The hit romantic-fantasy light novel Always a Catch! is officially heading to television. Author Mayo Momoyo’s fan-favorite story will debut as a TV anime in Spring 2026, produced by Troyca and TMS Entertainment. The announcement has sparked excitement across anime communities, marking another major success for a light novel born from Japan’s booming web-fiction scene.
Story Synopsis
Originally serialized on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in 2020, Always a Catch! (Japanese title: Nigashita Sakana wa Ōkikatta ga Tsuriageta Sakana ga Ōkisugita Ken) follows the quick-witted daughter of a duke who ends up in a reluctant engagement with a powerful prince. What begins as a romantic misunderstanding quickly develops into a tale of pride, martial arts, and unexpected affection.
On November 3, 2025, the adaptation was officially announced. The anime is being produced by TMS Entertainment and animated by Troyca, two studios recognized for their high production quality. The adaptation will reportedly remain faithful to the novels’ blend of humor, political intrigue, and heartfelt romance, offering both long-time readers and new viewers a polished entry point into Momoyo’s world.
Publication or Announcement Details
- Announcement Date: November 3, 2025
- Broadcast Season: Spring 2026 (April–June 2026)
- Animation Studio: Troyca
- Production Company: TMS Entertainment
- Original Light Novel Publisher: Square Enix (SQEX Novel imprint)
- Author: Mayo Momoyo
- Original Online Publication: Began October 2020 on Shōsetsuka ni Narō
- Manga Adaptation: Ongoing, serialized alongside the novel
Character and Key Figure Summaries
Mayo Momoyo (Author)
Mayo Momoyo is an emerging light-novel author whose work has gained notable traction for its strong female leads and playful narrative tone. Always a Catch! represents her breakout success, transitioning from a web-novel hit into a full multimedia franchise. Her writing stands out for subverting common romantic tropes and blending empowerment with light comedy.
Troyca (Animation Studio)
Troyca, the studio behind Re:Creators and Aldnoah.Zero, is handling animation for the project. Known for cinematic visual direction and expressive character work, Troyca’s involvement raises expectations for fluid action and emotionally detailed storytelling in the adaptation.
TMS Entertainment (Production Company)
One of Japan’s most experienced animation houses, TMS Entertainment has a legacy that includes Detective Conan, Lupin the Third, and Fruits Basket. Their participation signals that Always a Catch! is being positioned as a flagship project rather than a small-scale adaptation.
Did You Know?
- The Japanese title literally translates to “The fish I let go was big, but the fish I caught was too big,” symbolizing the heroine’s unexpected love story.
- The series has already surpassed one million copies in circulation, making it one of Square Enix’s standout romantic fantasy properties.
- The protagonist is trained in over eighty martial arts forms, merging shōjo romance with action elements rarely seen in the genre.
- The anime’s teaser visual features the heroine lifting her prince—a playful inversion of traditional romance imagery.
- Spring premieres in Japan are typically reserved for high-profile or confidently backed titles, underscoring the studio’s expectations for strong performance.
With its upcoming Spring 2026 premiere, Always a Catch! stands as a prime example of how web fiction continues to evolve into mainstream anime success stories, bridging audiences across mediums and genres.
Suggested Reading
- “Always a Catch! Anime Adaptation Announced for Spring 2026” — Crunchyroll News
- “Mayo Momoyo’s Always a Catch! Light Novels Get TV Anime in Spring 2026” — Anime News Network
- “How Light Novels Like Always a Catch! Shape the Modern Anime Market” — Anime Industry Insights
- “From Web Novel to Anime: The Rising Influence of Shōsetsuka ni Narō Authors” — Media Mix Journal
