"Arisugawa Ren Is Actually a Girl." is the long-awaited anime adaptation of the mega-popular romantic comedy manga by Norito Asatsuki-sensei.
A standout Winter 2026 anime from "AnimeFesta Original," known for the "Monk" timeslot.
The true identity of popular male talent Arisugawa Ren is... actually a girl!?
A heart-pounding romantic comedy depicting the secret cohabitation of unpopular college student Kyohei and Ren, who works as a handsome male talent.
The original manga has been beloved for over 10 years since serialization began, and this anime adaptation comes about 5 years after its completion - a work fans have been waiting for.
Ren is cool and handsome in front of cameras, but shows her maiden side only to Kyohei... that gap is sure to make your heart skip a beat 💕
① Cross-dressing × Beautiful Girl Gap Appeal
Ren is hugely popular in showbiz as a "handsome male talent."
But her true self is a maiden whose complex is not being feminine enough.
The gap between her cool cross-dressed appearance and her shy true face is irresistible 💕
② Forbidden Cohabitation Between Cousins
Kyohei and Ren are childhood friends and cousins.
Ren, running away from work, crashes at Kyohei's apartment, starting their secret cohabitation.
Their private "secret" keeps hearts racing 🏠
③ Story Set in the Entertainment Industry
Ren works in showbiz as a popular talent.
Co-starring with idol unit "Haru×Momo" and relationships with manager Satsuki - the glamorous entertainment world is the stage.
Thrilling developments continue as they worry about the secret being exposed ✨
④ Unique Heroines
Beyond main heroine Ren, there's manager Satsuki with her bad drinking habits, graceful idol Momoka, cool-type Haruna, and free-spirited Hina - charming female characters gather.
Each personality colors the story 👭
⑤ Anime Adaptation Over 10 Years in the Making
This anime adaptation comes about 10 years after the original manga serialization began and about 5 years after its completion.
The joy of seeing a work beloved by fans for years brought to animation is exceptional.
Content enjoyable for both original fans and newcomers 🎉
① When Will Ren's Secret Be Exposed?
Ren works in showbiz as a "male."
Will others besides Kyohei learn the secret? Watch for thrilling developments.
Nail-biting scenes where the secret almost gets exposed are must-see 😰
② Where Kyohei and Ren's Relationship Goes
From their relationship as cousins, how will their feelings develop?
For Ren, Kyohei has "always been someone precious."
Watch for the moment their bond from childhood transforms into romance 💘
③ Rival Characters Appear
The existence of Sugisaki Hina, who had an "intimate" relationship with Kyohei, is intriguing.
How will the free-spirited Hina get involved with their relationship...
Look forward to love triangle developments 😏
④ Idol Unit "Haru×Momo"
Watch for the activities of idol duo "Haru×Momo" who co-star with Ren.
The combo of graceful Momoka and cool Haruna livens up the story.
Looking forward to how their relationship with Ren is portrayed 🎤
⑤ Premium Version Available
AnimeFesta exclusively streams the "Premium Version (Uncut ver.)."
Enjoy content that goes further than what's shown on broadcast TV.
Packed with this work's appeal as adult-oriented content 🔞
① Fateful Reunion
Unpopular college student Arisugawa Kyohei's only bragging right is being cousins with popular talent Arisugawa Ren.
The two hadn't met since growing up.
One night, Ren, running away from work, secretly crashed at Kyohei's apartment 🏃
② Shocking Secret Discovery
Kyohei ends up hiding Ren.
However, due to a bathroom incident, it's discovered that Ren is actually a "woman."
Kyohei is shocked at the true identity of the handsome talent he'd seen on TV 😱
③ Secret Contract
With her secret known, Ren pleads to Kyohei "Don't tell anyone. I'll do anything..."
Ren promised to "do anything" if he hides her from her manager.
Thus begins their secret cohabitation life known only to them 🤫
④ Balancing Entertainment Work and Secrecy
Knowing Ren is a woman, Kyohei ends up accompanying her work as an attendant.
The glamorous entertainment world is the stage, including drama co-starring with idol unit "Haru×Momo."
Thrilling entertainment work while keeping the secret 🎬
⑤ Deepening Bond Between Two
As time spent together increases, their relationship changes.
For Ren, Kyohei has always been someone precious since childhood.
Beyond their relationship as cousins, their feelings are... 💕
📺 TV Broadcast
Premiere: January 4, 2026 (Sunday) 1:00 AM~
Channels: TOKYO MX, BS11
Broadcast Time: Every Sunday at 1:00 AM
Late-night broadcast in the "Monk" timeslot 🌙
🌐 Streaming Services
Fastest Streaming: AnimeFesta every Sunday at midnight~
• AnimeFesta (On-air version free)
• AnimeFesta (Premium version paid exclusive)
• YouTube (every Sunday at 1:00 AM~)
Premium version is AnimeFesta exclusive 📱
⏰ Early Streaming Information
Episode 1 exclusive early streaming on AnimeFesta from December 12, 2025 (Friday) at 5:00 PM!
Enjoy it ahead of the broadcast premiere.
On-air version is available to watch for free 🎉
📱 Official Information
Check the official site (arisugawa-ren.af-original.com) and official X (@af_originalMT) for the latest information!
Arisugawa Kyohei (CV: Yuki Nishiyama)
The protagonist of this work, an unpopular college student.
His only bragging right is being cousins with "Arisugawa Ren."
Lacking tact and careless, but kind at heart.
After learning Ren is a woman, he ends up working as her attendant.
🔥Fun Fact: Kyohei and Ren have been close since childhood, and for Ren, Kyohei has "always been someone precious" 💙