Great news for fans of the spirited soccer anime Aoashi! The series is officially getting a second season, set to premiere in 2026. After a successful first season animated by Production I.G, the reins are being passed to TMS Entertainment for the next chapter of Ashito Aoi’s journey. Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming season.
What’s New for Aoashi Season 2?
- Release Date: The second season is slated for release in 2026.
- Animation Studio: TMS Entertainment will be taking over the animation production from Production I.G. TMS Entertainment is known for its work on popular anime such as Dr. STONE and Sakamoto Days.
- Teaser Visual: A new teaser visual has been released to commemorate the announcement, featuring Ashito Aoi with renewed determination.
- Manga Ending: The Aoashi manga is nearing its conclusion, with the final volume expected in May 2025. This suggests that the second season of the anime may cover the concluding arcs of the story.
Why Aoashi Resonates with Fans
Aoashi has captured the hearts of many viewers with its compelling narrative, emotional depth, and realistic portrayal of the world of soccer. The series avoids over-the-top exaggerations and instead focuses on the challenges and growth of its characters, making it relatable and engaging.
Story and Characters
Aoashi tells the story of Ashito Aoi, a talented but rough-around-the-edges soccer player from Ehime Prefecture. After a devastating loss in a junior high tournament, Ashito’s life takes an unexpected turn when he is scouted by Tatsuya Fukuda, the manager of a youth club affiliated with a J-League team. Fukuda recognizes Ashito’s hidden potential and invites him to Tokyo for tryouts.
- Ashito Aoi: The main protagonist, known for his unpredictable playing style and spatial awareness. He undergoes significant development as he learns to work with his teammates and refine his skills.
- Tatsuya Fukuda: A former professional footballer and coach of the Esperion youth team. He sees Ashito’s potential and guides him on his journey to becoming a professional player.
Themes and Tone
The anime explores themes of teamwork, perseverance, and the sacrifices required to pursue one’s dreams. It balances the excitement of soccer with the personal struggles and emotional growth of the characters, creating a well-rounded and engaging viewing experience.
Production Quality
The first season of Aoashi was praised for its animation quality, character designs, and voice acting. The change in animation studios for the second season has sparked some discussion among fans, but many are optimistic that TMS Entertainment will maintain the high standards set by Production I.G.
A Look Back at Season 1
Season 1 of Aoashi, which aired from April to September 2022, consisted of 22 episodes and adapted the initial volumes of the manga. The season followed Ashito’s journey from his small town in Ehime to the competitive world of Tokyo’s youth soccer clubs.
Key Events
- Ashito’s Tryout: Ashito participates in the tryouts for the Tokyo City Esperion Youth team, facing numerous challenges and demonstrating his unique abilities.
- Team Dynamics: Ashito learns to integrate with his new teammates, including players like Yoichi Tachibana and Keiji Togashi, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
- Tactical Learning: Ashito begins to understand the importance of tactics and strategy in soccer, guided by Coach Fukuda and his coaching staff.
- Personal Growth: Ashito confronts his personal limitations and works to improve his skills, both on and off the field.
Memorable Moments
- Ashito’s “Bird’s-Eye View”: Ashito’s exceptional spatial awareness allows him to see the entire field and anticipate his opponents’ movements.
- The Musashino Match: Esperion’s B team faces off against Musashino, a top team in the league, in a crucial match that tests Ashito’s abilities and teamwork.
- Ashito’s Acceptance Letter: Ashito receives his acceptance letter to Esperion, marking a significant milestone in his journey.
What to Expect in Season 2
With the manga nearing its conclusion, Season 2 of Aoashi is expected to cover the final arcs of the story. This may include:
Key Storylines
- Ashito’s Continued Development: Ashito will continue to hone his skills and adapt to new positions and challenges within the team.
- Esperion’s Progress: Esperion will face new rivals and strive to achieve their goals in the J-League.
- Character Arcs: The stories of Ashito’s teammates and rivals will be further explored, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
- The Manga’s Ending: The anime may adapt the concluding events of the manga, providing a satisfying resolution to Ashito’s journey.
Potential Challenges
- Adapting the Ending: Adapting the manga’s ending may present challenges, as the anime must balance faithfulness to the source material with the need to create a compelling and conclusive narrative.
- Maintaining Production Quality: The change in animation studios may require adjustments to the animation style and character designs.
- Meeting Fan Expectations: Fans have high expectations for the second season, and the anime must deliver on its promises to be a worthy continuation of the story.
TMS Entertainment: A New Chapter for Aoashi
TMS Entertainment’s involvement in Aoashi Season 2 marks a new chapter for the series. The studio has a long history of producing high-quality anime, and fans are eager to see how they will bring their expertise to the world of Aoashi.
Notable Works by TMS Entertainment
- Dr. STONE
- Sakamoto Days
- Lupin the 3rd
- Detective Conan
Expectations for the New Season
- Animation Style: TMS Entertainment is expected to maintain a similar animation style to the first season, while also bringing their own unique flair to the series.
- Character Designs: The character designs may undergo minor changes, but the overall look and feel of the characters are expected to remain consistent.
- Emotional Impact: TMS Entertainment is known for its ability to create emotionally resonant anime, and fans can expect the second season of Aoashi to be just as moving as the first.
The Manga’s Impact and Legacy
Aoashi is based on the manga series by Yūgo Kobayashi, which began serialization in Weekly Big Comic Spirits in January 2015. The manga has been praised for its realistic portrayal of soccer, its compelling characters, and its exploration of themes such as teamwork and perseverance.
Sales and Popularity
The Aoashi manga has achieved significant success, with over 23 million copies in circulation as of January 2025. The anime adaptation has further boosted the manga’s popularity, attracting new readers and viewers to the series.
Awards and Recognition
In 2020, the Aoashi manga won the 65th Shogakukan Manga Award for the general category, recognizing its quality and impact on the manga industry.
Influence on the Sports Anime Genre
Aoashi has been compared to other popular sports anime such as Haikyuu!! and Blue Lock, but it has also carved out its own unique identity with its focus on realism and character development. The series has inspired many viewers to take an interest in soccer and has contributed to the growing popularity of the sports anime genre.
Where to Watch Aoashi
The first season of Aoashi is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. It is expected that the second season will also be available on Crunchyroll upon its release in 2026.
Final Thoughts
The announcement of Aoashi Season 2 has generated excitement among fans of the series. With a new animation studio at the helm and the manga nearing its conclusion, the second season promises to be an epic and emotional journey. As we eagerly await the premiere in 2026, we can look forward to seeing Ashito Aoi’s continued growth and the realization of his dreams in the world of professional soccer.
