, also known as Stella Next to Me, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Ammitsu. It began serialization in Kodansha's manga magazine Bessatsu Friend in January 2022. A live-action film adaptation premiered in Japanese theaters in August 2025.
Synopsis Chiaki Amano has long held romantic feelings for her childhood friend Subaru Hiiragi. Her problem is that Subaru has gotten into acting, and is becoming progressively famous, making her want to abandon said feelings. However, due to how close they often are she still clings on to these feelings for Subaru.
Characters
Media Manga Written and illustrated by Ammitsu, Gazing at the Star Next Door began serialization in Kodansha's manga magazine Bessatsu Friend on January 13, 2022. Its chapters have been compiled into ten volumes as of August 2026.
During their panel at Anime Expo 2023, Kodansha USA announced that they had licensed the series for English publication.
Live-action film A live-action film adaptation was announced on December 12, 2024. The film was directed by Hana Matsumoto from a screenplay by Sawako Kawamitsu. It premiered in Japanese theaters on August 22, 2025. The film's theme song is "Itsumo Tonari de" (Always By My Side) performed by Fantastics from Exile Tribe.
Reception The series was nominated for the 49th Kodansha Manga Award in the category in 2025. It was nominated for the 50th edition in the same category in 2026.
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