodansha's Magazine Pocket. The story follows Mizuki, the least popular member of Melty Strawberry, and Kōichi, the only fan who lines up to see her. When he vows to make her the group's center, she responds with a condition: if he pulls it off, she will marry him.

The anime is directed by Seiji Kishi, with series composition by Yūko Kakihara, character designs by Kazuaki Morita and animation by TEAM TillDawn.

The teaser trailer and promotional visual are now available. The premiere date is still unannounced.