The historical samurai anime Blue Miburo is officially getting a second season! News broke on March 29, 2025, that the series will continue, adapting the “Serizawa Assassination” arc from Tsuyoshi Yasuda’s manga. This announcement has excited fans eager to see the next chapter in the story of Nio and the founding of the Shinsengumi.
What is Blue Miburo?
Blue Miburo (Ao no Miburo), also known as The Blue Wolves of Mibu, is based on the manga series by Tsuyoshi Yasuda, which launched in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine in October 2021. Kodansha USA publishes the manga in English as The Blue Wolves of Mibu.
Synopsis
The story is set in Kyoto in 1863, during the Bakumatsu period as the Tokugawa Shogunate faces its end. Amidst the chaos, a kindhearted orphan named Nio dreams of a better world. He encounters Hijikata Toshizo and Okita Soji, who are members of the Mibu Ronin, a group that later becomes the famous Shinsengumi. Inspired by their ideals, Nio joins their fight to defend the city and pursue his vision of justice.
Historical Context
Blue Miburo is a historical fiction that draws inspiration from real events and figures surrounding the Shinsengumi. The Shinsengumi were a special police force organized by the Tokugawa shogunate during the Bakumatsu period (1853-1867). Their mission was to protect the shogunate and suppress anti-government movements.
Season 1 Recap
The first season of the Blue Miburo anime premiered on October 19, 2024, and ran for two consecutive cours (quarters of a year). Crunchyroll streamed the series as it aired. The first season covered the initial parts of the manga, introducing key characters and setting the stage for the Shinsengumi’s formation.
Production
- Director: Kumiko Habara (I’m Standing on 1,000,000 Lives, I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss, Surgeon Elise)
- Studio: Maho Film
- Series Script: Kenta Ihara (Gamera -Rebirth-, I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss, Uncle From Another World)
- Character Design: Yūko Ōba (I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss, I’m Standing on 1,000,000 Lives) and Miyako Nishida (My Unique Skill Makes Me OP even at Level 1, If It’s for My Daughter, I’d Even Defeat a Demon Lord)
- Music: Yuki Hayashi (My Hero Academia, Haikyu!!, Death Parade)
- Sound Director: Toshiki Kameyama
Voice Cast
- Shūichirō Umeda as Nio Chirinu
- Yōhei Azakami as Toshizo Hijikata
- Kenshō Ono as Okita Sōji
- Chiaki Kobayashi as Hajime Saitō
- Shun Horie as Tarō Tanaka
- Ryōta Takeuchi as Serizawa Kamo
- Tomokazu Sugita as Kondō Isami
- Megumi Ogata as Kikuchiyo
Season 1 Story Arcs
Season 1 adapted several arcs from the manga, including:
- The Early Days: Introduction of Nio and his encounter with Hijikata and Okita.
- Joining the Miburo: Nio’s decision to join the Miburo and his initial training.
- Aizu Clan Arc: The Miburo’s involvement with the Aizu clan.
- Kikuchiyo Escort Arc: The mission to escort Kikuchiyo.
- Showdown Against Blood Risshidan: Confrontation with the mysterious Blood Risshidan.
Season 2: “Serizawa Assassination” Arc
The second season of Blue Miburo will adapt the “Serizawa Assassination” arc. This arc is a significant turning point in the Shinsengumi’s history, marked by internal conflict and power struggles.
Serizawa Kamo
Serizawa Kamo was one of the original commanders of the Shinsengumi. He was known for his violent and erratic behavior, which often brought the group into disrepute. His actions created friction within the Shinsengumi, leading to a conspiracy to assassinate him.
Potential Plot Points
- Internal Conflicts: The season will likely delve into the growing tensions between Serizawa Kamo and other members of the Shinsengumi, particularly Hijikata Toshizo and Kondō Isami.
- The Conspiracy: The planning and execution of the assassination plot against Serizawa Kamo.
- Aftermath: The consequences of Serizawa’s death and its impact on the Shinsengumi’s leadership and direction.
Release Date
As of March 29, 2025, the exact release date for Blue Miburo Season 2 is yet to be announced. However, it is confirmed to be “next winter.”
Where to Watch
- Streaming: Crunchyroll is expected to stream the second season, as they did with the first.
Reception of Season 1
Reception of the first season of Blue Miburo was mixed. Some viewers praised the historical setting, character-driven story, and philosophical approach to Japanese ideas. Others criticized the slow plot progression, dull animation, and unremarkable characters.
Positive Aspects
- Historical Setting: The anime successfully captures the atmosphere of Kyoto during the Bakumatsu period.
- Character Development: Some viewers found the characters diverse and relatable.
- Philosophical Themes: The series explores themes of justice, duty, and the meaning of strength.
Criticisms
- Animation Quality: Some reviewers found the animation stilted and lacking in dynamic action scenes.
- Pacing: The plot progression was criticized for being slow and uneventful.
- Character Design: Some viewers found the character designs uninspired and difficult to distinguish.
Potential Improvements for Season 2
- Improved Animation: A higher budget and more experienced animators could enhance the visual appeal of the series.
- Tighter Pacing: Streamlining the plot and focusing on key events could make the story more engaging.
- Deeper Character Development: Exploring the backstories and motivations of the characters could make them more relatable.
- More Dynamic Action: Enhancing the choreography and animation of the fight scenes could make them more exciting.
The Significance of Blue Miburo
Blue Miburo is part of a larger trend of historical fiction anime that explores Japan’s rich history and culture. The series offers a unique perspective on the Shinsengumi, focusing on the lesser-known members and their struggles during a turbulent period.
Themes
- Justice: Nio’s quest for justice is a central theme of the series.
- Loyalty: The bonds of loyalty between the members of the Shinsengumi are tested throughout the story.
- Sacrifice: The characters often face difficult choices that require them to make sacrifices for their ideals.
- The Price of War: The series depicts the brutal realities of war and its impact on ordinary people.
Similar Anime
Fans of Blue Miburo may also enjoy these anime:
- Rurouni Kenshin
- Hakuouki
- Shoukoku no Altair
- Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion
- The Heike Story
Manga Availability
The Blue Wolves of Mibu manga is available in English from Kodansha USA Publishing. As of March 2025, several volumes have been released.
Conclusion
The announcement of Blue Miburo Season 2 has generated excitement among fans of historical anime and manga. The adaptation of the “Serizawa Assassination” arc promises to be a dramatic and action-packed season.
