- The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All is a yuri romance manga by Sumiko Arai
- The story follows Aya Oosawa and Mitsuki Koga, connected through rock music and a record store
- It won the Web Manga category at the 2023 Next Manga Awards
- Over 2.25 million copies sold and 2M+ social followers as of 2026
- An anime adaptation is scheduled to premiere on Crunchyroll in 2027
Story Overview: A Misunderstanding Built on Music
The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All (Japanese: Kini Otenai Hito ga Otoko Janakatta, 気になってる人が男じゃなかった) turns a simple case of mistaken identity into one of the most talked-about yuri romances of the decade. Aya Oosawa, a fashionable and outgoing high-school girl, becomes fascinated by a stylish, cool employee at a local record store. What she does not realize is that the person behind the counter is Mitsuki Koga — her quiet female classmate, whose androgynous shop persona sparked the misunderstanding that gives the series its title.
The series blends yuri romance, school life, slice-of-life comedy, and a deep love of rock and alternative music culture. Music is not just decoration: records, headphones, and album artwork form the shared language through which Aya and Mitsuki slowly come to understand each other.
Video Highlights:
- Official anime teaser released by Crunchyroll
- Confirms the 2027 streaming premiere window
- First animated look at Aya and Mitsuki
According to the official anime site, the series has surpassed 2.25 million copies in global circulation and over 2 million social media followers — remarkable numbers for a web-origin yuri manga.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Sumiko Arai (新井すみこ) |
| Japanese title | 気になってる人が男じゃなかった |
| Publisher (Japan) | KADOKAWA |
| English publisher | Yen Press |
| Genre | Yuri, school romance, slice-of-life, music |
| Anime premiere | 2027 (Crunchyroll) |
This guide keeps major plot turns unmarked and spoiler-light, so first-time readers can explore characters, themes, and releases safely.
Main Characters: Aya and Mitsuki
The romance works because the two leads occupy opposite ends of the social spectrum. Aya is expressive, fashion-forward, and quick to fixate on someone who catches her eye. Mitsuki is reserved, speaks more fluently through music than conversation, and carries a second identity as the effortlessly cool record-store employee.
Aya Oosawa
- Outgoing and fashionable gyaru-inspired style
- Falls for the mysterious shop clerk
- Drawn into alternative and rock music through her crush
Mitsuki Koga
- Quiet classmate with deep music knowledge
- Androgynous style fuels Aya's misunderstanding
- More comfortable expressing herself through records than words
Aya and Mitsuki
- Contrasting personalities with shared musical ground
- Music acts as their bridge between two different worlds
- Slow-building romantic tension drives the series
| Character | School Identity | Music Connection | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aya Oosawa | Fashionable, sociable student | Newcomer drawn to rock via the record store | Enthusiastic, direct |
| Mitsuki Koga | Quiet classmate of Aya | Expert-level knowledge, works at the shop | Reserved, cool |
| The pairing | Classmates | Shared listening habits | Emotional contrast |
The identity misunderstanding never reduces either girl to a stereotype. Instead, it creates space for both characters to discover who the other person really is, one small moment at a time.
Reading Order and Where to Buy
The English edition from Yen Press is best read in numbered-volume order. Start with Volume 1 to meet Aya, Mitsuki, the record-store setting, and the misunderstanding that launches the story, then continue with Volume 2.
| Volume | Reading Order | Main Content | Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vol. 1 | First | Aya, Mitsuki, the record store, the identity misunderstanding | English (Yen Press) |
| Vol. 2 | Second | Deepening relationship, school life, new emotional beats | English (Yen Press) |
| Series page | Ongoing | Official listing for future volumes | Publisher page |
Authorized digital storefronts include BOOK☆WALKER for digital volumes. Availability and formats vary by storefront, so confirm the specific volume before purchasing. Japanese editions are available through KADOKAWA.
Avoid unofficial scan sites. The series' web-manga origins make piracy common — buying official volumes directly supports Sumiko Arai and future English releases.
Themes, Music, and Recognition
Music defines the series' identity. The record store is not a backdrop but the story's central meeting point, where music knowledge, visual presentation, and curiosity bring the two girls together.
Rock as Atmosphere
- Album covers, records, and headphones shape the visual mood
- Adds texture to quiet romantic scenes
- Separates the series from standard school romance
Identity and Self-Expression
- Public personas versus private selves
- First impressions and how they break down
- Music taste as a window into Mitsuki's inner life
| Recognition | Details |
|---|---|
| 2023 Next Manga Awards | Winner, Web Manga category |
| Global circulation | 2.25M+ copies |
| Social reach | 2M+ followers |
| Author interview | Sumiko Arai discusses music and creative background with uDiscover Music |
The series' crossover appeal spans yuri readers, school-romance fans, and music-culture enthusiasts — a combination recognized when it took the top Web Manga prize at the 2023 Next Manga Awards.
If you are new to yuri, this series is frequently recommended as a starting point thanks to its accessible premise, stylish art, and low barrier to entry.
Beginner Reading Path
Understand the Premise
Aya falls for a cool record-store clerk who turns out to be her female classmate Mitsuki. This misunderstanding powers the early tension.
Follow the Emotional Core
Focus on how Aya and Mitsuki grow closer through curiosity, awkward conversations, and shared listening habits.
Savor the Small Moments
School corridors, part-time work, fashion, and behavioral shifts matter as much as big romantic developments.
Track the Music Layers
Pay attention to records and references — they reveal character and signal emotional beats.
Watch for the Anime
With the Crunchyroll adaptation arriving in 2027, finishing early volumes now puts you ahead of the anime audience.
First-Time Reader Checklist:
- Read Volume 1 in full
- Notice the identity misunderstanding setup
- Track recurring music references
- Follow the official anime site for 2027 updates
- Add Volume 2 to your reading list
FAQ
Q: Is The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All a yuri manga?
Yes. The series is a yuri (girls' love) romance centered on the developing relationship between Aya Oosawa and Mitsuki Koga, blended with school-life comedy and music-culture elements.
Q: When does the anime premiere?
The official anime adaptation is scheduled to premiere in 2027 and will stream on Crunchyroll, according to the official teaser and anime website.
Q: How many English volumes are available?
Yen Press has published the series in English starting with Volume 1, followed by Volume 2. Check the official Yen Press series page for the latest volume releases.
Q: Is the series worth reading if I am new to yuri?
Frequently, yes. Its accessible mistaken-identity premise, stylish art, award recognition, and music-centered atmosphere make it a common recommendation for readers entering the genre.