The highly anticipated second season of the Ranma 1/2 anime is officially on the horizon! The first trailer for Season 2 has dropped, revealing new cast members, updated staff, and confirming an October premiere. Get ready for more martial arts mayhem and gender-bending comedy!
A Beloved Classic Returns
Ranma 1/2, created by the legendary Rumiko Takahashi (also known for Inuyasha, Urusei Yatsura, and Maison Ikkoku), is a classic manga and anime series that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The story follows Ranma Saotome, a martial artist who is cursed to transform into a girl when splashed with cold water, and his chaotic engagement to Akane Tendo.
The new anime adaptation, which premiered in October 2024, has been met with enthusiasm, and fans have eagerly awaited the continuation of Ranma’s wacky adventures.
Season 2: What’s New?
Release Date
Mark your calendars! Ranma 1/2 Season 2 is set to premiere in October 2025. The new season will air on NTV and its affiliated channels in Japan and will be available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Trailer Highlights
The first trailer for Season 2 offers a glimpse of what’s to come, blending footage from Season 1 with hints of new challenges and characters. It teases the chaos and humor that Ranma 1/2 is known for, promising another exciting season.
New Cast Members
Several new cast members are joining the Ranma 1/2 universe, adding fresh voices to beloved characters:
- Toshihiko Seki as Mousse: Seki reprises his role from the original anime, 32 years later!
- Kaori Nazuka as Ukyō Kuonji: A childhood friend of Ranma with a complicated history.
- Kazuhiko Inoue as Happōsai: The lecherous and powerful master of the Anything-Goes School.
- Rin Mizuhara as Cologne: An Amazon warrior and Shampoo’s great-grandmother.
- Akira Ishida as Hikaru Gosunkugi: A classmate of Ranma and Akane with a dark obsession.
Returning Cast
Many of the original voice actors are reprising their roles, ensuring a sense of continuity for longtime fans:
- Kappei Yamaguchi as Ranma Saotome (male)
- Megumi Hayashibara as Ranma Saotome (female)
- Noriko Hidaka as Akane Tendo
- Akio Ōtsuka as Sōun Tendō (replacing Ryunosuke Obayashi)
- Chō as Genma Saotome (replacing Kenichi Ogata)
- Kōichi Yamadera as Ryōga Hibiki and Jusenkyo Guide
- Minami Takayama as Nabiki Tendō
- Kikuko Inoue as Kasumi Tendō
- Rei Sakuma as Shampoo
- Tomokazu Sugita as Tatewaki Kunō
- Ayane Sakura as Kodachi Kunō
- Toshiyuki Morikawa as Tōfū Ono
- Mamoru Miyano as Mikado Sanzenin
- Aoi Yūki as Azusa Shiratori
- Tomokazu Seki as Ichirō
- Kenichi Ogata as Narrator (replacing the late Tadashi Nakamura)
Updated Staff
While most of the staff from the first season are returning, there are a few key additions:
- Kōsuke Kawamura joins as a chief animation director.
- Ryūta Hayashi joins Chihiro Ōkawa in directing the art.
The core team remains intact, with:
- Director: Konosuke Uda
- Series Composition: Kimiko Ueno
- Character Designer: Hiromi Taniguchi
- Music: Kaoru Wada
What to Expect
More Martial Arts Madness
Ranma 1/2 is renowned for its over-the-top martial arts battles, and Season 2 promises to deliver even more action. With the introduction of new characters like Ukyō Kuonji and the formidable Happōsai, Ranma and Akane will face tougher opponents and even crazier situations.
Gender-Bending Comedy
The series’ signature gender-bending humor will continue to be a central theme. Ranma’s transformations into a girl at the most inconvenient times, coupled with Akane’s fiery temper, create endless comedic scenarios.
Romantic Entanglements
The complex romantic relationships between Ranma, Akane, and their rivals will likely be further explored. Expect more love triangles, misunderstandings, and hilarious attempts at winning each other’s hearts.
Classic Characters, New Twists
The new season will delve deeper into the backstories and motivations of existing characters while introducing fresh personalities to shake things up. Toshihiko Seki reprising his role as Mousse after 32 years is a testament to the series’ enduring appeal and commitment to its roots.
Where to Watch
Season 1 of the new Ranma 1/2 anime is currently streaming on Netflix. Season 2 will also be available exclusively on Netflix after its broadcast in Japan.
A Legacy of Laughter and Action
Ranma 1/2 first appeared as a manga in August 1987 and ran until March 1996. The series has been adapted into two anime series by Studio Deen, numerous OVAs, films, and even a live-action TV special. This new adaptation seeks to bring the classic story to a new generation while honoring the original’s spirit.
Final Thoughts
With a blend of returning favorites, fresh faces, and updated staff, Ranma 1/2 Season 2 is poised to be a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers. Get ready to dive back into the chaotic world of cursed springs, martial arts mayhem, and gender-bending comedy when it premieres in October 2025!
