Short Answer: Not Yet
If you came here hoping for an anime release date, here’s the honest answer: as of this writing (mid-2026), there is no announced anime adaptation of Gazing at the Star Next Door. The only screen adaptation to date is a live-action film that premiered in Japanese theaters in August 2025. The manga itself is still ongoing, with over 9 volumes and more than 1 million copies in print.
Why Hasn’t It Gotten an Anime Yet?
Whether a manga gets an anime adaptation usually comes down to a mix of factors: how far along the source material is, sales figures, the publisher’s production pipeline, and timing. By most of those measures, Gazing at the Star Next Doorlooks like a reasonable candidate—it’s been running since 2022, has a substantial volume count, and has crossed the million-copies mark.
That said, the series just went through a major adaptation push in 2025 with its live-action film. It’s common for publishers to let one adaptation play out—including home video and streaming releases—before greenlighting another. So the absence of an anime announcement right now doesn’t necessarily mean one isn’t being considered; it may simply not be next in line yet.
What Did Get Made: The 2025 Live-Action Film
The film adaptation released in Japanese theaters on August 22, 2025, directed by Kana Matsumoto (known for Daybreak All Day Long and live-action work tied to Oshi no Ko). It starred Riko Fukumoto as Chiaki and Yuusei Yagi as Subaru, with Yudai Takahashi played by Yuki Kura, alongside Mayu Yokota, Takumi Nishigaki, and Ririka Tanabe in supporting roles. The theme song, “Itsumo Tonari de,” was performed by FANTASTICS.
Reviews generally describe it as a faithful adaptation that adds some original material without straying far from the source manga—a fairly safe approach for a property this popular.
Could an Anime Still Happen?
There’s no way to say for certain, since nothing has been officially announced. But a couple of things are worth keeping in mind if you’re trying to read the tea leaves. The manga’s circulation numbers are in the same range as other shoujo titles that have gotten anime adaptations in recent years. And the 2025 film likely raised the series’ visibility, which is sometimes followed by further adaptations in this genre.
None of that guarantees anything—it’s just context, not a prediction. This page will be updated if anything official is announced.
Where You Can Actually Watch or Read It Right Now
This is the part that matters most if you’re outside Japan. The manga is the easy option: it’s officially licensed in English by Kodansha USA and available digitally through K Manga, so international readers can read it legally right now.
The live-action film is a different story. As of this writing, it’s only available for rental through Japan-based services—Prime Video’s Japanese storefront, U-NEXT, and DMM TV—all of which require a Japanese address, phone number, or payment method to use. We haven’t found any evidence of an international release, English-subtitled streaming option, or listing on services like Crunchyroll or Viki. In short: if you’re reading this from outside Japan, the manga is currently your only realistic way to enjoy this story legally. We’ll update this section if that changes.
Bottom Line
No anime has been announced for Gazing at the Star Next Door, and the only adaptation so far is the 2025 live-action film, which isn’t currently accessible to international viewers. The manga remains the most reliable—and only internationally available—way to follow the story right now.
Keep Reading
✅ Gazing at the Star Next Door Explained: Plot, Characters & Themes
✅ Yudai Takahashi: From Rival to the Brother Figure Both Leads Trust
I also share the small manga moments that stay with me long after reading—the pauses, glances, and choices that never fully leave.
You can follow those weekly reflections on Substack.
✅ My Substack Here!
