Kana Hanazawa Joins 'Tune In to the Midnight Heart' Anime Cast Ahead of 2026 Premiere

The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Masakuni Igarashi's beloved romantic comedy manga, Tune In to the Midnight Heart, has just electrified fans with a major casting announcement. The immensely talented Kana Hanazawa will lend her distinctive voice to the character of Lemon Ando. This exciting revelation amplifies the already significant buzz surrounding the series, which promises a captivating journey into the world of high school broadcasting and blossoming romance.

At its core, Tune In to the Midnight Heart introduces viewers to Arisu Yamabuki, a second-year high school student whose heart was captured by the enigmatic radio personality known as Apollo during her junior high years. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a deep longing to unmask Apollo's true identity, Arisu makes the pivotal decision to join her school's broadcasting club. Within the vibrant confines of this club, she encounters a diverse group of peers, each harboring their own unique dreams and aspirations.

Shinobu Uzuki is steadfast in her ambition to become a renowned announcer, while Nene Himekawa envisions a future as a celebrated voice actress. Iko Kirino navigates the cutting-edge world of VTubing, and Rikka Inohana pours her passion into becoming a captivating singer. Their collective journeys intertwine with Arisu's quest, creating a rich tapestry of youthful ambition and camaraderie.

Helming the production at studio Gekkou, with Masayuki Takahashi directing and Yukie Sugawara meticulously crafting the series composition, the anime is poised to deliver a visually stunning and narratively rich experience. Character designs meticulously draw inspiration from Igarashi's original manga, ensuring a faithful yet refreshed aesthetic. A recently released trailer offered an enticing glimpse into the series, showcasing key cast members including Rikuya Yasuda as the earnest Arisu Yamabuki, Ayane Sakura in various promotional capacities, and the talented Momoko Seto, Rumi Okubo, Sayumi Suzushiro, and Miku Ito portraying the core group of broadcasting club girls. Hanazawa's casting as Lemon Ando, a pivotal supporting character, is particularly noteworthy, bringing her renowned versatility and expressive range to a role that promises to add nuanced depth to the club's evolving dynamics.

Set for a highly anticipated 2026 release, Tune In to the Midnight Heart is shaping up to be a standout title in the upcoming anime season. It masterfully blends heartfelt emotional arcs with comedic brilliance and the profound journeys of young individuals striving to carve their own paths. By focusing on the unique microcosm of a high school broadcasting club, the series offers a contemporary reflection of youth culture's engagement with media and its aspirations, ensuring broad appeal among fans of school life narratives infused with romance and a dash of mystery. This adaptation is not merely an exploration of diverse ambitions within the media industry but also a tender portrayal of the mysterious, yet deeply felt, connections forged behind the microphone. Viewers are invited to join Arisu as she tunes into a world brimming with love, dreams, and the undeniable beat of the broadcasting club's midnight heart.