The story of My Senpai is Annoying begins with Harumi Takeda and Futaba Igarashi returning from a sales call, during which a fatigued Igarashi falls asleep against Takeda’s chest. Their coworker Sōta Kazama seizes the moment to take a picture, humorously adding filters that give them bear and cat features before presumably sending it to Tōko Sakurai. Both Kazama and Sakurai seem aware of the chemistry between Takeda and Igarashi, often quietly rooting for them from the sidelines.

The anime and manga follow a loosely linear structure, occasionally interrupted by flashbacks and interjections, making the chronology of certain events difficult to pinpoint. There is no overarching, fast-moving plot; instead, the series revolves around the protagonists dancing around their feelings for each other. While Igarashi, despite her tsundere tendencies, is more transparent about her emotions, Takeda’s feelings remain more ambiguous.

Takeda takes his role as senpai seriously, though his initial introduction to Igarashi was far from ideal mistaking her for a middle school student on her first day at work. Despite this awkward start, they quickly develop a comfortable dynamic built on mutual respect. Takeda frequently teases Igarashi, but also consistently acknowledges her growth as a professional and as an adult. Their relationship extends beyond the workplace, with Takeda stepping in to protect Igarashi on multiple occasions whether from perverts on the subway, unruly bar patrons, or street delinquents. He even defends her from her overbearing grandfather, who treats Igarashi as a child, despite Takeda himself often doing the same. However, his playful teasing suggests it is not done in earnest, but rather as a means of affectionate banter.

Over time, Takeda and Igarashi grow increasingly close, to the point where they frequently visit each other’s homes and have even had sleepovers, though entirely platonic in nature. They have also spent Christmas together, a significant event in Japanese culture akin to Valentine’s Day, and have exchanged meaningful gifts.

Throughout the series, there are moments that suggest Takeda may view their relationship as more than just a mentorship. However, whether due to genuine obliviousness or deliberate emotional restraint, he tends to brush aside Igarashi’s more flirtatious remarks. On two occasions, he has laughed off the idea that she could have romantic interest in a “middle-aged man” like himself, though his dismissals are often preceded by a moment of thoughtful silence. Internally, he has admitted to himself (and to the reader) that Igarashi is “too good” for him, raising the question of whether his apparent ignorance is an act of self-imposed distance.

As of now, there is no definitive resolution to their relationship, and Shiromanta continues to keep readers engaged, leaving them uncertain whether Takeda and Igarashi will eventually act on their feelings.

Harumi Takeda is a tall and imposing man, standing at approximately 195 cm (6’5″). He has short black hair, thick eyebrows, and a noticeable stubble on his face, giving him a rugged yet approachable appearance. His usual attire consists of a white button-up office shirt, with the sleeves rolled up, paired with a purple tie that features two green lines at the bottom. He also wears black pants, secured with a belt around his waist, and finishes his look with black shoes, maintaining a simple yet professional office worker aesthetic.

Harumi Takeda is a loud and often tactless individual who speaks his mind without always considering how his words may come across to others. While he is not intentionally rude or cruel, his straightforward nature can sometimes make his remarks seem blunt or thoughtless. His most frequent target for teasing is his kōhai, Futaba Igarashi, whom he often playfully pokes fun at, particularly regarding her height and demeanor.

Early in the manga, Takeda occasionally comes across as mildly sexist, often making comments that reflect traditional gender roles. However, as the story progresses, his attitude shifts, showing greater respect and appreciation for Igarashi’s capabilities as both a professional and an individual. The anime adaptation notably omits or tones down much of this dialogue, presenting him in a more universally likable manner. Despite his boisterous personality, Takeda is ultimately a kind and dependable mentor, always looking out for his colleagues and offering his support when needed.

Futaba Igarashi
His junior and closest coworker, whom he dotes on and frequently helps. He sees her as a younger sibling or junior in need of guidance, unaware of her growing romantic feelings toward him.

Sōta Kazama
A coworker and friend, often serving as a quieter contrast to Harumi’s energetic personality.

Tōko Sakurai
A friendly colleague, who occasionally teases Harumi and Futaba about their relationship.

Other Coworkers
Harumi is widely respected and admired in the office, often serving as the reliable senpai everyone can count on.

The name Harumi (晴海) is composed of “haru” (晴), meaning “clear weather,” and “mi” (海), meaning “sea” or “ocean.” This combination evokes a sense of serenity and vastness, possibly reflecting his steady and dependable personality.

His surname, Takeda (武田), consists of “take” (武), meaning “military” or “martial,” and “ta/da” (田), meaning “field” or “rice paddy.” This surname is historically associated with samurai families, particularly the Takeda clan, suggesting strength, resilience, and a warrior-like presence—traits that align with his protective and steadfast nature.