The TV anime Watashi wo Center ni Suru to Chikaimasu ka? (Will You Swear to Make Me the Center?), based on the manga by Jun Wakatsuki serialized in Kodansha’s “Magazine Pocket,” has unveiled a wave of new information all at once: its main cast, staff lineup, opening theme details, key visual, and a teaser PV. The series is set to broadcast across the six-station TV Tokyo network.

Story

The series follows Natsuno Mizuki, the least popular member of the nationally beloved idol group Melty Strawberry (Merusuto), and Okuda Koichi, her one and only fan. Together, they fight their way up from the very bottom of the rankings toward the coveted center position.

Main Cast

• Natsuno Mizuki (Zukky) — the cool but hardworking idol, voiced by Kazuki Mikawa
• Okuda Koichi — a high school student and Mizuki’s devoted fan, voiced by Taihi Kimura
• Shirai Awayuki — Merusuto’s unshakeable center, voiced by Mai Kanno
• Fukuba Hatsune — a third-row Merusuto member, voiced by Yukari Anzai

Staff

• Director: Seiji Kishi
• Series Composition: Yuko Kakihara
• Character Design: Kazuaki Morita
• Animation Production: TEAM TillDawn

Opening Theme

The opening theme, 「何者でもなかった私だから」 (Nanimono demo Nakatta Watashi dakara), will be performed by singer-songwriter Yuika.

Berrytter Social Media Content

A social media tie-in called Berrytter launched on November 4, featuring accounts for ten characters including Mizuki, Koichi, Awayuki, Hatsune, and other Merusuto members — Kageyama Saki, Okamoto Emiko, Shiomi Mio, Sato Misuzu, Mochizuki Minoru, and Hoshino Lala — allowing fans to follow their daily lives and interactions in real time.

Cast & Artist Comments

Kazuki Mikawa (as Natsuno Mizuki)

I really want everyone who has an “oshi” to watch this! I’ve loved idols since I was little and have drawn so much strength from them. Taking on the role of idol Mizuki came with a lot of pressure, but I realized that feeling actually overlaps with Mizuki’s own experience — so now I’m throwing everything I have at this role. It’s cute and heartwarming, but also strikingly real. And above all… Zukky is absolutely adorable!

Taihi Kimura (as Okuda Koichi)

It all comes back to Zukky, doesn’t it! She’s a member of Melty Strawberry with a cool-beauty face that speaks for itself the moment you see her. Koichi, who fights with everything he has to get his beloved oshi to center stage, is truly the happiest otaku in the world. I’ll be playing him with all the energy I’ve got!

Mai Kanno (as Shirai Awayuki)

Awayuki is the undisputed center of a nationally beloved idol group — a charismatic presence with overwhelming star power. I’ve always admired her, so getting the call that I’d been cast was genuinely thrilling. The recording sessions have been joyful and warm. I hope viewers will be swept up by Awayuki’s charm both on and off the stage — and keep an eye on the feelings she harbors toward Mizuki.

Yukari Anzai (as Fukuba Hatsune)

When I first encountered this work at the audition, I was struck by how carefully and respectfully it portrays both the idol and fan perspectives. Hatsune is the eldest member in Merusuto’s third row — straightforward and quietly attentive to those around her. I’m a Hatsune solo-oshi myself. Fellow Hatsune fans are more than welcome — let’s cheer her on together!

Yuika (Opening Theme Artist)

Even though this story centers on idols, as a singer-songwriter I found so much of it resonating with me personally. I was nobody once — not the kind of person anyone would look up to or admire. But someone found me, and because of that I make music; because someone cheers me on, I keep making music. I wrote this song as a way of giving back to that person. I hope you’ll listen to it alongside the anime.