The Hugely Popular Romantic Comedy "The Girl Who Was Second Cutest in Class Became My Friend" Finally Concludes! Latest Information Released to Commemorate the Finale!

KADOKAWA Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Takeshi Natsuno) will release on July 1st the 10th and final volume of the hugely popular light novel "The Girl Who Was Second Cutest in Class Became My Friend" (Author: Takata / Illustrations: Azuri Hinata) from Kadokawa Sneakers Bunko.

To commemorate the conclusion of this series, we are releasing a collection of congratulatory comments from the talented production staff and a new commemorative illustration by Azuri Hinata! Furthermore, we will deliver details of commemorative projects to celebrate the finale, including a special goods fair starting today and an X (formerly Twitter) giveaway campaign where you can win signed copies.

We will also announce future developments that fans won't want to miss, such as the publication of a short story collection, "Kuranika 10.5," this winter, and the launch of Takata-sensei's completely new romantic comedy.

Original Novel Volume 10 (Final Volume) Released Today! What Kind of "Family" Will They Find?

The 10th and final volume of the original novel for the hugely popular series "The Girl Who Was Second Cutest in Class Became My Friend" is finally released today! The story moves to the university arc. While continuing their sweet relationship as university students, Umi and Maki will search for the perfect proposal as they seek to find their own form of "family." Please witness the future of their love with your own eyes!

Commemorative Comments from the Author and Cast Arrive to Celebrate the Finale!

To commemorate the conclusion of this series, we have received heartfelt comments from the creators and cast who have brought the work to life.

◆ Author: Takata

This marks the end of the original story. I was able to run this far thanks to everyone's support. However, looking at the series as a whole, the manga adaptation is just getting started, and I may write short stories or other works on future occasions, so please continue to support me. ...Also, I want to do a second anime season.

◆ Illustrator: Azuri Hinata

Congratulations on the conclusion of Kuranika! I am deeply honored to have been able to depict the story of Umi and Maki until the very end.

While drawing their heartwarming interactions and growth, I myself have had many valuable experiences, including the anime adaptation.

Thank you so much to all the readers who supported us until the end!

◆ Manga Adaptation: Rin Ono

This is Rin Ono, in charge of the manga adaptation.

Congratulations on the conclusion of "The Girl Who Was Second Cutest in Class Became My Friend"!

It's a joyous yet sad occasion... but I will continue to cherish Kuranika as a fan and a member of the team.

Thank you for your hard work, Takata-sama!

◆ Mana Nakanaka (as Umi Asanagi): Manaka Iwami

Congratulations on the conclusion of the original novel for "The Girl Who Was Second Cutest in Class Became My Friend"...!

Thank you for your hard work, Takata-sensei, and to everyone involved in the original work.

I have always enjoyed my time playing Umi Asanagi and feel fortunate to have this connection every day.

Friendship, romance, family... I feel that the wonderful aspect of Kuranika is how it deeply, carefully, and thoroughly depicts various human relationships!

My wish is to be able to play Umi-chan until the very end. I look forward to your continued support!

◆ Haruki Ishiya (as Maki Maehara)

Congratulations on the conclusion of the original "Kuranika"!

I am very honored to have been involved in the story, including the anime, since I first voiced Maki-kun.

This is a major milestone for Kuranika, which has carefully depicted student life until the end and the relationships of those close to them. I wish happiness for the future of the characters, including Maki-kun and Umi-chan.

Thank you for your hard work, Takata-sensei!

Azuri Hinata-sensei's Newly Drawn "Commemorative Finale Illustration" Revealed!

A newly drawn commemorative finale illustration by illustrator Azuri Hinata has arrived! This is a super luxurious memorial illustration featuring a grand gathering of the student characters who livened up the story.

"Commemorative Finale Goods Fair" Starts Today! Delivered in a "Pizza Rocket" Box!?

A special goods fair to commemorate the finale starts today, July 1st! The main attraction is the "Commemorative Finale Goods Set" (Kadost exclusive sale), featuring super luxurious goods with newly drawn illustrations, delivered in a "Pizza Rocket" pizza box filled with Umi and Maki's memories. This is a must-have item for fans, including a limited short story booklet newly written by Takata-sensei!

Purchase Here

https://store.kadokawa.co.jp/shop/e/ern00347/

Win a Signed Copy! X Present Campaign Underway!

We are holding a luxurious present campaign where you can win a "signed copy" by Takata-sensei and Azuri Hinata-sensei!

How to Enter:

Follow the official Kuranika X account (@2ndinclass)

Quote repost the campaign post with the hashtag #クラにか完結 and your thoughts on the work.

The application deadline is July 8, 2026 (Wed).

Please check the official Kuranika X account for the latest information.

Second Short Story Collection! "Kuranika 10.5" Scheduled for Publication This Winter!

A second "Kuranika" short story collection is currently in the planning stages. It will include a large collection of various bonus short stories from the past, as well as many highly anticipated new episodes, such as Umi and Maki's wedding, the relationship between Yu and Nozomi, and Umi's story leading up to becoming friends with Maki. It is scheduled for publication this winter, so please look forward to further details!

Takata-sensei's Completely New Romantic Comedy Launches!

We are also announcing the plan for a long-awaited completely new light novel by original author Takata-sensei!

Title: "You, With a Great Face and Personality, Being in Love With Me is Presumptuous"

Illustrations: Fujiko

This time, the main heroine is the "#1 Cutest" girl! A popular girl with looks and personality loved by everyone. However, due to her popularity, the loneliness and struggles she carries are growing unnoticed by those around her... A sweet and agonizing romantic comedy that gently fills the void in the heroine's heart begins! Scheduled for publication this winter. Please look forward to this new series!

List of Related Pages

"The Girl Who Was Second Cutest in Class Became My Friend" Official X: https://x.com/2ndinclass

"The Girl Who Was Second Cutest in Class Became My Friend" Official Website: https://sneakerbunko.jp/kuranika/

Kadokawa Sneakers Bunko Official Website: https://sneakerbunko.jp/