Being the only fan of an idol must have its perks, but probably no one expected one of them to be the possibility of ending up marrying their favorite artist. Bandai Namco Filmworks presented the first trailer of Promise Me the Spotlight (Watashi o Center ni Suru to Chikaimasuka?), a new romantic comedy based on Jun Wakatsuki’s manga. The announcement came with a promotional image, the first members of the voice cast, and the team behind the animated production.

The trailer introduces Mizuki Natsuno, better known as Zukki, a member of the popular idol group Melty Strawberry who has a small problem: she is the least popular of all. Although she puts in a lot of effort during rehearsals and performances, her serious expression and somewhat cold way of treating others haven’t exactly helped her win over fans. In fact, there is only one person who seems interested in supporting her unconditionally.

An Idol Who Could Marry Her Only Fan

The story follows Koichi Okuta, a high school student completely obsessed with Mizuki. While the other members of Melty Strawberry have numerous admirers, he is usually the only one in line to meet his idol during fan events. He even organizes activities to celebrate her birthday, even if he has to do it practically alone.

However, things take a rather unexpected turn when, due to different circumstances, Koichi ends up living under the same roof as Mizuki. The boy takes advantage of this opportunity to make her a promise: he will make her the center of Melty Strawberry, the most important position in the group. The girl’s response is just as bold, as she assures him that if he really manages to bring her to the top, she will accept marrying him.

Thus begins an unusual relationship between an idol struggling to make a name for herself and a fan willing to dedicate practically his entire life to her. Of course, becoming the center of such a popular group won’t be easy, especially when they have to compete with other members who already have the public’s affection.

The Anime Brings Together Voices from Solo Leveling and Idoly Pride

Regarding the voice cast, four main members were announced, including actors who have participated in other idol and romantic comedy productions:

• Mizuki Natsuno: Haruna Mikawa, known for voicing Jinah Sung in Solo Leveling and Satsuki Amamiya in mono.
• Koichi Okuta: Taihi Kimura, who previously voiced Takeru Narihira in Onmyo Kaiten Re:Birth Verse.
• Awayuki Shiroi: Mai Kanno, recognized for voicing Sakura Kawasaki in Idoly Pride. Her character will be the most popular member and the undisputed center of Melty Strawberry.
• Hatsune Fukuba: Yukari Anzai, who voiced Tiara in Lapis Re:LiGHTs. She will bring to life an idol who is always attentive to her colleagues.

Regarding the production team, Seiji Kishi will be in charge of directing at TEAM TillDawn studios. The director is known for his work in Assassination Classroom and Classroom of the Elite, while Yuko Kakihara, who participated in the scripts of Cells at Work!, will handle the series’ composition. Character designs will be the responsibility of Kazuaki Morita, who also worked on Assassination Classroom.

Additionally, it was confirmed that Yuika will perform the opening titled Nanimono demo Nakatta Watashi Dakara, which roughly translates to “Because I Was Nobody.” The singer explained that she wrote the song thinking about the support she received from people who discovered her music when she was still an unknown artist, something that also relates to Mizuki’s story and her only supporter.

It is worth remembering that the original manga of Promise Me the Spotlight began its publication in 2022 in Kodansha’s Shonen Magazine Edge magazine before moving to the digital service Magazine Pocket. The work currently has six compiled volumes and continues to be published. For now, the anime adaptation has been confirmed to air on TV Tokyo, although no release date has been announced yet.

Would you be willing to make your favorite idol the most popular in the group if she promised to marry you, or do you think Koichi is taking fan support a bit too far?