Fans of the popular romantic comedy series Kaguya-sama: Love Is War can mark their calendars for December 31, as a new anime television special, titled Kaguya-sama: Love Is War: The Stairway to Adulthood (Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Otona e no Kaidan), is set to debut. A newly released promotional video not only provides a glimpse into the upcoming special but also unveils its opening theme song, “Abunai Kioku,” performed by Masayuki Suzuki featuring Aoi Koga.
New Promotional Video Highlights “Abunai Kioku”
The recently dropped promotional video offers an exciting preview of Kaguya-sama: Love Is War: The Stairway to Adulthood, showcasing animated sequences that hint at the special’s storyline. Central to the video is the reveal of the opening theme song, “Abunai Kioku” (Dangerous Memories). This track features the return of veteran singer Masayuki Suzuki, who has contributed to previous Kaguya-sama opening themes, this time in a duet with Aoi Koga, the voice actress for Kaguya Shinomiya herself. Suzuki expressed excitement about his fifth consecutive theme song for the series, highlighting the natural synergy with Koga in capturing the song’s essence.
December 31 Premiere on TOKYO MX
The Kaguya-sama: Love Is War special is slated to air on December 31 at 10 p.m. on TOKYO MX and other networks in Japan. This year-end broadcast positions the special as a significant event for anime enthusiasts, offering a fresh installment of the beloved series to conclude the year.
Returning Staff and Stellar Voice Cast
The production of The Stairway to Adulthood sees the return of key staff members who have shaped the anime’s acclaimed visual and narrative style. Mamoru Hatakeyama is back in the director’s chair, with Yuko Yahiro once again handling character designs. Studio A-1 Pictures, responsible for animating all previous seasons, is also producing the special.
The familiar voices that bring the Shuchiin Academy student council to life will also be reprising their roles, including:
- Aoi Koga as Kaguya Shinomiya
- Makoto Furukawa as Miyuki Shirogane
- Konomi Kohara as Chika Fujiwara
- Ryouta Suzuki as Yu Ishigami
- Miyu Tomita as Miko Iino
- Yumiri Hanamori as Ai Hayasaka
- Yutaka Aoyama as the narrator
The Enduring Legacy of Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
The Kaguya-sama: Love Is War anime franchise, based on Aka Akasaka’s manga series, has garnered a massive global following since its debut. The first anime season premiered in 2019, followed by a second season in 2020 and a third season in 2022. The series also saw a theatrical film, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -The First Kiss That Never Ends- in December 2022, which later received a four-episode TV broadcast.
The original manga by Aka Akasaka began serialization in 2015 and concluded in November 2022 with 28 volumes. Viz Media licenses the manga in English, describing the plot as a “psychological battle over who will make the first move” between the proud student council president Miyuki Shirogane and vice president Kaguya Shinomiya, who have clearly fallen for each other.
What to Expect from “The Stairway to Adulthood”
The title Kaguya-sama: Love Is War: The Stairway to Adulthood itself suggests a potential progression in the romantic dynamics between Kaguya and Miyuki, as well as the personal growth of the other student council members. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the special is anticipated to delve into new stages of their relationships and individual journeys, continuing the blend of comedic antics and heartfelt moments that fans have come to love. Some speculation suggests the special might cover arcs from the later stages of the manga, potentially even serving as a more conclusive chapter for the anime adaptation.
With a new video, an exciting opening theme, and a firm release date, the Kaguya-sama: Love Is War special is poised to be a memorable event for fans worldwide as they ring in the new year.
