New cast details have been announced for the TV anime adaptation of Houkago no Idol ni wa Himitsu ga Aru (After-School Idol Has a Secret), based on the manga by Amane Kashiko, serialized in Hakusensha’s Young Animal Web.

Three ≒JOY Members Join as Classmates

All three newly revealed classmate characters will be voiced by members of idol group ≒JOY:

• Hofu — a slightly headstrong girl with a bob cut, voiced by Ozawa Manomi
• Saito — a cute, younger-sister-type girl with a side tail, voiced by Ezumi Reon
• Okaba — a gentle, easygoing girl with a black bowl cut, voiced by Onishi Aoi

Cast Comments

Ozawa Manomi (as Hofu)

Hofu is always hanging out with Okaba and Saito as a trio of close friends. Among the three, she’s a bit more mature and caring — the kind of person everyone wants to rely on. I hope viewers enjoy not just the sweet moments between Hiruno and Rei, but also the warm and lively school life scenes!

Ezumi Reon (as Saito)

Saito is the bright and bubbly one in the trio. I did my best to convey her energy and charm while having fun with the role. I hope everyone enjoys the story woven together by all these wonderful characters!

Onishi Aoi (as Okaba)

Okaba is the most easygoing of the three high school girls — approachable, down-to-earth, and genuine. I played her as a good classmate to Hiruno and Kuromiya, trying to capture the full feeling of youth. Please look forward to these three girls!

Ending Theme: “Naritai Watashi” by Aiiro Impulse

The ending theme song is “Naritai Watashi”, performed by the in-story idol unit Aiiro Impulse (藍色インパルス), made up of Kuromiya Rei (voiced by Tono Hikaru), Akai Sakura (voiced by Noguchi Iori of ＝LOVE), and Konno Sora (voiced by Maejima Ami). A 90-second preview of the track has been released.

Story & Broadcast Info

The story follows Hiruno Hizashi (voiced by Kawashima Reiji), whose life is turned upside down when he accidentally discovers that his classmate Kuromiya Rei is secretly an idol. The anime is scheduled to begin broadcasting in April 2027.

Staff & Cast

Staff

• Original Work: Amane Kashiko (Young Animal Web / Hakusensha)
• Director: Sato Hikaru
• Series Composition / Screenplay: Shimo Fumihiko
• Character Design: Kibidango 14-go
• Music: Kanzaki Satoru & MONACA
• Animation Studio: Gekkō (月虹)
• Producer: Aizawa Ryo (Starry Cube)

Cast

• Hiruno Hizashi: Kawashima Reiji
• Kuromiya Rei: Tono Hikaru
• Akai Sakura: Noguchi Iori (＝LOVE)
• Konno Sora: Maejima Ami
• Hofu: Ozawa Manomi (≒JOY)
• Saito: Ezumi Reon (≒JOY)
• Okaba: Onishi Aoi (≒JOY)