Will You Promise to Make Me the Center? Manga Gets a TV Anime Adaptation

What was announced

A television anime adaptation of Jun Wakatsuki's manga "Will You Promise to Make Me the Center?" (Watashi wo Center ni Suru to Chikaimasu ka?) is officially in the works. The project was revealed on July 8, 2026, alongside a teaser visual, and Wakatsuki marked the occasion with a celebratory illustration and a written comment. In that comment, the creator admitted to feeling nervous when first told an adaptation might happen, but credited the anime staff for scripts and character designs that are already shaping up nicely. A studio, staff, voice cast, and release date have not been announced.

The story

Known to readers by the shorthand "Watasen," the series is an underdog romantic comedy set in the world of idols. Mizuki Natsuno belongs to a national idol group but sits at the very bottom of its popularity rankings. When their parents remarry, Mizuki suddenly finds herself living with Koichi Okuda, one of her most devoted fans. Koichi learns that Mizuki freezes up in front of crowds, unable to smile or speak naturally, a flaw that has stalled her career and left her graduation from the group all but decided. Convinced she still has what it takes, Koichi insists she can reach the center position, and his conviction pushes Mizuki to chase the top spot with him at her side. The result is a "last place to center" story built on the bond between an idol and her fan.

Background

Wakatsuki's series first drew attention in 2023, when its opening chapter went viral on X and gathered roughly 40,000 reposts and 200,000 likes. It has since been serialized on Kodansha's Magazine Pocket app and has surpassed 200,000 copies in circulation. To mark the adaptation, the publisher opened a free reading campaign for the first two volumes on Magazine Pocket, running from July 9 through July 15, while the sixth volume goes on sale July 9.

What we know

For now the reveal is a first look rather than a full production announcement. The teaser visual pairs Mizuki and Koichi in a quiet everyday moment, but the anime's studio, director, voice cast, broadcast window, and streaming plans are all still to come. The creator's comment suggests scripts and designs are already underway, so idol romcom fans have another underdog story to keep an eye on. We will update this article as the production committee shares more.