Love Through a Prism

Set in early twentieth-century London, the story follows Lili Ichijoin, a Japanese exchange student who enrolls at the prestigious Saint Thomas Art Academy, with the goal of becoming a professional painter. Under pressure from her parents to rise to the top of her class within six months or return to Japan, Lili throws herself into her studies, where she encounters Kit Church, a talented but emotionally distant aristocratic student known for his singular devotion to art. What begins as rivalry between two driven artists gradually develops into a romantic relationship, as Lili's sincerity and perseverance challenge Kit's isolation and reshape his outlook. Their shared pursuit of artistic excellence places their evolving bond at the center of academy life, intertwining personal growth with creative ambition. ==Characters==

; : :A talented 20 year-old oil painter and the daughter of kimono makers from Yokohama, Japan. Her mother has given her six months to become the top student at Saint Thomas Art Academy, or else face abandoning her artistic ambitions permanently. She develops feelings for Kit and by the end of the series is in a relationship with him. ; : :A mysterious student who consistently ranks first in assignments. Despite his scruffy nature and eccentricities, he is actually the younger son of a duke. He later leaves the academy to serve as an ambassador in World War I. ; : :The academy's exacting oil painting professor. He is a fan of William Shakespeare and regularly quotes the playwright. ; : :Lili's first English friend, housemate, and fellow painting student, a friendly girl who hails from the Cotswolds. ; : :One of Kit's friends, the son of an old, lower aristocratic family. He is in the sculpture department. ; : :Another of Kit's friends, an artist from Delhi, India. ; : :Another student from Japan, a talented sculptor who befriends and lives across the street from Lili and Dorothy during their time in London. He develops unrequited feelings for Lili and was arranged to marry her after their return to Japan, but chose to break off the engagement and pursue his dreams in Italy. ; : :Shinnosuke's mute younger sister. ; : :Lili's mother. She has given Lili six months to be the best student at Saint Thomas'; otherwise, Lili will return home to marry and inherit the family's kimono business. ; : :Kit's older brother, who urges him to accept his responsibilities. ; : :Kit's aristocratic fiancee. After befriending Lili, she decides to break off her engagement with Kit and become a dressmaker. ==Media==

Manga A manga adaptation illustrated by Maki Minami began serialization on Shueisha's Shōnen Jump+ and Manga Mee manga websites on January 8, 2026. The manga adaptation's chapters are simultaneously published in English on Shueisha's Manga Plus app. Anime The original anime series created by Yoko Kamio and produced by Wit Studio was announced on November 27, 2025. The series is directed by Kazuto Nakazawa, Tetsuya Takahashi, and Saki Fujii and written by Kamio and Fujii, with composing the music. Original character designs are provided by Kamio, while Yasuko Takahashi adapts the designs for animation. It was released on Netflix on January 15, 2026, and consists of 20 episodes. The theme song is "Star Flower", performed by Chilli Beans. Episodes ==References==