Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! is an anime adapted from Takibi Amamori’s light novel series. It stands out as one of the most celebrated rom-com shows of Summer 2024, acclaimed for its fresh take on the harem genre and its character-driven narrative that explores the complexities of teenage romance alongside the importance of genuine friendships.
The series thrives on its well-crafted cast, led by the main protagonist Kazuhiko Nukumizu and the ensemble of “Losing Heroines.” Their growth and interactions, influenced by their romantic interests and love rivals, create a captivating dynamic that resonates with viewers.
Kazuhiko Nukumizu
Age: 15 (16 as of volume 4)
Birthday: December 25
Astrological Sign: Capricorn
Voice Actor: Shōtarō Uzawa (Audiobook), Shūichirō Umeda (Japanese), Kevin D. Thelwell (English)
Kazuhiko Nukumizu, or simply “Nukumizu,” is a first-year student at Tsuwabuki High School. He embodies the archetype of the average-looking teenage boy, designed to be the background character in romantic tales unfolding around him. Interestingly, his desk placement contrasts typical anime protagonists, as he sits near the door instead of by the window.
An introverted loner, Nukumizu prefers reading over socializing, often leading others to misunderstand his personality. However, as he interacts with the members of the literature club and befriends the Losing Heroines, his true kind-hearted nature emerges.
He forms particularly close bonds with Anna Yanami, Lemon Yakishio, and Chika Komari, although he doesn’t actively pursue romance. Nevertheless, romantic undertones surface throughout the series, suggesting potential future connections. Following the graduation of seniors Shintaro Tamaki and Koto Tsukinoki, he becomes the literature club’s president.
Kaju Nukumizu
Age: 14
Birthday: June 6
Astrological Sign: Gemini
Voice Actor: Chihiro Shirata (Audiobook), Minami Tanaka (Japanese), Monica Flatley (English)
Kaju Nukumizu is Kazuhiko’s younger sister, who often behaves more like an older sibling, caring for and chastising him. She epitomizes the “perfect little sister” trope—adorable, innocent, and fiercely protective of her brother, whom she affectionately calls “Onii-sama.”
Despite her encouragement for him to make friends and date, Kaju struggles with loneliness as Kazuhiko invests time in his new social connections.
Anna Yanami
Age: 15 (16 as of volume 4)
Birthday: November 29
Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
Voice Actor: Rina Honnizumi (Audiobook), Hikaru Tõno (Japanese), Trisha Mellon (English)
Anna Yanami is the first of the Losing Heroines introduced, sharing a homeroom with Kazuhiko. Deeply in love with her childhood friend, Sosuke Hakamada, she experiences heartbreak when he chooses to date Karen Himemiya instead. Her blue hair serves as a visual contrast to Karen’s pink, symbolizing her role as the “losing heroine.”
Despite her beauty and popularity, Anna harbors feelings of bitterness toward Sosuke and Karen, which she masks with a friendly demeanor. Her love for food and significant appetite are often humorously highlighted in the series, contrasting her insecurities about her weight.
Lemon Yakishio
Age: 15 (16 as of volume 2)
Birthday: August 1
Astrological Sign: Leo
Voice Actor: Maki Yamaichi (Audiobook), Shion Wakayama (Japanese), Bev Mageto (English)
Lemon Yakishio is the athletic heroine who thrives on competition and values her friendships. Her vibrant and approachable personality makes her quite popular, but it leads her crush, Mitsuki Ayano, to assume she’s always pursued by other boys. Unlike Anna, who struggles with rejection, Lemon chooses to remain positive despite her feelings for Mitsuki.
Though she initially puts on a brave front, Lemon’s facade crumbles after an accidental confession, prompting her to withdraw for a brief period. Nevertheless, she ultimately supports Mitsuki’s relationship with Chihaya Asagumo, showcasing her resilient character.
Chika Komari
Age: 15 (16 as of volume 6)
Birthday: March 29
Astrological Sign: Aries
Voice Actor: Mei Shibata (Audiobook), Momoka Terasawa (Japanese), Morgan Lea (English)
Chika Komari is the shy, introverted member of Tsuwabuki High School’s literature club, and the youngest member. Despite her social anxiety, she courageously confesses her feelings to Shintaro, only to face rejection when he chooses to date Koto.
Komari’s courage shines through her willingness to express her feelings, a stark contrast to her usually reserved demeanor. She values her friendships deeply and shows her affection through acts of service, like taking on the workload for their festival exhibit as a heartfelt gesture to support Shintaro and Koto.
Although the winning heroines, Koto Tsukinoki and Chihaya Asagumo, are minor characters, they add depth and relatability to the story. Both offer fun interactions and complex personalities that enrich the narrative, with hints of further development to come.
Karen Himemiya
Age: 16
Voice Actor: Azumi Waki (Japanese), Alexis Tipton (English)
Karen Himemiya fits the typical female protagonist mold, with her pink hair and transfer student backstory. She wins the affection of Sosuke, Anna’s crush, oblivious to Anna’s feelings for him. Her kind-hearted nature and concern for Anna create an interesting dynamic.
Koto Tsukinoki
Age: 18
Voice Actor: Keaki Watanabe (Audiobook), Atsumi Tanezaki (Japanese), Madeleine Norton (English)
Koto serves as the vice president of the literature club and takes on an older sister role, guiding and teasing her underclassmen while balancing her love for BL manga with her responsibilities. Her friendship with Komari persists even amid romantic rivalries, showcasing her nurturing character.
Chihaya Asagumo
Age: 16
Voice Actor: Reina Ueda (Japanese), Meg McClain (English)
Chihaya, a first-year student, is the girlfriend of Mitsuki Ayano, who is Lemon’s childhood friend. Though intelligent and formal in her speech, she grapples with jealousy and insecurities regarding Mitsuki and Lemon, ultimately learning to assert herself within her romantic relationships.
Sosuke Hakamada
Age: 16
Voice Actor: Taira Yamauchi (Audiobook), Ryōta Ōsaka (Japanese), Alejandro Saab (English)
Sosuke, Anna’s childhood friend, is the target of her affections. Although he chooses to pursue Karen, his kind and thoughtful nature make him a worthy love interest. Despite his romantic choices, he remains a likable character who plays a pivotal role in the lives of the Losing Heroines.
Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! delivers a refreshing blend of humor and heartfelt moments through its well-crafted characters, illustrating the challenges of love and friendship in the complexities of high school life. As the story progresses, fans can anticipate further growth and exploration of these delightful characters and their intertwined fates.
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