The loner befriending the popular girl is wholesome—Maehara and Asanagi's connection through shared interests creates a genuine friendship foundation. Second prettiest is such a specific detail that makes it unique; most series would just say "the prettiest," so this specificity adds character. Finding friends through shared interests is relatable—bonding over B-grade movies at a video store feels authentic rather than contrived. April 2026 rom-com season is looking strong—between this, Eren the Southpaw, and others, spring will be packed with romance.

Friendship (and maybe more!) will bloom this spring! The anime adaptation of I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class locked in an April 2026 release window in today's new announcements — as well as sharing an official trailer and key visual.

WATCH THE TRAILER: I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class Trailer

I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class Key Visual

Opening Theme

"Submarine Youth" performed by rock band reGretGirl

The opening theme is previewed in the trailer.

Production Staff

Director: Hideki Tachibana (The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio)

Animation Studio: CONNECT

Series Composition: Keiichiro Ochi (Girlfriend, Girlfriend)

Character Design: Shoko Takimoto (Slow Loop)

Assistant Director: Takumi Shibata (Jingai-san no Yome director)

Music: Ruka Kawada, Yayoi Sekimukai, and Shuhei Mutsuki

About the Series

The series is based on the light novels of the same name by Takata. Yen Press publishes an official English version of Rin Ono's manga adaptation.

The Story

Maki Maehara is always on his own at school. He has no friends or hobbies others share, and he doesn't expect the upcoming academic year to be any different, even surrounded by new faces. And six months later, it seems like he was right—until he runs into his popular classmate Umi Asanagi at a video store!

Always at the center of attention and called the "second prettiest in class" by the boys, Asanagi's from a totally different world. But it turns out the two have more overlapping interests than just the B-grade movies they came to check out...and Asanagi asks Maehara to be her friend!

Premiere Information

Date: April 2026

Are you excited for this rom-com? What do you think of the premise? Do you prefer friendship-first or romance-first stories? Will you check out the manga? Share your thoughts in the comments below!