The highly anticipated second season of the Chained Soldier (also known as Mato Seihei no Slave) anime has unveiled its opening theme in a thrilling second promotional video, offering fans a glimpse into the upcoming action and music. The new preview highlights Akari Kitō’s energetic opening song, “Hikari yo, Boku ni” (Light, to Me), as the series gears up for its debut on January 8, 2026.
A Fresh Look at the World of Mato and the Anti-Demon Corps
The latest promotional video, released during Jump Festa 2026, provides an extended look at the intense battles and character dynamics that define the Chained Soldier universe. Viewers can now fully experience the driving rhythm and vocals of Akari Kitō, who not only performs the opening theme but also voices the character Kyōka Uzen in the anime.
Beyond the opening, the second season will also feature new ending theme songs. Kana Hanazawa, who voices Ren Yamashiro, performs the first ending theme, “Cipher Cipher.” Maaya Uchida, known for her role as Tenka Izumo, contributes the second ending theme, titled “LOVE LOVE Beam.”
Production Details and Returning Staff
Chained Soldier Season 2 will see a change in animation studios, with Passione taking over from Seven Arcs, which animated the first season. Hayabusa Film is co-producing the animation alongside Passione. Masafumi Tamura is directing the new season.
Key staff members for the second season include Yasuhiro Nakanishi handling the series composition, Keiya Nakano as the character designer, and Kohta Yamamoto composing the music. The continuity in some of the creative team aims to maintain the established tone and style while bringing a fresh perspective.
The Story So Far: Entering the Demonic Dimension
Based on the popular manga series written by Takahiro and illustrated by Yohei Takemura, Chained Soldier transports audiences to a world where humanity faces a grave threat from the “Mato,” a demonic dimension that periodically opens gates to unleash monstrous creatures known as Shuuki.
The unique twist in this battle for survival is that special “peach” trees, found within the Mato, grant extraordinary powers exclusively to women. This has led to a matriarchal society where an elite Anti-Demon Corps, composed entirely of superpowered women, stands as humanity’s last line of defense.
The story centers on Yuuki Wakura, a young man who accidentally stumbles into the Mato and is rescued by Kyōka Uzen, the formidable commander of the 7th Squad of the Anti-Demon Corps. To survive and fight the Shuuki, Yuuki enters into a unique contract with Kyōka, becoming her “slave” and transforming into a powerful combat form under her command. The first season, which aired from January to March 2024, explored the beginnings of their partnership, Yuuki’s role as both a fighter and a caretaker for the all-female squad, and the mysterious origins of the Mato.
Where to Watch Chained Soldier Season 2
Fans outside of Japan will be able to stream Chained Soldier Season 2 exclusively on HIDIVE. The anime will officially premiere on January 8, 2026. With new animation talent, a compelling new opening theme, and the continuation of its action-packed narrative, Chained Soldier Season 2 promises to be a significant return for the dark fantasy series.
