by The official website for the upcoming romantic comedy anime The Pure and Lovely Girl at My New School Turns Out to Be My Childhood Friend Who I Used to Play With Thinking He Was a Boy—commonly shortened to Tenbin—has released the official synopsis, preview images, and broadcast details for Episode 1, titled “The Beginning of Summer Days.”
Premiering on Monday, July 6, 2026, the series delivers a heartwarming blend of childhood friendship, romance, school life, comedy, and emotional reunions. With an adorable “friends-to-lovers” premise and plenty of awkward yet wholesome moments, Tenbin is already attracting attention as one of the most charming romantic comedies of the Summer 2026 anime season.
What Is Tenbin About?
Tenbin is based on the popular light novel The Pure and Lovely Girl at My New School Turns Out to Be My Childhood Friend Who I Used to Play With Thinking He Was a Boy, written by Hibari Yu and illustrated by Shiso.
Published under KADOKAWA’s Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko imprint, the series has earned praise for its refreshing take on the childhood-friend romance genre.
The manga adaptation, illustrated by Juna Oyama, has released seven volumes, while the original light novel is scheduled to conclude with Volume 11, releasing on July 31, 2026.
The anime adaptation is produced by project No.9, a studio well known for bringing heartfelt romantic comedies to life.
Story Overview
When Hayato Kirishima was a child, he spent every day playing with his energetic best friend Haruki.
Back then, Hayato believed Haruki was a boy, and the two formed an inseparable friendship filled with adventures and laughter.
However, their happy days came to an end when Haruki’s family moved away.
Before saying goodbye, they made a heartfelt promise:
“No matter how far apart we are, we’ll always be friends.”
Seven years later, Hayato transfers to a high school in the city.
There, he unexpectedly reunites with Haruki.
But the cheerful childhood friend he remembers has changed dramatically.
Haruki has grown into an elegant, beautiful, and incredibly popular girl admired by everyone at school.
Although classmates see her as an untouchable beauty, Haruki behaves completely differently whenever she’s alone with Hayato.
She teases him just like old times, smiles naturally around him, and acts as if the years apart never happened.
Yet beneath those playful interactions lies a growing awkwardness neither of them fully understands.
Episode 1: “The Beginning of Summer Days”
Episode Synopsis
The first episode introduces Hayato as he recalls the unforgettable summer days he spent with his childhood friend Haruki.
Although Haruki moved away years ago, Hayato has never forgotten the promise they made before parting.
Now attending a new high school after transferring from the countryside, Hayato is surprised to discover that one of his classmates is none other than Haruki Nikaido.
His energetic childhood friend has transformed into the school’s most graceful and admired beauty.
During his self-introduction, Hayato fondly shares funny memories about the mischievous Haruki he once knew.
However, instead of laughing together, Haruki suddenly becomes visibly irritated.
Confused by her unexpected reaction, Hayato struggles to understand why his innocent stories upset her.
As their reunion unfolds, Episode 1 begins exploring how seven years of growing up have changed not only their appearances but also their feelings toward each other.
A Fresh Twist on the Childhood Friend Romance
Unlike many romantic comedies where childhood friends reunite after years apart, Tenbin adds a unique twist to the familiar formula.
Hayato genuinely believed Haruki was a boy during childhood.
Now, faced with Haruki’s dramatic transformation into an elegant young woman, he must reconcile his treasured childhood memories with the person standing before him today.
The story explores themes such as:
- Growing up
- Childhood promises
- First love
- Identity
- Friendship evolving into romance
- Misunderstandings
- Emotional maturity
Rather than relying on heavy drama, the series balances heartfelt moments with gentle comedy and everyday school life.
Why Fans Are Excited
Romantic comedy fans have praised the original novels for their wholesome storytelling and lovable cast.
The anime adaptation has generated excitement thanks to:
- A refreshing childhood-friend premise
- A sweet slow-burn romance
- Strong character chemistry
- Plenty of comedic misunderstandings
- Beautiful character designs
- Emotional nostalgia
- Relaxing slice-of-life atmosphere
Many viewers are especially looking forward to watching Haruki’s hidden feelings gradually become more apparent as the story progresses.
Broadcast Schedule
The anime begins airing on Monday, July 6, 2026.
Television Broadcast
- TOKYO MX
- Every Monday at 11:30 PM
- Sun TV
- Every Monday at 11:30 PM
- BS Fuji
- Every Wednesday at 12:30 AM
Broadcast times may change without prior notice.
Streaming Information
Early Streaming
Beginning Monday, July 6, 2026
Available on:
- d Anime Store
- ABEMA
- U-NEXT
- Anime Hodai
New episodes stream every Monday at 12:00 AM (24:00 JST).
Unlimited Streaming
Starting Friday, July 10, 2026
Available on:
- Prime Video
- DMM TV
- J: COM STREAM
- Milplus
- TELASA
- Hulu
- Lemino
- FOD
Rental Streaming
Beginning the same day on:
- Prime Video
- J: COM STREAM
- Milplus
- TELASA
Streaming schedules are subject to change.
Production Staff
The anime is directed by Xu Chuanfeng, with animation produced by project No.9.
Main Staff
- Original Story: Hibari Yu
- Original Character Design: Shiso
- Director: Xu Chuanfeng
- Series Composition: Deco Akao
- Character Design: Kurahashi N.
- Sub Character Design: Shoto Shinkai
- Art Director: Mio Miyamoto
- Color Design: Miyuki Kohata
- Director of Photography: Koichi Gonda
- CG Director: Toshiro Hamamura
- Editing: Nami Niinuma
- Sound Director: Taiki Yamaki
- Sound Effects: Yoko Sakurai
- Music: Ryosuke Nakanishi, Naoki Tani & Yuri Morita
- Music Production: Pony Canyon
- Animation Studio: project No.9
Main Voice Cast
The anime features a talented cast of popular voice actors.
- Ikumi Hasegawa as Haruki Nikaido
- Junichi Toki as Hayato Kirishima
- Miharu Hanai as Himeko Kirishima
- Natsumi Haruse as Minamo Mitake
- Fuka Izumi as Saki Murao
Their performances are expected to capture both the nostalgic warmth of childhood friendship and the awkward excitement of first love.
Theme Songs
Opening Theme
“Natsu ni Kasanete”
Performed by DIALOGUE+
Ending Theme
“Tilt”
Performed by harmoe
The opening celebrates the excitement of summer reunions and youthful romance, while the ending provides a gentle emotional conclusion to each episode.
What Makes Tenbin Stand Out?
While many romance anime focus on love triangles or dramatic misunderstandings, Tenbin builds its story around a simple but emotionally engaging question:
Can childhood promises survive after years of change?
The series offers:
- A wholesome romance
- Nostalgic childhood memories
- Charming comedy
- Slice-of-life school moments
- Beautiful character interactions
- Slow and natural relationship development
Its relaxed pacing and lovable cast make it perfect for viewers looking for a comforting romantic comedy.
Final Thoughts
The Pure and Lovely Girl at My New School Turns Out to Be My Childhood Friend Who I Used to Play With, Thinking He Was a Boy delivers a refreshing twist on the classic childhood-friend romance.
Episode 1, “The Beginning of Summer Days,” introduces Hayato’s unexpected reunion with Haruki, whose dramatic transformation leaves him both surprised and confused, while hinting at the deeper emotions hidden beneath their playful interactions.
With its heartfelt storytelling, charming cast, beautiful animation, and nostalgic atmosphere, Tenbin is shaping up to be one of the sweetest and most enjoyable romance anime of the Summer 2026 season.
