The official website and social media channels for the upcoming anime adaptation of Cultural Exchange with Game Center Girl, a romantic comedy manga by Hirokazu Yasuhara, have revealed exciting new details. The anime is set to premiere in Japan in July 2025. A teaser visual was also unveiled, showcasing the two main characters, Lily Baker and Renji Kusakabe, at the game center arcade where their relationship begins.
In the teaser, Lily is seen attempting a crane game, while Renji, who works part-time at the arcade, observes her. The visual captures the essence of their first meeting, sparking anticipation for the series.
Voice Cast Announcement
Sally Amaki, a member of the Japanese digital voice-acting idol group 22/7, will voice the lead character, Lily Baker. Lily is a 13-year-old girl who moves from England and develops a passion for Japanese arcade games. Amaki shared her excitement about landing the role, revealing that she had been following the manga since its debut. “I’ve always wanted to be a part of this anime, and I’m so happy to have been cast as Lily. Her relationship with Renji is full of heartwarming, slapstick moments, and I hope viewers enjoy watching it,” Amaki said.
Shoya Chiba, best known for his role as Kiyotaka Ayanokoji in Classroom of the Elite, will voice Renji Kusakabe, an 18-year-old student who works part-time at the same arcade where he meets Lily. Chiba expressed his enjoyment in working on the series, especially given the familiarity of the game arcade setting. “The communication between Renji and Lily is comical and heartwarming. I really enjoyed the opportunity to explore English during the voice recording, especially because Lily’s charm is universal,” Chiba commented.
Main Staff Behind the Anime
The anime adaptation is directed by Toshihiro Kikuchi (Pseudo Harem) at the animation studio NOMAD. Key staff members include:
Series Composition: Yasunori Yamada (Elegant Yokai Apartment Life)
Character Design: Rikiya Okano
Art Director: Isamu Nishiyama
Art Setting Designer: Kenta Masuda (GROUND)
Color Designer: Yukiko Shigemitsu
Editor: Mutsumi Takemiya
Sound Director: Yasunori Ebina
Sound Effects: Kiyotaka Kawada
Music: Takuro Iga (TRILLION GAME)
Casting: Wataru Matsuoka (Full Power Production)
Animation Production: NOMAD
Production: Cultural Exchange with Game Center Girl Association
Plot Overview
Cultural Exchange with Game Center Girl follows Renji Kusakabe, a young man who works part-time at a game arcade. On Valentine’s Day, he meets Lily Baker, a British girl who is absorbed in a crane game but struggles to win a prize. After helping her succeed, Lily gives Renji a surprising message card asking him to “Be My Valentine!” — setting the stage for their heartwarming, cross-cultural relationship.
The series is based on Yasuhara’s manga, which has been serialized on the Nico Nico Manga website. Kadokawa has published eight collected volumes in Japan.
Fans can look forward to the anime’s premiere in July 2025, promising a unique blend of comedy, romance, and cultural exchange.
Related Topics
- English Dub Cast for Dragon Ball Daima Anime Announced, Premiering January 10
- “Babies of Bread” Anime Short Reveals New Cast in Teaser Trailer
- Masuda Kosuke’s Gag Manga Biyori GO to Receive TV Anime Adaptation