One of last year’s biggest lesbian anime hits was Watanare — the abbreviation used in English and Japanese of the full Japanese title, *Watashi ga Koibito ni Nareru Wakenaijan, Muri Muri! (Muri Janakatta!?), or There’s No Freaking Way I’ll be Your Lover! Unless…. The anime adaptation of the light novel series by Teren Mikami, with illustrations by Eku Takeshima has gone on to be a fan favorite, and has even received all-night cinema screenings of the series, and 86% of the seats were packed out!
So in March 2026, There’s No Freaking Way Fans In Osaka Could Be Any Happier! Unless… There’s a Special Exhibition!
There’s No Freaking Way You’ll Get a Brief Synopsis! Unless…
The anime portrays the story of high schooler Renako Amaori, who decides to abandon her life as the game-loving shut-in that she was in middle school, and decides to go all-out on being less introverted and more outgoing. She meets with immediate success when she becomes pals with Mai Oduka, the most beautiful and popular girl in school, and joins her circle of friends. Soon, however, owing to an accident (and Mai’s peerless luck and athletic ability), Mai confesses that she has fallen in love with Renako.
Nevertheless, Renako wants to just be friends, since she’s never had any before, and having a girlfriend before a best friend is liking trying to run before you can walk. So they make a deal: if Mai is wearing her hair up, they’re besties. If down, they’re girlfriends. They’re going to see which they like more, and decide their relationship on that basis.
The huge turnout for its all-nighter cinema showings (with another coming in Tachikawa soon, for any who are interested) is proof of the show’s instant and enduring popularity among fans. This has been recognized by the creators, and so they have announced a temporary exhibition in Osaka!
There’s No Freaking Way You’ll Have a Great Time! Unless…
For fans of Watanare, this is a can’t miss experience, since there is so much for you to experience and enjoy. When you enter, the first thing you’ll discover is a display of various stills from all 17 episodes of the anime, allowing you to refresh your memory of Renako and Mai’s journey (as well of that of Ajisai, Renako’s other suitor) before you move on to more original works.
You can then see artwork and process pieces that went into the development of the anime, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes peek into how the show was created, as well as rough outlines of what would later become broadcast. Then, we move on to a real treat: photo spots that replicate Renako’s room, to Koto family bath, and the luxury hotel pool where Renako and Mai went on their first date. Maybe you could recreate a scene or two?
Finally, there are exclusive goods and merchandise that can only be purchased at this event. Mementos of your visit to this exhibition will last forever, whether your hair is up or down.
For Watanare fans in Osaka, this is a no-brainer. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to not only get a peek behind the curtain for one of 2025’s peak lesbian anime, but also to re-enact your favorite moments. There’s No Freaking Way You Can Miss This!
