FANTASTICS Star Yusei Yagi Jumps from Live-Action Lead to Anime Guest Role in Yano-kun's Ordinary Days

The beloved romantic comedy anime, Yano-kun's Ordinary Days, is set to feature a significant real-world crossover event, much to the delight of its dedicated audience. It has been officially announced that Yusei Yagi, a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry and a key member of the dance and vocal powerhouse FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE, will lend his voice to the animated series, portraying himself. This unique blending of J-pop culture and the anime medium has immediately generated considerable enthusiasm across both fan bases.

Yagi possesses a deep connection to the source material of Yano-kun's Ordinary Days. Prior to this announcement, the charismatic performer took on the starring role in the successful live-action adaptation of the manga, which made its theatrical debut across Japan in November 2024. His move to the anime sphere, appearing as his own persona, is a fascinating narrative choice that introduces an intriguing meta element to the ongoing storyline. Such an occurrence a real-life actor transitioning into the animated version of a franchise they previously headlined is exceptionally rare and highly anticipated.

The anime series, expertly animated by Studio Ajiado, captivated viewers upon its premiere in October 2025. It has been lauded for its sincere and touching depiction of adolescent relationships, centering on the dynamic between Kiyoko Yoshida, the perpetually anxious class representative, and Tsuyoshi Yano, a boy notorious for his constant, though often clumsy, injuries. The show masterfully explores universal themes of blossoming friendships, personal growth, and the inherently awkward yet charming experiences of youth. Yagi's guest spot is poised to inject new vitality into the production, serving as a creative bridge connecting the established live-action continuity with the animated universe.

Furthermore, the connection between the series and FANTASTICS is deeply rooted, as the group itself performs the anime's energetic opening theme, "Pop Life." This musical collaboration not only enriches the auditory experience of the series but also strategically expands the anime's reach, tapping into the vast and passionate following of FANTASTICS. Yusei Yagi's dual involvement leading the live-action film and guest-starring in the anime underscores the massive appeal of the Yano-kun's Ordinary Days franchise and its proven ability to attract premier talent from diverse sectors of the entertainment world. Fans eagerly await the unfolding narrative and future developments, potentially hinting at further high-profile J-pop and anime collaborations.