The highly anticipated second season of the anime adaptation of Iro Aida’s popular manga, ‘Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun’ (Jibaku Shōnen Hanako-kun), is generating buzz with its latest promotional video. The video, released by TBS, shines a spotlight on “Shijima-san of the Art Room,” the enigmatic fourth of the Seven Mysteries of Kamome Academy. Voiced by the talented Kana Hanazawa, Shijima-san promises to add a new layer of intrigue and supernatural suspense to the series.
A New Mystery Unveiled: Shijima-san of the Art Room
The promo offers a glimpse into the eerie world of Shijima Mei, also known as Shijima-san of the Art Room. As one of Kamome Academy’s Seven Wonders, Shijima-san possesses the power to draw students into a fictional world crafted from her own artwork. This unique ability sets the stage for potentially unsettling scenarios as Nene and her friends navigate the unpredictable realms of Shijima’s artistic creations.
Kana Hanazawa’s Role:
Kana Hanazawa, known for her captivating voice acting in numerous anime series, brings Shijima-san to life. Hanazawa shared her thoughts on the role, expressing that the story arc featuring Shijima Mei deeply resonated with her, drawing parallels to the world of voice acting itself. She aimed to capture both the whimsical and eerie aspects of the character’s personality in her performance.
Episode 7 Sneak Peek: Friends Shatter in a Bizarre World
Adding to the anticipation, details about Episode 7 of Season 2 have been released. The episode, which aired on February 23, 2025, at 4:30 PM JST, delves into a perplexing situation where Amane Yugi and Sōsuke Mitsuba inexplicably reappear. Amidst the confusion of Nene Yashiro and Kou Minamoto, Akane Aoi and others seem to accept the situation as normal.
Key Highlights of Episode 7:
- Unraveling Reality: The episode explores a bizarre world where classmates remain unfazed even as their friends seemingly shatter into pieces.
- Contrasting Personalities: Familiar characters exhibit altered behaviors, with Ryujirou Tsuchigomori displaying gentleness, Yako showing unusual friendliness towards him, and Teru Minamoto showcasing unexpected culinary skills.
- Kou’s Pursuit: Driven by a desire to uncover the truth, Kou Minamoto relentlessly chases after Mitsuba in this distorted reality.
The Seven Mysteries of Kamome Academy: A Supernatural Underbelly
The anime series revolves around the concept of the Seven Mysteries of Kamome Academy, supernatural entities that haunt the school and grant wishes. Hanako-kun, a mischievous ghost residing in the third stall of the third-floor girls’ bathroom, is one of these mysteries. Together with Nene Yashiro, an occult-loving high school girl, and Kou Minamoto, a young exorcist, Hanako-kun investigates the other members of the Seven Wonders, uncovering the hidden supernatural world within the school.
The Premise of the Series:
- Urban Legends: The anime draws upon Japanese urban legends and folklore, creating a captivating blend of mystery, humor, and supernatural elements.
- Character Dynamics: The interactions between Hanako-kun, Nene, and Kou form the heart of the series, as they navigate the challenges and dangers of the spirit world.
- Themes of Friendship and Sacrifice: The story explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the consequences of tampering with the supernatural.
Production and Availability
The second season of ‘Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun’ premiered in Japan on January 12, 2025, and is broadcast on 28 TBS affiliate channels every Sunday at 4:30 p.m. JST. Crunchyroll is streaming the series, making it available to audiences worldwide.
Key Production Details:
- Animation Studio: The animation is handled by Lerche.
- Opening and Ending Themes: The opening theme is “L’oN” by Masayoshi Oishi, and the ending theme is “With a Wish” by Akari Kitō.
- English Dubs: Crunchyroll is providing English dubs for the series, enhancing accessibility for international viewers.
A Look Back: The First Season and Spinoff
The first season of ‘Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun’ premiered in January 2020 and consisted of 12 episodes. The series gained a significant following for its unique art style, engaging storyline, and well-developed characters. Additionally, a four-episode sequel to the short television anime of Iro Aida’s After-School Hanako-kun (Hōkago Shōnen Hanako-kun) spinoff manga premiered on October 7, 2024, further expanding the world of Hanako-kun.
Where to Watch:
- Crunchyroll: Offers streaming of both the first and second seasons of ‘Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun’.
- Funimation: Streamed the first season with an English dub and subtitles.
Manga Availability
Yen Press is releasing the ‘Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun’ manga in English, allowing fans to delve deeper into the story and characters. The manga provides a more detailed exploration of the world and lore of the series.
Story Synopsis:
“Hanako-san, Hanako-san…are you there?” At Kamome Academy, rumors abound about the school’s Seven Mysteries, one of which is Hanako-san. Said to occupy the third stall of the third floor girls’ bathroom in the old school building, Hanako-san grants any wish when summoned. Nene Yashiro, an occult-loving high school girl who dreams of romance, ventures into this haunted bathroom…but the Hanako-san she meets there is nothing like she imagined! Kamome Academy’s Hanako-san…is a boy!
Cast and Characters
The voice cast for ‘Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun’ Season 2 includes:
- Megumi Ogata as Hanako-kun
- Akari Kitō as Nene Yashiro
- Shōya Chiba as Kō Minamoto
- Kana Hanazawa as Shijima-san of the Art Room
- Kenjirō Tsuda as Tsuchigomori
- Yūma Uchida as Teru Minamoto
- Minako Satō as Aoi Akane
- Daiki Kobayashi as Sōsuke Mitsuba
- Yukana as Yako
- Chika Anzai as Sakura Nanamine
- Daichū Mizushima as Natsuhiko Hyūga
- Megumi Ogata as Tsukasa
- Shunichi Toki as Akane Aoi
- Hōchū Ōtsuka as Kako
- Rie Kugimiya as Mirai
- Chitose Morinaga, Mai Kanazawa, and Yuri Yoshida as Mokke
In Conclusion
With the introduction of Shijima-san of the Art Room, ‘Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun’ Season 2 promises to deliver even more supernatural thrills and captivating mysteries. The series continues to enchant audiences with its unique blend of folklore, humor, and heartfelt character interactions. As Nene, Hanako-kun, and Kou navigate the treacherous world of the Seven Mysteries, viewers can expect a rollercoaster of emotions and unforgettable adventures.
