The second season of the popular anime series Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun has welcomed a new voice to its cast. Kana Hanazawa, a well-known and prolific voice actress, will be lending her talents to the character of Shijima-san of the Art Room, also known as the fourth of the Seven Mysteries of Kamome Academy.
Hanazawa’s Role: Shijima-san of the Art Room
The announcement was made by the anime’s staff, revealing that Hanazawa’s character will play a significant role in the ongoing supernatural storyline. Shijima-san, as one of the Seven Mysteries, is a ghostly legend within the school, adding to the eerie and captivating atmosphere of the series. Her character is expected to make a proper appearance in Episode 7, which is set to premiere on February 23, after a brief appearance in the latest episode.
Second Season Details
The second season of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun premiered on January 12, 2025, continuing the adventures of Hanako-kun, Nene Yashiro, and Kou Minamoto. The series is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, with both English subtitles and a dubbed version for international audiences.
Production and Staff
- Lerche is handling the animation production for the second season, with Yōhei Fukui taking over as director, replacing Masaomi Andō from the first season.
- Yasuhiro Nakanishi returns to oversee the series scripts, while Mayuka Itou is also back as the character designer.
- The opening theme song, titled “L’oN,” is performed by Masayoshi Ōishi.
Where to Watch
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season 2 is available on Crunchyroll in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS, and India.
About Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun (地縛少年花子くん, Jibaku Shōnen Hanako-kun) is a Japanese manga series by Iro Aida. It began serialization in Square Enix’s Monthly GFantasy in 2014 and has garnered a significant following. The story revolves around Nene Yashiro, a high school student who summons Hanako-kun, a ghost residing in the school’s toilet, to grant her wishes. The two, along with Kou Minamoto, become involved in supernatural events and maintaining the balance between the human and spirit worlds.
Manga and Anime Adaptations
- The manga series is licensed in North America by Yen Press.
- The first season of the anime adaptation, produced by Lerche, aired from January to March 2020 and consisted of 12 episodes.
- In December 2022, a new anime project was announced, described as a “restart” of the series. This included an adaptation of the After-School Hanako-kun spin-off manga.
Previous Hanako-kun Projects
Prior to the second season, fans were treated to other Hanako-kun anime projects:
- After-School Hanako-kun: This short anime series, a spin-off, received a four-episode sequel that debuted in October 2024, featuring the returning cast and staff.
- First Anime Season: The initial anime season premiered in January 2020, comprising 12 episodes. Funimation streamed the series with both English subtitles and an English dub.
The Seven Mysteries of Kamome Academy
The Seven Mysteries are central to the lore of Kamome Academy, adding intrigue and danger to the daily lives of the students. These mysteries are supernatural occurrences or ghostly figures that haunt the school, each with its own story and set of rules. Hanako-kun himself is one of the Seven Mysteries, specifically the seventh. Shijima-san, now voiced by Kana Hanazawa, is the fourth mystery, adding another layer of depth to the academy’s supernatural landscape.
Kana Hanazawa: A Voice Acting Powerhouse
Kana Hanazawa is a highly celebrated voice actress with an extensive and diverse portfolio. She has voiced numerous iconic characters in popular anime series, showcasing her range and talent. Some of her notable roles include:
- Akane Tsunemori in Psycho-Pass
- Kosaki Onodera in Nisekoi
- Mayuri Shiina in Steins;Gate
- Mitsuri Kanroji in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Kuroneko/Ruri Gokou in Oreimo
- Ichika Nakano in The Quintessential Quintuplets
- Shiemi Moriyama in Blue Exorcist
- Ren Yamashiro in Chained Soldier
Her addition to the Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun cast is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see her portrayal of Shijima-san.
Popularity and Reception
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun has achieved considerable success both as a manga and an anime. As of February 2024, the manga had over 10 million copies in circulation. The series has been praised for its:
- Unique blend of supernatural elements and school-life themes.
- Distinctive art style and character designs.
- Engaging storyline with well-developed characters.
- Exploration of themes such as friendship, sacrifice, and the balance between the human and spirit worlds.
The anime adaptation has further boosted the series’ popularity, attracting a wider audience through its visually appealing animation, captivating music, and talented voice acting. The series’ themes have resonated with audiences, contributing to its continued success and dedicated fan base.
The Future of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun
With the second season currently airing and new characters being introduced, the future of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun looks promising. The series continues to captivate audiences with its supernatural mysteries, engaging characters, and exploration of complex themes. The addition of Kana Hanazawa to the cast is sure to bring even more excitement to the series, and fans eagerly await the unfolding of Shijima-san’s role in the story.
