The yuri anime universe has gained a new chapter in early 2026, thanks to the digital release of the sequel to “There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…” (known as WATANARE). The company REMOW, responsible for distribution, made the five new episodes of the series, titled “Next Shine,” available in a single video on its YouTube channel, with English subtitles. This move, which facilitates global access for fans, comes right after the television broadcast in Japan, which took place on the first day of this year on channels such as Tokyo MX and BS11.
The decision to release the content on YouTube is a clear strategy to reach the international audience directly, especially Brazilian fans who consume anime via streaming. With a scheduled re-broadcast on the AT-X channel on January 10, the sequel is actually a re-edited version of the limited theatrical release that took place in Japan between November and December of last year. Thus, the story continues exactly from where the 12th and final episode of the previous season left off, which premiered in July, deepening the conflicts and relationships of the romantic comedy.
Behind the Scenes: The Team That Brought the Sequel
The anime’s direction was handled by Natsumi Uchinuma, a professional with credits on hits like “More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers.” However, supervision and scripts were led by Naruhisa Arakawa, another heavyweight name responsible for acclaimed series. Additionally, the character design, signed by artist kojikoji, maintains the visual charm that captivated fans since the original light novels, published by Shueisha starting in 2020. The soundtrack, composed by Yoshiaki Fujisawa, completes the experience, promising to further engage the viewer.
Therefore, for enthusiasts of the genre, this release represents a valuable opportunity to follow the evolution of a work that already has a manga adaptation. Thus, with the accessibility offered by YouTube and the maintained production quality, “WATANARE: Next Shine” establishes itself as one of the highlights of the otaku calendar for January 2026. The next step, naturally, will be to observe the reception of the international audience and its impact on discussions within the community.
