'You and I Are Polar Opposites' Anime Cast Expands with Miyuri Shimabukuro and Wataru Katoh, Set for January 2026 Debut

The highly anticipated television anime adaptation of Kocha Agasawa’s manga, You and I Are Polar Opposites (Japanese: 正反対な君と僕, Seihantai na Kimi to Boku), is generating further excitement with the addition of two prominent voice actors to its cast. Miyuri Shimabukuro and Wataru Katoh are set to voice the supporting characters Azuma and Taira, respectively, who are classmates of the central duo, Suzuki and Tani. This casting news was revealed during the ABEMA Anime Festival 2025 stage event in Shibuya, an occasion that also featured new character visuals and comments from the newly announced cast members.

New Cast Members Join the Production

Miyuri Shimabukuro takes on the role of Azuma, a character described as a mature and insightful girl with a somewhat cynical perspective, despite her lack of personal romantic experience. Shimabukuro expressed her excitement and the responsibility of the role, noting that while she has not encountered someone like Azuma in her own life, she feels an emotional connection to the character. She is committed to portraying Azuma with care and understanding.

Wataru Katoh portrays Taira, a boy characterized by his often cynical demeanor and a noticeable lack of self-confidence, frequently grappling with insecurity when comparing himself to peers. Together, Azuma and Taira have been affectionately termed “TairAzuma” by the fanbase, a portmanteau highlighting their popularity as a supportive and complementary pair within the narrative.

Production Details and Manga Background

Slated for a January 2026 premiere, with global streaming available via Crunchyroll, the anime is being produced by Lapin Track studio, under the direction of Takakazu Nagatomo. The creative team includes Teruko Utsumi as both series composer and animation producer, alongside Mako Miyako as the character designer. Naho Kozono contributes as sub-character designer and co-chief animation director, while the musical score will be crafted by tofubeats.

Kocha Agasawa’s original manga, serialized on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ from May 2022 to November 2024, achieved significant success, with over 1.45 million copies in circulation and critical acclaim, including recognition at the Manga Taisho awards. Both established manga followers and new viewers can anticipate a grounded and relatable romantic comedy that captures the earnest spirit of high school romance. With its expanding voice cast and creative team, You and I Are Polar Opposites is positioned to be a highlight of the Winter 2026 anime season.