Kouichi Okuta

Watashi wo Center ni Suru to Chikaimasuka? is a romantic comedy about idols. In English it is called Promise Me the Spotlight. The story comes from a manga by Jun Wakatsuki, published by Kodansha. It began in November 2022 in Shonen Magazine Edge and later moved to Magazine Pocket in February 2024. By July 2026 it had six volumes. A TV anime was announced on July 8, 2026, for TV Tokyo and its partner stations. The studio is Team TillDawn, and the director is Seiji Kishi. Yuko Kakihara handles the series scripts, and Kazuaki Morita designs the characters. The opening song is by Yuika. The first look at the anime does not give an air date. An idol is a young singer and performer who works hard to win fans. In Japan, idols often belong to a group, and one member stands at the front of the stage. That person is called the center. Being the center means the most fame, and it is the dream of many members. The story is about a group called Melty Strawberry. One of its members is Mizuki Natsuno. She is the least popular girl in the group. She has been discouraged, and she has even thought about quitting. But she has one very loyal fan. His name is Koichi Okuta, a high school student who gives his full heart to support her. He once proposed to her at a meet-and-greet, which is an event where fans meet idols in person. Then life takes a surprise turn. Koichi's father marries again, and Mizuki becomes his stepsister. Now the fan and his idol live in the same house. This is not how fans and idols are meant to meet. But Koichi uses this chance to help her. He makes a promise. He will make Mizuki the center of Melty Strawberry. In return, Mizuki says that if he does it, the two of them can get married. The group also has a rival of sorts. Awayuki Shiroi is the most popular member, and fans call her the Eternal Center. She stands in the place Mizuki hopes to reach. The tone is funny and warm, with the romance mixed in with a story about hard work. Koichi is a fan who wants to help, and Mizuki must find her own strength so that she can win the spotlight on her own.