You Can’t Be in a Rom-Com with Your Childhood Friends! Anime Coming to Crunchyroll in 2026 💖🎬

The childhood-friends-to-lovers trope is about to get turned upside down in one of the most anticipated romantic comedies of 2026. You Can’t Be in a Rom-Com with Your Childhood Friends! (Japanese: 幼馴染とはラブコメにならない, Hepburn: Osananajimi to wa Rabu Kome ni Naranai) is officially set to stream on Crunchyroll next year, bringing a tangled love triangle, plenty of laughs, and a whole lot of heart.

Adapted from Shinya Misu’s popular manga series, the anime will be produced by Tezuka Productions (the studio behind Astro Boy and Kids on the Slope). Fans of school rom-coms with messy emotions and awkward confessions won’t want to miss this one.

💕 The Story: Childhood Friends, Secrets, and Awkward Love

"Complicated doesn’t even begin to cover it!"

At the center of the series is Eeyuu, a high school boy facing an impossible dilemma: both of his childhood friends—Shio Minamo and Akari Hiodoshi—have grown up into stunning young women. He tries to hide his attraction, terrified of ruining their friendship if they discover the truth.

But here’s the twist: Shio and Akari aren’t as innocent as they seem. Both girls have secrets of their own, making this seemingly one-sided struggle much more complex than Eeyuu imagines. The result? A sweet, impatient, and twisted romantic comedy about the blurred lines between friendship and love.

🎙️ The Characters & Voice Cast

The anime’s main trio is brought to life by a stellar voice cast:

• Shio Minamo (CV: Rin Kusumi) – Kind and gentle, but harboring her own hidden feelings.

• Akari Hiodoshi (CV: Yū Serizawa) – Cheerful and bold, adding plenty of tension to the triangle.

• Runa Tsukimi (CV: Sae Hiratsuka) – A supporting character who might just shake up the dynamic even further.

With Tezuka Productions behind the animation, expect a bright, expressive art style that highlights both the humor and heartache of high school romance.

📖 From Manga to Anime

The manga began serialization on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket in March 2022 and has since released 17 volumes. Its popularity stems from its playful yet painfully relatable take on the "childhood friends" romance trope, subverting expectations with surprising twists and heartfelt moments.

The anime adaptation was announced in April 2025, and since then, fans have eagerly awaited confirmation that it will be streaming globally. Now, with Crunchyroll officially on board, the wait is almost over.

📺 Streaming & Release Details

• Studio: Tezuka Productions

• Genre: Romantic Comedy

• Streaming: Crunchyroll (Worldwide)

• Release Window: 2026 (exact date TBA)

With its blend of awkward humor, heartfelt romance, and messy love triangles, You Can’t Be in a Rom-Com with Your Childhood Friends! is shaping up to be a must-watch for anime fans who love romantic tension with a comedic bite.

🌸 Final Thoughts

This isn’t just another high school rom-com—it’s a story that digs into the chaos of growing up with the people who know you best. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when friendship and romance collide in the messiest way possible, this anime promises to deliver laughter, tears, and plenty of "what-if" moments.

"Childhood friends are the best… but can they really be more than that?"

Get ready to find out in 2026, only on Crunchyroll.