by The TV anime Opposites: You and Me officially began airing on January 11 across 28 MBS and TBS network stations nationwide, quickly drawing attention as one of the most talked-about romantic comedies of the winter anime season.
The anime is based on the popular manga by Koucha Agasawa, which was serialized on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ app from 2022 to 2024. The original manga has sold over 1.6 million copies and earned widespread acclaim, including the Men’s Category Award at the “Everyone’s Choice!! Digital Comic Awards 2024.” With strong fan support and high expectations, its anime adaptation has been closely watched since its announcement.
In this interview, BuzzFeed Japan spoke with Takakazu Nagatomo, who makes his TV anime director debut with this series. He shared insights into his creative background, his approach to adapting the manga, and how he carefully balanced realism and sweetness in this modern romantic comedy.
What Is Opposites: You and Me About? (Beginner-Friendly Overview)
Opposites: You and Me is a school romantic comedy centered on two very different high school students:
- Suzuki, a cheerful and energetic girl who is highly aware of how others perceive her
- Tani, a quiet and reserved boy who values honesty and is not easily influenced by those around him
Although they seem like complete opposites, their daily interactions—and the misunderstandings and emotions that arise from them—form the heart of the story. Rather than relying on exaggerated comedy or dramatic romance, the series focuses on realistic dialogue, subtle emotional shifts, and relatable social anxiety, especially among teenagers.
Director Takakazu Nagatomo’s Career PathPlease tell us about your career so far.
Nagatomo:
I first became interested in animation when I was in high school. A friend recommended a book to me—Principles of Visuals by director Yoshiyuki Tomino—and that book completely changed how I saw animation. It introduced me to the role of a storyboard artist, which made me realize animation wasn’t just about drawing, but about visual storytelling.
After that, I enrolled in a vocational school specializing in animation. Once I graduated, I joined Eiken, a long-established animation studio known for works like Sazae-san. Later, I became a freelancer, and I’ve continued working in the industry ever since.
How He Became Director of Opposites: You and Me
How did you come to direct this anime?
Nagatomo:
I had already been working with Lapin Track, the animation studio producing this series, since the anime Petty Citizen Series. While working on that project, I was approached with the offer to direct Opposites: You and Me. This is my first time serving as a TV anime director, so it was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
A Key Goal: Letting Dialogue Shine
What were your impressions when you first read the original manga?
Nagatomo:
I thought it was incredibly fun and very relatable. Even though it’s a romantic comedy, the characters all have realistic self-awareness and emotional struggles that feel very true to real life. I especially liked how Suzuki is cheerful on the surface, yet constantly worries about how she’s seen by others. That contrast makes her very charming.
From the beginning, I felt that the dialogue was the most important element of this story. The conversations are natural and subtle, and they reveal the characters’ feelings without spelling everything out. When adapting it into animation, I wanted to preserve that strength rather than overwhelm it with exaggerated expressions or flashy direction.
“I Didn’t Want It to Be Too Sweet” – A Deliberate Creative Choice
One of Nagatomo’s most interesting comments is his stance on romance itself.
Rather than making the series overly idealistic, he intentionally kept the tone grounded.
Nagatomo explains:
“As a romantic comedy, I was very conscious of not making it too sweet. Real relationships are awkward, confusing, and sometimes uncomfortable. I wanted viewers to recognize themselves in the characters’ hesitation and misunderstandings.”
This approach sets Opposites: You and Me apart from more traditional rom-com anime, giving it a quieter, more mature tone that resonates strongly with older teens and young adults.
Why the Anime Adaptation Is Gaining Attention
Several factors are contributing to the anime’s early buzz:
- Faithful adaptation of a highly praised manga
- Naturalistic dialogue that feels close to real life
- Direction that emphasizes timing, pauses, and body language
- Relatable themes such as self-consciousness, communication gaps, and emotional growth
Fans have taken to social media to praise the anime for “feeling real,” with many commenting that it reflects their own school experiences more accurately than typical romance anime.
What to Expect Going Forward
As the series continues, viewers can expect:
- Gradual development of Suzuki and Tani’s relationship
- Deeper exploration of side characters and friendships
- Emotional growth driven by everyday moments rather than dramatic twists
With Takakazu Nagatomo’s careful direction and Lapin Track’s restrained animation style, Opposites: You and Me is shaping up to be a standout romantic comedy that prioritizes authenticity over spectacle.
Conclusion
Opposites: You and Me proves that a romantic comedy doesn’t need excessive sweetness or dramatic clichés to be engaging. By focusing on honest dialogue, subtle emotions, and realistic relationships, the anime delivers a refreshing take on the genre.
For director Takakazu Nagatomo, this project marks an important milestone as his first TV anime directorial work, and his thoughtful approach has already left a strong impression.
As the winter anime season progresses, this quietly powerful rom-com is one that viewers especially those seeking something heartfelt yet grounded won’t want to miss.
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