Fans of historical action and samurai narratives have found a compelling new series in Blue Miburo, an anime adaptation of Tsuyoshi Yasuda’s popular manga, The Blue Wolves of Mibu. The anime has quickly garnered attention for its engaging storyline set against the tumultuous backdrop of Bakumatsu-era Japan, with a second season already confirmed and eagerly anticipated.
The Journey of the Blue Wolves: Season 1 Overview
The first season of Blue Miburo premiered in October 2024 and captivated audiences with its depiction of a young boy named Nio Chirinu. Nio, an orphan with a strong sense of justice, finds his destiny intertwined with the “Miburo,” a notorious group of ronin who would later become the legendary Shinsengumi. The series plunges Nio into the chaos of Kyoto as the shogunate teeters on the brink of collapse, highlighting his journey of growth as he encounters historical figures like Hijikata Toshizo and Okita Soji.
Animated by MAHO FILM, with Kumiko Habara as the director, the first season ran for two consecutive cours, concluding on March 29, 2025. The initial season consisted of 24 episodes, with new episodes typically releasing every Saturday. Crunchyroll streamed the series with English subtitles, making it accessible to a global audience.
Key Staff and Voice Cast of Season 1
The talented team behind Blue Miburo‘s first season included:
- Director: Kumiko Habara
- Series Composition: Kenta Ihara
- Character Designers: Yuko Oba and Miyako Nishida
- Music Composer: Yuki Hayashi
The Japanese voice cast brought the characters to life, featuring:
- Shuichiro Umeda as Nio Chirinu
- Yohei Azakami as Toshizo Hijikata
- Chiaki Kobayashi as Hajime Saitou
- Tomokazu Sugita as Isami Kondo
- Kensho Ono as Souji Okita
What to Expect from Blue Miburo Season 2
Following the successful conclusion of its first season, Blue Miburo was swiftly renewed for a second season. This upcoming season is highly anticipated as it will adapt the “Serizawa Assassination” arc of the manga.
The second season is slated to premiere on December 20, 2025. While some reports initially indicated a Winter 2026 release, the December 2025 date appears to be the confirmed premiere. Key staff members from the first season, including director Kumiko Habara, series script supervisor Kenta Ihara, character designers Yūko Ōba and Miyako Nishida, sound director Toshiki Kameyama, and music composer Yūki Hayashi, are all returning for the second season.
Additionally, new cast members will be joining for Season 2, with Taku Yashiro cast as Yamazaki Susumu.
The Original Manga: The Blue Wolves of Mibu
The Blue Miburo anime is based on Tsuyoshi Yasuda’s manga, The Blue Wolves of Mibu (Ao no Miburo). The manga has been serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine since October 2021. Kodansha USA has licensed the manga for English release, with volumes becoming available in Spring 2024. The manga’s narrative is divided into parts, with the “Shinsengumi Arc” beginning in April 2024.
Where to Watch Blue Miburo
Currently, the Blue Miburo anime is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, which offers both free (ad-supported) and premium (ad-free) subscription options. This platform is the primary destination for international viewers to catch up on the first season and follow the upcoming second season.
