by The romantic comedy anime
The Fish That Got Away Was Big, But the Fish That Was Caught Was Too Big (commonly known as Nigetsuri). It
is set to premiere on April 1, 2026, and the Episode 1 synopsis, along with preview images, has now been revealed.
This unique series blends romance, comedy, and light action, offering a fresh take on the classic “noble lady searching for love” storyline.
Episode 1 Preview: “The Fish That Got Away Is Looking for a Good Match”
Episode 1 Synopsis (Beginner-Friendly):
Maria Annovazzi, a noble daughter raised as the heir of a powerful martial arts family, suddenly loses her position when her younger brother is born.
Now, she is given a new mission:
Find a suitable husband.
However:
- All eligible noble bachelors in her homeland are already taken
- She travels to a neighboring kingdom to study abroad and search for a match
But things take a shocking turn
At a royal academy event,
Prince Renato suddenly announces the cancellation of their engagement…
The twist?
Maria didn’t even know she was engaged!
This unexpected moment sets the tone for a chaotic and hilarious romantic journey.
About ‘Nigetsuri’ Story Overview
Based on the light novel by
Momoyo Manyo
with illustrations by
Itsuki Mito,
and a manga adaptation by
Nagato Kaki,
The series has surpassed 1 million copies in circulation.
Simple Story Explanation:
- Maria (nicknamed Mimi) is strong, independent, and skilled in martial arts
- She is forced into a marriage hunt due to noble expectations
- Her journey is filled with:
- Unexpected misunderstandings
- Comedy and chaos
- Romantic complications
The anime explores how Maria navigates love, identity, and independence.
What Makes This Anime Unique?
Nigetsuri stands out because it combines:
- Romantic comedy
- Action elements (martial arts heroine)
- Noble society drama
- Over-the-top misunderstandings
Key Appeal:
A strong female lead who breaks typical romance tropes.
Main Characters & Voice Cast
- Maria Annovazzi: Yuu Serizawa
- Renato di Rubini: Atsushi Tamaru
- Aida Ametis: Saori Hayami
- Placido di Rubini: Shuichiro Umeda
- Raimondo Cigata: Taku Yashiro
- Ireneo Marchei: Natsuki Hanae
- Eleonora Cacciari: Kaori Maeda
- Rosalia Pinotti: Rumi Okubo
Production Staff & Studio
- Director: Akira Oguro
- Series Composition: Michiko Yokote
- Character Design: Isamu Suzuki
- Studio: TROYCA
TROYCA is known for delivering:
- Clean animation
- Strong character expressions
- Balanced storytelling
Theme Songs
- Opening Theme:
“Chikai wa Kyun to.” by HoneyWorks feat. Airi Suzuki - Ending Theme:
“DEAD OR LOVE” by Yoshino
These songs reflect:
- Romantic excitement
- Emotional conflict
- Playful energy
Broadcast & Streaming Details
TV Broadcast:
- April 1, 2026
- Every Wednesday at 24:00
- TOKYO MX, BS11
Streaming Platforms:
- Available on:
- ABEMA
- U-NEXT
- Amazon Prime Video
- And many more
New Updates & Expectations
As the anime begins airing, fans can expect:
- More character-focused previews
- Full theme song releases
- Global streaming availability
- Merchandise and collaborations
There is also speculation that:
The anime may expand on character relationships beyond the original novel.
Why You Should Watch ‘Nigetsuri’
This anime is perfect for viewers who enjoy:
- Romantic comedy with strong female leads
- Light-hearted yet dramatic storytelling
- Action mixed with romance
- Noble/royal setting stories
Final Thoughts
Nigetsuri brings a refreshing twist to the romance genre with its bold heroine and comedic storytelling.
With:
- A unique premise
- Strong characters
- High production quality
This anime is set to become a fun and engaging highlight of Spring 2026.
