Too Many Losing Heroines!
Too Many Losing Heroines!, also known as Makeine, is a Japanese light novel series written by Takibi Amamori and illustrated by Imigimuru. The story takes place in Toyohashi, Aichi, where Amamori comes from. It follows a boy in high school interacting with several girls who got heartbroken after being rejected by their respective love interests. It began publication under Shogakukan's Gagaga Bunko imprint in July 2021. A manga adaptation illustrated by Itachi began serialization on Shogakukan's ' website and ' app in April 2022.
An anime television series adaptation produced by A-1 Pictures aired from July to September 2024. A second season has been announced. Both the novel and the anime series were met with positive reviews.
Plot
Self-proclaimed "background character" Kazuhiko Nukumizu accidentally witnesses Anna Yanami, a popular girl in his class, being rejected by her childhood friend. He labels her a "losing heroine", and soon finds himself getting involved with Anna and other similar girls.Characters
Main characters
;Kazuhiko Nukumizu;Anna Yanami
;Lemon Yakishio
;Chika Komari
Tsuwabuki High School
Students
;Koto Tsukinoki;Shintarō Tamaki
;Sōsuke Hakamada
;Karen Himemiya
;Mitsuki Ayano
;Chihaya Asagumo
Student Council
;Hibari Hōkobaru;Tiara Basori
;Yumeko Shikiya
;Hiroto Sakurai
Staff
;Konami Amanatsu;Sayo Konuki
Other characters
;Kaju Nukumizu;Asami Gondō
Media
Light novel
Written by Takibi Amamori and illustrated by Imigimuru, Too Many Losing Heroines! began publication under Shogakukan's Gagaga Bunko imprint on July 21, 2021. Eight volumes and two short stories volumes have been released as of January 26, 2026.In July 2023, the official Twitter account of the light novel announced that the series had been licensed in English without revealing a publisher. In February 2024, Seven Seas Entertainment announced that they had licensed the series.
An audiobook version of the series began on September 20, 2023, featuring the voices of Shotaro Uzawa, Rina Honnizumi, Maki Yamaichi, Mei Shibata, Chihiro Shirata, Keaki Watanabe, Shuma Konoe, Yurie Igoma, Kiri Kamasawa, and Taira Yamauchi, all of whom are from 81 Produce. It has been released up to the second volume of the series.
Manga
A manga adaptation illustrated by Itachi began serialization on Shogakukan's ' website and ' app on April 29, 2022. The manga's chapters have been collected in five tankōbon volumes as of September 11, 2025.In February 2024, Seven Seas Entertainment announced that they also licensed the manga adaptation.
Anime
An anime television series adaptation was announced in December 2023. It is produced by Aniplex, animated by A-1 Pictures, and directed by Shōtarō Kitamura, with scripts written by Masahiro Yokotani, characters designed by Tetsuya Kawakami, and music composed by Kana Utatane. The series aired from July 14 to September 29, 2024, on Tokyo MX and other networks. The opening theme song is "Tsuyogaru Girl", performed by BotchiBoromaru feat. Mossa of Necry Talkie, while the multiple ending theme songs are performed by the losing heroines in the following order: the first is a cover of Hitomi's "Love 2000" performed by Hikaru Tono as her character Anna Yanami, the second is a cover of Kylee's "Crazy For You" performed by Shion Wakayama as her character Lemon Yakishio, and the third is a cover of Yui's "Feel My Soul" performed by Momoka Terasawa as her character Chika Komari.The closing sequence for the first episode, was made using cel animation shot with an 8mm film camera, marking the first time a new cel animation has been broadcast on television in 10 years and 9 months.
Crunchyroll streamed the series worldwide outside of Asia, but including Indian subcontinent. An English dub produced in Coppell under the direction of Helena Walstrom that premiered on July 27, 2024. Plus Media Networks Asia licensed the series in Southeast Asia and airs it on Aniplus Asia.
According to the editor-in-charge of the light novel series, Iwaasa, the discussion about the anime adaptation started before the publication of the first volume of the series. The 12th and final episode was an original episode written by Takibi Amamori.
A second season was announced during an event for the anime series on April 6, 2025.
Other
The series had an illustration collaboration with the second volume of the manga series Starting Today, We're Childhood Friends by Midori Obiya. It also had multiple collaborations with Toyohashi Zoo and Botanical Park and JR Tōkai.Shogakukan released an art book titled Too Many Losing Heroines! Imigimuru ARTWORKS on January 26, 2026.
Reception
In the 2022 edition of Takarajimasha's annual light novel guide book Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!, the novel series ranked 18th in the bunkobon category, and 11th in the new work category. It ranked first in the bunkobon category in 2025.Both the light novel and the anime series have received positive reviews from critics, highlighting the artstyle, characters, humor and emotional depth.