Get ready to dive back into the chaotic world of martial arts and gender-bending transformations! The new Ranma 1/2 anime is gearing up for its second season, and fans are in for a treat with an advanced screening and live dubbing event scheduled for June 22, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting event and what to expect from the upcoming season.
A Grand Joyful Anime Presentation
The event, titled “Ranma 1/2: Great Joyful Anime Presentation,” will be held at Shinjuku Wald 9 in Tokyo. This special occasion marks a significant milestone for the Ranma 1/2 franchise, bringing together the original voice cast and offering fans an exclusive glimpse into the highly anticipated second season.
What’s on the Agenda?
Attendees of the “Great Joyful Anime Presentation” can look forward to a jam-packed schedule filled with exciting activities:
- Advanced Screening: Be among the first to witness footage from the upcoming second season of the new anime.
- Live Dubbing Performance: Experience the magic of voice acting as the original cast members reprise their roles in a live dubbing session.
- Talk Session: Hear directly from the voice actors as they share insights and anecdotes about their experiences working on Ranma 1/2.
- Exclusive Merchandise: Get your hands on exclusive event merchandise that you won’t find anywhere else.
- Special Booklet: Receive a complimentary special booklet that is exclusive to the event attendees.
Who’s Attending?
The event will feature appearances from the original voice cast, including:
- Kappei Yamaguchi: The voice of male Ranma Saotome.
- Megumi Hayashibara: The voice of female Ranma Saotome.
- Noriko Hidaka: The voice of Akane Tendo.
- Rei Sakuma: The voice of Shampoo.
The event’s official image also teases the appearance of Mousse, raising anticipation for the character’s debut in the new adaptation. It remains unconfirmed whether Toshihiko Seki, who voiced Mousse in the original anime, will return to the role.
A Look Back at Ranma 1/2’s Enduring Legacy
Ranma 1/2 began as a manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi, serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 1987 to 1996. The series quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of martial arts, comedy, and romance. It follows the story of Ranma Saotome, a teenage martial artist who develops a peculiar condition after falling into a cursed spring during a training excursion in China. Now, whenever he’s splashed with cold water, he transforms into a girl, and hot water reverts him back to his male form.
From Manga to Anime and Beyond
The manga’s success led to its adaptation into an anime series that aired from 1989 to 1992. The anime further cemented Ranma 1/2‘s status as a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its quirky characters, over-the-top humor, and engaging storylines. The series has spawned numerous OVAs, movies, and even a live-action adaptation, continuing to resonate with fans across generations.
The 2024 Reboot
In 2024, a new Ranma 1/2 anime premiered, marking the first full-length anime project for the series in 14 years. Produced by studio MAPPA, with Konosuke Ueda directing and Kimiko Ueno handling series composition, the new adaptation aims to stay faithful to the original manga while incorporating modern animation techniques. The first season, which aired from October to December 2024, was streamed on Netflix and received praise for its animation style and pacing.
What to Expect from Season 2
With the second season on the horizon, fans are eager to know what’s in store for Ranma, Akane, and the rest of the gang. While specific plot details remain under wraps, here are some general expectations:
More Faithful Adaptations
The new anime has been lauded for its commitment to adapting the original manga’s storylines and characters. Season 2 is expected to continue this trend, bringing to life more of Rumiko Takahashi’s iconic tales.
Character Development
The series boasts a colorful cast of characters, each with their own quirks and motivations. Season 2 may delve deeper into these characters’ backstories and relationships, offering viewers a more nuanced understanding of their personalities.
Martial Arts Mayhem
Ranma 1/2 is renowned for its action-packed martial arts sequences, and Season 2 is unlikely to disappoint in this regard. Expect plenty of high-flying kicks, acrobatic maneuvers, and over-the-top special techniques.
Romantic Entanglements
The relationship between Ranma and Akane is a central theme of the series, and Season 2 will likely explore their evolving dynamic. As they navigate their engagement and face various challenges, their bond may deepen, or new romantic rivals may emerge to complicate matters.
Where to Get Tickets
Tickets for the “Ranma 1/2: Great Joyful Anime Presentation” are available via ePlus. Advance ticket lottery applications are open from May 23 (18:00 JST) to June 2, with general sales beginning on June 14 at 10:00 JST.
Streaming on Netflix
For those who can’t make it to the event in Tokyo, the new Ranma 1/2 anime is available for streaming on Netflix. The first season premiered in October 2024, and Season 2 is expected to follow in 2025.
The Voices Behind the Characters
The return of the original voice cast has been a major draw for fans of the new anime. Kappei Yamaguchi, Megumi Hayashibara, Noriko Hidaka, and Rei Sakuma bring their characters to life with energy and enthusiasm, capturing the essence of Ranma 1/2‘s humor and heart.
Kappei Yamaguchi as Male Ranma Saotome
Kappei Yamaguchi’s portrayal of the male Ranma is iconic, capturing the character’s brashness, determination, and occasional moments of vulnerability.
Megumi Hayashibara as Female Ranma Saotome
Megumi Hayashibara perfectly embodies the female Ranma, infusing the character with a blend of strength, wit, and charm.
Noriko Hidaka as Akane Tendo
Noriko Hidaka’s performance as Akane Tendo is equally memorable, conveying the character’s fiery spirit, loyalty, and hidden sweetness.
Rei Sakuma as Shampoo
Rei Sakuma’s portrayal of Shampoo is playful and mischievous, adding a layer of complexity to the character’s interactions with Ranma and Akane.
The Production Team
The new Ranma 1/2 anime is brought to life by a talented team of creatives at studio MAPPA:
- Director: Konosuke Ueda
- Series Composition: Kimiko Ueno
- Character Designs: Hiromi Taniguchi
- Music: Kaoru Wada
Other pop-up events
While waiting for season 2 to arrive, fans can also visit a pop-up shop at Nagoya PARCO, which runs from March 7-23. The shop sells acrylic stands, clear files and more with new art of the classic characters.
Get Ready for More Ranma 1/2!
The advanced screening and live dubbing event on June 22 promises to be a momentous occasion for Ranma 1/2 fans. With the original voice cast reuniting and a sneak peek at Season 2 on the horizon, there’s plenty to be excited about. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, now is the perfect time to dive into the wonderful world of Ranma 1/2.
