KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE - Press Notes and Images For New Anime Series

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

Source: Pony Canyon, Inc.
Official Site: https://otomekaiju.com/ (Japan)
Special Thanks to Yuri Matsui and Andrew Nguyen

Teaser visual. Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

Pony Canyon, Inc. has provided SciFi Japan with press notes and pics from the highly-anticipated new anime series, KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE (乙女怪獣キャラメリゼ, Otome Kaijū Kyaramerize). The show will air on Japanese television starting July 2.

The following text is courtesy of Pony Canyon...

High School Girl × Kaiju?!

An over-the-top romantic comedy of epic proportionsー Now, finally coming to anime!

The original manga Kaiju Girl Caramelise has been serialized in Kadokawa's Monthly comic alive (月刊コミックアライブ, Gekkan Komikku Araibu) since 2018, with total circulation exceeding 230,000 copies. It is a romantic comedy on an unprecedented scale that turns the conventions of shojo manga upside down.

High school girl Kuroe Akaishi suffers from an unexplained condition and falls in love with Arata Minami, the most popular boy at her school. The moment her feelings surge, the giant kaiju Harugon suddenly appears in Tokyo!

Now, finally comes the anime adaptation, set to premiere in July 2026. Adding to the fun, the KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE anime will be featured at 3 major conventions across the US and Germany! Fans can look forward to exclusive screenings and panels at Anime Expo (US), Otakon (US), and AnimagiC (Germany) with special guest appearances and exclusive premieres!

Main visual (Japanese). Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

Main visual (English). Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

■STORY

Love... or Destruction?

Kuroe Akaishi, a high-school girl suffering from a mysterious illness, has always lived avoiding others because of her awkwardness in social situations.

One fateful encounter leads her to fall in love with Arata Minami—the most popular boy in her class.

And the moment she realizes her feelings, the dormant power within her awakens…

A battle between love and reason is in conflict.

A shocking twist that shatters the conventions of shoujo manga is about to sweep across Japan!

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

■CHARACTERS & CAST

The anime features a stellar voice cast, including Hikari Senga, Daishi Kajita, Akira Sekine, Haruka Shiraishi, Kotono Mitsuishi, Katsuyuki Konishi, and Eriko Matsui.

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELIS

Kuroe Akaishi

A high school girl troubled by a mysterious, unknown illness.

Because she has feared the effects of her condition, she has avoided interacting with people since she was little, and as a result has become a rather gloomy girl.

She loves drawing and has a big sweet tooth.

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon.

Character Voice: Hikari Senga

I’m Hikari Senga, the voice of Kuroe Akaishi.

As Kuroe grows through the experience of “falling in love,” I, too, poured my heart into the role, learning and exploring alongside her every step of the way.

I hope you enjoy her ever-changing expressions and gestures, as well as the pop, cute, and grand world of the series!

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELIS

Arata Minami

A handsome, photogenic guy who is in Kuroe's class.

He’s natural and a bit clueless, and because he doesn’t really understand personal space, he often ends up troubling Kuroe. He has a complex about how he looked back in middle school, so he’s careful about managing his calories.

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon.

CV: Daishi Kajita

I’m Daishi Kajita, and I have the honor of playing Arata Minami.

Arata is the most popular boy at school, bright, kind, and full of charm. Although he has his own struggles, he begins to grow after his encounter with Akaishi-san.

I approached the role with care, staying close to his feelings every step of the way.

There are plenty of unexpected twists in store, so please look forward to the broadcast!

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELIS

Manatsu Tomosato

A beautiful girl at Kuroe’s school who absolutely loves monsters (kaiju). She adores Harugon and believes that Kuroe is actually Harugon’s shrine maiden. She’s very well-endowed.

CV: Akira Sekine

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon.

I’m Akira Sekine, and I’ll be voicing Manatsu Tomosato. So exciting and thrilling!

This series is packed with all the energy of youth and heart-pounding moments!

Manatsu is an absolutely adorable girl, but… I’d love for you to discover the details by watching the anime! (Haha) Please enjoy watching these girls shine in their youth!

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELIS

Raimu Kono

A popular influencer who ends up in the same class as Kuroe after the new school year’s class shuffle.

Bright and friendly, she gets along with everyone. She’s skilled at makeup and often shares her recommended cosmetics with Kuroe. Her nickname is "Rairi".

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon.

CV: Haruka Shiraishi

I’m Haruka Shiraishi, and I play “Rairi”, Raimu Kono!

She may look like a “super-positive, sparkly gal☆”, but has hidden feelings and secrets beneath the surface... Whether her school-life self or spending time with Kuro-taso, I’ll do my very best so you’ll love with every side of her! The character designs are just unbelievably cute, so I can’t wait for everyone to see them in motion.

Thank you for your support!☆

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELIS

Rinko Akaishi

Kuroe’s slightly overprotective mother. A huge fan of the singer Mayumi Hamasaki.

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon.

CV: Kotono Mitsuishi

Rinko is Kuroe’s foster mother, but at heart, she’s a cheerful and fun-loving big sister type. Knowing the reason why Kuroe turns into ■■ when she falls in love, she quietly watches over Kuroe’s romantic journey… or does she?

With heart-pounding romance, a giant kaiju, and the mystery behind Kuroe’s secret, this is a story packed with must-see highlights!

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELIS

Kotaro Hibino

A biologist who conducted research in East Africa and was once a colleague of Rinko Akaishi.

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon.

CV: Katsuyuki Konishi

I’m Katsuyuki Konishi, and I’m thrilled to be joining the cast as Kotaro Hibino!

I’ve been reading the manga for a long time, so I never imagined I’d actually get to be part of it.

It’s an incredibly cute and heart-fluttering series, so I hope you’ll enjoy it! And please check out how Kotaro gets involved in the story!

And, he’s a true metalhead who genuinely loves heavy metal!

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELIS

Jumbo King

The Akaishi family’s clever pet dog. Adorable.

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon.

CV: Eriko Matsui

I’m Matsui, and voicing Jumbo King! This series is warm, adorable, and full of heart, and truly a wonderful work.

Jumbo King is already so cute in the original manga, and I can’t wait to see that charm animated.

The recording sessions were so lively and fun, so I hope that feeling reaches all of you. Please enjoy the broadcast!

Woof woof!

Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

■STAFF COMMENTS

◆Director: Teruyuki Omine

This is the story about a sweet yet intense romantic comedy × kaiju.

What happens when Kuroe, who believes she’ll never be accepted by others, meets Arata? As she connects with those around her, she discovers many things and shows many emotions, such as anger, joy, and sadness, making her a truly charming heroine. The surrounding characters are just as incredibly captivating and compelling as Kuroe herself, so we hope you’ll enjoy them in the main story!

New illustration by original manga creator, Spica Aoki. Photo courtesy of Pony Canyon. ©Spica Aoki/KADOKAWA/Project KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

◆Series Composition: Yuniko Ayana

Like caramelizing the surface of a crème brûlée, heat a heart-fluttering shōjo romance with a kaiju’s beam, and you get KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE. With the anime team’s passion added, please enjoy it together with Spica Aoki’s original manga.

◆Series Composition: Yuniko Ayana

Romance, laughter, and even destruction (!).

Please look forward to this one-of-a-kind world where the thrill of love creates something both lovely and destructive. I will do my utmost to bring out the sparkling charm of these dazzling characters!

◆Original Manga Creator: Spica Aoki

Thanks to all the Caramelize fans, Kuroe and the others are becoming an anime! Thank you so much.

With the help of an amazing staff, this adaptation brings out many charms that couldn’t be fully depicted in the original work.

We hope you’ll continue to support Anime Caramelize, aka Animelize, as well!

■CONVENTION SCHEDULE & EVENT DETAILS

Anime Expo will kick things off on July 3 with a special panel featuring a special screening of Episode 1 and the North American Premiere of Episode 2. Following that, Otakon will welcome Director Teruyuki Omine and Animation Producer Yuya Ogisu, while AnimagiC will host the original manga author, Spica Aoki, alongside publishing and production representatives. This over-the-top "High School Girl × Kaiju" romantic comedy is officially taking over the global stage!

1. Anime Expo (Los Angeles, USA | July 2-5, 2026 )

・Panel Title: KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE: The Kaiju-Sized?! North American Premiere

・Date & Time: July 3, 2026, from 2:45 PM – 3:35 PM (Local Time)

・Location: Panel Room 403AB, Los Angeles Convention Centre

・Details: Join us for a special screening of Episode 1 and the North American Premiere of Episode 2! The panel will feature exclusive giveaways and a Kaiju-sized stage packed with laughs and love.

・Booth Info: A featured booth inside the PONY CANYON Booth (South Hall 1520) will offer Kuroe’s tail and horn 'try-on' costume experiences, exclusive novelty items, and a special peel-off wall display.

・Website: https://www.anime-expo.org/

2. Otakon (Washington D.C., USA | July 31 – August 2, 2026)

・Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center

・Details: Enjoy a screening of Episode 5 followed by the North American Premiere of Episode 6!

・Special Guests: Teruyuki Omine (Director) and Yuya Ogisu (Animation Producer, LIDENFILMS) will take the stage to share exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the anime's production. The highly anticipated autograph sessions with both guests are also scheduled for local fans!

・Website: https://otakon.com/

3. AnimagiC (Mannheim, Germany | July 31 – August 2, 2026 )

・Location: Rosengarten Mannheim

・Details: Catch the special screening of Episode 5, along with the European Premiere of Episode 6!

・Special Guests: Spica Aoki (Original Manga Author), Taiki Akasaka (Editor in charge / KADOKAWA), and Yuuka Ebihara (Producer / TBS) will be in attendance for special screening events. And, a limited autograph session opportunity with Spica Aoki is also planned for fans at the event!

・Booth Info: A featured booth dedicated to the series will be hosted inside the PONY CANYON Booth (E2-06), featuring Kuroe tail and horn 'try-on' costume experiences, exclusive novelty items, and a special peel-off wall display.

・Website: https://animagic.de/

[Please Note] For detailed schedules and booth locations, please refer to the official website of each respective convention or the official anime social media accounts.

■CREDITS

◆VOICE CAST
Kuroe Akaishi: Hikari Senga
Arata Minami: Daishi Kajita
Manatsu Tomosato: Akira Sekine
Raimu Kono: Haruka Shiraishi
Rinko Akaish: Kotono Mitsuishi
Kotaro Hibino: Katsuyuki Konishi
Jumbo King: Eriko Matsui

◆STAFF
Original Manga: Kaiju Girl Caramelise by Spica Aoki
Director: Teruyuki Omine
Series Composition: Yuniko Ayana
Character Design: Mitomi Nakayama (NUT)

Produced by: GOOD SMILE FILM
Animation Production: LIDENFILMS

◆PUBLICATION INFORMATION
Kaiju Girl Caramelise (serialized in Monthly comic alive / KADOKAWA)
Original Manga: Spica Aoki
Volumes 1-8 are currently available!

◆OFFICIAL MEDIA (Japanese)
Website: https://otomekaiju.com
X (@Otome_Kaiju): https://x.com/Otome_Kaiju
YouTube (@GoodsmileJP): https://www.youtube.com/@GoodsmileJP