Futakoi Alternative was released in 2005 by animation studio ufotable, airing 13 episodes between April 7 and June 30. At the time, its unique blend of genres, unconventional storytelling, and surreal tone set it apart from mainstream anime offerings. Initial reception was mixed; some viewers appreciated its experimental nature and character-driven plots featuring Kaori Mizuhashi as Sara Shirogane and Tomokazu Seki as Rentarou Futaba, while others found it confusing or too departure from the original Futakoi series. Over the years, Futakoi Alternative has gained a dedicated following and is now considered a cult classic. Fans admire its bold narrative risks, distinctive animation style, and emotional depth, recognizing it as an underrated gem rather than a dated relic.
Main Cast of Futakoi Alternative
Kaori Mizuhashi
Sara Shirogane
Kaori Mizuhashi played a notable role in the TV series '
Futakoi Alternative,' where her captivating voice work brought depth and authenticity to her character. Her performance was praised for its emotional range and subtle nuances, distinguishing her from her peers and contributing to the show's unique charm. What made her portrayal unique was her ability to blend playful energy with heartfelt emotion, resonating strongly with audiences and critics alike. A lesser-known fact about Mizuhashi's involvement is that she reportedly improvised some of her lines during recording sessions, adding a spontaneous and natural feel to her character's dialogue, which was well appreciated by the production team.
Tomokazu Seki
Rentarou Futaba
Fans of Tomokazu Seki will enjoy his role in the TV series 'Futakoi Alternative' because it showcases his versatile voice acting skills in a unique, stylized anime that blends action, romance, and sci-fi elements. Unlike his most iconic performance as Sousuke Sagara in '
Full Metal Panic!', where he plays a serious and tactical soldier, his role in 'Futakoi Alternative' allows for a more quirky and experimental portrayal, highlighting his range and adaptability. An interesting detail is that the series itself defies typical genre conventions, and Seki's casting was a deliberate choice to bring a familiar yet fresh voice that could balance the show's eccentric tone, which might surprise fans accustomed to his more straightforward heroic roles.
Mai Kadowaki
Souju Shirogane
Mai Kadowaki voiced the character of Ruru Hinagiku in the TV anime '
Futakoi Alternative.' This role was significant as it showcased her versatility early in her career, blending a lively and energetic personality with complex emotional undertones. Compared to her earlier roles, which often involved more straightforward character types, her performance in 'Futakoi Alternative' stood out by demonstrating a greater depth in comedic timing and emotional expression. This helped establish her reputation as a dynamic voice actress capable of handling diverse and multi-faceted characters, paving the way for more prominent roles later in her career.
Crew of Futakoi Alternative
Full backstage crew list →