, also known as , is a Japanese manga series written by Norishiro-chan and illustrated by Sakana Uozumi. It began serialization in Coamix's manga magazine Monthly Comic Zenon in August 2021. An anime television series adaptation produced by TMS Entertainment aired from April to June 2026.

Plot Takuya Seo, a loner student, is a fan of an anime series targeted towards young girls, but is embarrassed about others finding out. He sits behind two classmates, Kotoko Ichiji and Kei Amane, whom he sees as belonging to a different caste. However, after accidentally dropping his eraser and overhearing them talking about anime, he realizes that they actually share similar interests. The three start a relationship, bonding over their shared fondness for anime, and both girls find themselves falling head over heels in love with Takuya, even though he remains completely oblivious.

Characters

An student with a strong interest in anime and manga. He is secretly a fan of the series Glittery Monpets, also known as GlitterMon, and accidentally reveals this when he corrects Kei and Kotoko after overhearing them talk about it, which leads to him forming a connection with the two. He is fairly observant, often noticing when the girls get too close, do embarrassing things without realizing it, or when Kei is hiding her true feelings about being an . He is very grateful for Kei and Kotoko's friendship, as it allows him to openly enjoy the hobby he loves and be himself. He easily gets flustered by the girls' actions, especially when they act affectionate around him, though he is completely oblivious to the girls being in love with him, and only sees them as good friends.

One of Takuya's two classmates and a close friend of Kotoko. She has long brown hair and a more reserved personality. She is secretly an , but tries to hide it by claiming her interest is on behalf of her sister, which does not fool Takuya. When it comes to anime and manga, she becomes very excited and tends to speak without holding back, sometimes saying strange things without realizing it. She truly values Takuya as a friend and is grateful to have someone she can openly share her hobbies with. Over time, she appears to gradually develop feelings for him, though he has no idea.

One of Takuya's two classmates and a close friend of Kei. She has short golden hair and an outgoing, cheerful personality. She is very open-minded, quickly understanding Kei and Takuya's interests and even developing an interest herself. She is also observant, noticing Kei's tendencies, her occasional slip-ups, and her growing relationship with Takuya. Outside of school, she helps take care of her siblings to support her mother, and appears much different—wearing glasses, with messier hair and no makeup—a side of her that Takuya has seen, much to her embarrassment. Deep down, she appreciates Takuya's honesty and kindness, and feels bad that he has no close friends. Like Kei, she also seems to gradually develop feelings for him, but he is oblivious.

Kotoko's older brother. He deeply cares about his family and is especially overprotective of his younger sister.

An elementary school student who is Kei's next-door neighbor. Due to their close relationship, they consider themselves to be sisters.

Kotoko's younger brother, who is attached to Sayu. He mistakes Takuya for being Kotoko's boyfriend.

Kotoko's younger brother. He has a crush on Sayu and also thinks that Takuya is Kotoko's boyfriend.

Media Manga Written by Norishiro-chan and illustrated by Sakana Uozumi, Gals Can't Be Kind to Otaku!? began serialization in Coamix's manga magazine Monthly Comic Zenon on August 25, 2021. Its chapters have been compiled into thirteen volumes as of June 2026.

During their panel at Sakura-Con 2025, Yen Press announced that it had licensed the series for English publication.

Anime An anime adaptation was announced on October 1, 2025. It was later revealed to be a television series produced by TMS Entertainment and directed by Shin Mita, with series composition by Kazuhiko Inukai, characters designed by Rion Matsuda, and music composed by Kō Satō. The series aired from April 8 to June 24, 2026, on the IMAnimation W programming block on TV Asahi and its affiliates. The opening theme song is "Hide and Seek", performed by I-dle, and the ending theme song is , performed by . Crunchyroll is streaming the series. A cover of the song "Plastic Love", sung by Serizawa as her character Kotoko Ijichi, was used as episode 6's ending theme song.

Episodes

Reception By February 2024, the series had over 500,000 copies in circulation.

See also The Shy Hero and the Assassin Princesses, another manga series written by Norishiro-chan

References

External links