The light anime adaptation of Aoharu Once More will premiere in January 2027. According to the official announcement and teaser trailer released on November 10, 2026, the series will broadcast on TV Tokyo as part of the BALLOON production project. This short-form TV anime brings Toworu Miyata's popular boys' love manga to the screen following its successful run in digital and print formats.
The production serves as the third entry in the BALLOON project, a collaborative effort between DNP, Imagica Infos, Cybird, and BLUE RIGHTS. This initiative focuses on adapting boys' love titles into "light anime," a format typically characterized by shorter episode lengths and specialized animation techniques that bridge the gap between manga and full-scale television series.
What We Know
The series is being produced by animation studios Imagica Infos and Imageworks Studio, as reported by Anime News Network. Rikako Machida is directing the series, while the musical score is being composed by Morrigan from Wave.
The voice cast features returning talent from the franchise's previous media. Tasuku Kaito will voice Hayato Kobayashi, and Kazuki Ura will play Ritsu Onishi. Both actors are reprising their roles from the Aoharu Once More drama CD released in March 2026. Kaito and Ura are widely recognized for their lead roles in the Blue Lock franchise, adding significant profile to this adaptation.
The original manga by Toworu Miyata was serialized in ShuCream's digital magazine from RED between August 2024 and April 2025. It was later collected into a single volume in June 2025. The story follows Hayato Kobayashi as he navigates his memories and connection with the beautiful Ritsu Onishi, exploring a nostalgic high school bond.
Why It Matters
The Aoharu Once More light anime represents a continued expansion for the BALLOON project, which specializes in niche adaptations for the boys' love market. By casting the original drama CD leads, the production maintains continuity for existing fans who have followed the series since its early serialization.
The project also highlights the growing international reach of Miyata's work. Tokyopop recently brought the series to North American audiences, releasing the English-language volume on September 22, 2026. With a sequel manga, Aoharu Once More: The Lovers' Arc, currently in serialization since June 2026, the anime arrives while the source material is actively expanding.
Where to Watch or Read
While the anime's broadcast on TV Tokyo is confirmed for Japan, international streaming platforms have not yet announced licensing for the series. Previous BALLOON project titles have appeared on various regional services, but no specific provider has been named for this release as of November 2026.
Readers interested in the source material can find the manga volume published in English by Tokyopop. The volume was released on September 22, 2026, and is available through major book retailers. The sequel manga is currently being serialized in Japan, though an English release for the new arc has not been confirmed. Plans and prices for manga volumes vary by retailer and region.
What Happens Next
Aoharu Once More is scheduled to debut in January 2027. While the specific air time and day of the week have not been disclosed, the series will occupy a slot on the TV Tokyo schedule. Further details regarding the episode count and international distribution are expected to be released closer to the Winter 2027 season premiere.