by A new romantic sci-fi anime is set to capture hearts this spring. The TV anime Even Replicas Fall in Love based on the award-winning light novel by Haruna Donburi with illustrations by raemz will begin broadcasting on April 7, 2026, on TOKYO MX and other Japanese networks.
Alongside the premiere announcement, the production team unveiled the second key visual, a new promotional video (PV), additional cast members, and the opening and ending theme songs, giving fans a clearer look at what to expect from this emotional story about identity, love, and artificial life.
About the Original Novel
The story originated as the Grand Prize winner of the 29th Dengeki Novel Awards, one of Japan’s most prestigious competitions for light novels. This recognition quickly propelled the series into the spotlight, leading to its anime adaptation.
Blending romance, science fiction, and psychological drama, the narrative explores what it truly means to be human even when the protagonist technically isn’t.
Story Overview Love Beyond Identity
The anime centers on Nao, a “replica” an artificial copy created to live in place of a real person named Aikawa Sunao. Designed to act as a substitute, Nao quietly exists in the shadows, avoiding attention and suppressing her own individuality.
However, everything changes when she begins to experience genuine emotions — especially love.
Core Themes
- Identity and self-worth
- Artificial beings developing human emotions
- The ethics of replacing real people
- Loneliness and connection
- The meaning of authenticity
As Nao struggles between her assigned role and her emerging sense of self, the story unfolds into a poignant tale of forbidden feelings and personal awakening.
New Visual and Promotional Video
The second key visual highlights the contrast between:
- Nao — the replica living in secrecy
- Sunao Aikawa — the original girl she replaces
Their mirrored existence symbolizes the central conflict of the story: two versions of the same person, yet only one is meant to live openly.
The newly released PV offers glimpses of:
- Emotional character interactions
- School life settings
- Subtle sci-fi elements
- Atmospheric animation
- Music previews for both theme songs
Opening and Ending Theme Songs
Music plays a crucial role in establishing the anime’s emotional tone.
Opening Theme — “Refrain” by Shytorp
- Upbeat yet bittersweet sound
- Reflects repetition and longing
- Suggests Nao’s struggle with her assigned life
Ending Theme — “Awa” by asmi
- Soft, introspective mood
- Focuses on vulnerability and fleeting emotions
- Likely to accompany reflective closing scenes
Together, the songs frame each episode with both intensity and tenderness.
Main Cast
The anime features a strong lineup of well-known voice actors:
- Nao / Aikawa Sunao: Sumire Morohoshi
- Sanada Akiya: Ryota Suzuki
- Hironaka Ritsuko: Yuki Takada
- Mori Suzumi: Kaori Nazuka
- Mochizuki Jun: Jun Fukuyama
- Sato Kozue: Rina Hidaka
- Yoshii Haruka: Shugo Nakamura
These additions bring experience from major anime franchises, raising expectations for compelling performances.
Production Staff
The project is helmed by director Ryuichi Kimura, known for his work on Aikatsu!, suggesting a strong emphasis on character expression and emotional storytelling.
Key Staff Highlights
- Director: Ryuichi Kimura
- Series Composition & Screenplay: Tomoko Shinozuka
- Character Design: Eiji Yasuhiko
- Art Director: Miwa Kawasaki
- Music: Kanako Hara
- Animation Production: Voil
- Music Production: KADOKAWA
The production team combines industry veterans with fresh creative voices.
Why This Anime Is Generating Buzz
Several factors make Even Replicas Fall in Love one of Spring 2026’s most intriguing new titles:
✔ Unique Premise
Romance involving an artificial duplicate raises complex emotional questions.
✔ Award-Winning Source Material
Winning the Dengeki Grand Prize signals strong storytelling quality.
✔ Strong Voice Cast
Experienced actors increase confidence in character depth.
✔ Blend of Genres
Mixes sci-fi, school drama, and romance.
✔ Emotional Appeal
Stories about identity and belonging resonate widely.
What New Viewers Should Expect
If you’re unfamiliar with the novel, this anime is likely to appeal to fans of:
- Character-driven romance
- Thoughtful science fiction
- Slow-burn emotional storytelling
- Philosophical themes about humanity
- School-setting dramas with deeper undertones
Rather than action-heavy scenes, the focus will likely remain on relationships and internal conflict.
Final Thoughts
With its April 7 premiere approaching, Even Replicas Fall in Love is shaping up to be a standout romantic sci-fi anime of 2026. The combination of award-winning source material, a talented cast, and an emotionally rich premise positions it as a must-watch for fans seeking something heartfelt and thought-provoking.
As more trailers and details emerge, anticipation continues to build for this story about a replica girl discovering the very human experience of love.
