Martial arts-focused duchess is such a fun twist—Maria prioritizing combat training over marriage creates a unique romance protagonist. The mistaken engagement premise sounds hilarious; the crown prince thinking she's someone else then falling for her ass-kicking is comedy gold. HoneyWorks feat. Airi Suzuki is perfect for this—their romantic, energetic style matches the fantasy romance tone. Strong female lead who kicks ass is refreshing; seeing Maria knock out bandits while navigating romance subverts typical damsel tropes.

A brand-new trailer was released for the Always a Catch! anime today, confirming an April 2026 broadcast start and previewing the fantasy romance series' opening theme song, "Chikai wa Kyun to." by HoneyWorks feat. Airi Suzuki.

Always a Catch! Anime Key Visual

WATCH THE MAIN TRAILER: Always a Catch! Anime Main Trailer

Opening Theme

"Chikai wa Kyun to." performed by HoneyWorks feat. Airi Suzuki

Cast

Maria Annovazzi - Yu Serizawa (Known for: Mona in Medaka Kuroiwa is Impervious to My Charms)

Renato di Rubini - Atsushi Tamaru (Known for: Oliver in Reign of the Seven Spellblades)

Aida Ametis - Saori Hayami (Known for: Yor in SPY x FAMILY)

Placido di Rubini - Shuichiro Umeda (Known for: Alec in The Banished Court Magician Aims to Become the Strongest)

Raimondo Cigata - Taku Yashiro (Known for: Jude in The Saint's Power is Omnipotent)

Production Staff

Director: Akira Oguro (GIANT BEASTS OF ARS)

Animation Studio: TROYCA

Series Composition: Michiko Yokote (Ruri Rocks)

Character Design: Isamu Suzuki (Shinobi no Ittoki)

Music: Kana Hashiguchi and Natsuki Hamada

Additional Staff

Action Animation Director: Kanako Ota Art Director: Xiaomiao Li Color Designer: Mariko Shinohara CG Director: Mitsutaka Iguchi Director of Photography: Asami Kawai Editor: Shota Migiyama Sound Director: Fumihika Otera

About the Series

Square Enix publishes an official English version of Kaki Nagato's manga adaptation.

The Story

Maria, the daughter of a duke, grew up believing she would one day inherit her father's dukedom. Accordingly, she focused her attentions on honing her martial arts prowess, while thoughts of marriage fell by the wayside. But the arrival of a baby brother in her family means she's losing her role as heir! Now that she's decided it's time to marry after all, she's arrived a little late to the game! Are there even any eligible bachelors left?

Upon going to study abroad in a neighboring country where she might still stand a chance at getting hitched, she's bewildered when the crown prince there declares before all that his engagement to her is null and void! Wait...what engagement?!

Apparently, he's mistaken her for the wrong girl! But once that's all cleared up and he catches sight of her knocking out a whole pack of bandits, it turns out that this prince may have a thing for ass-kicking young ladies after all...

Premiere Information

Date: April 2026

Are you excited for Always a Catch!? What do you think of the premise? Which cast member are you most interested in? Do you prefer strong or traditional female leads? Share your thoughts in the comments below!