Aharen-san wa Hakarenai Season 2 has been making waves with its endearing characters and quirky humor. But the latest buzz surrounds a special cameo that has fans of Japanese rock excited. ACA-Ne, the vocalist of the popular band ZUTOMAYO, has joined the cast of Aharen-san wa Hakarenai Season 2 for a small vocal role in Episode 10.
ZUTOMAYO’s ACA-Ne Steps Into the Anime World
ACA-Ne, the enigmatic singer-songwriter behind the band ZUTOMAYO, is known for her distinctive voice and the band’s unique sound that blends rock, jazz, and pop elements. While ZUTOMAYO has already contributed significantly to the anime through their music, providing the opening theme song “Binetsuma” (Warmthaholic) for Aharen-san wa Hakarenai Season 2, ACA-Ne’s venture into voice acting marks a new chapter in her career.
Episode 10 Cameo: Tuna Mayo and Theatrical Flair
In Episode 10 of Aharen-san wa Hakarenai Season 2, Aharen becomes fascinated with musicals, leading her to adopt a more theatrical style of speaking. This trend spreads throughout the student body, creating a humorous and lighthearted atmosphere. It’s within this context that ACA-Ne makes her brief vocal cameo, delivering lines about “tuna mayo sandwiches and our bread.”
ACA-Ne’s Comments
ACA-Ne shared her excitement about the role. The brief dialogue adds a fun, meta-contextual layer for fans familiar with her musical work.
The Musical Connection: “Binetsuma” and Aharen-san
ZUTOMAYO’s “Binetsuma” (Warmthaholic) serves as the opening theme for Aharen-san wa Hakarenai Season 2, perfectly capturing the anime’s lighthearted and quirky essence.
ACA-Ne on “The Immeasurable Distance Between People”
ACA-Ne revealed that she reread the Aharen-san wa Hakarenai manga multiple times while creating “Binetsuma.” She reflected on “the immeasurable distance between people” and how that concept shaped the song’s creation. She expressed how this distance could lead to mutual understanding or spark frustration, both of which fueled her creative process.
ZUTOMAYO’s Anime Contributions
ZUTOMAYO has become a prominent name in the anime music scene, contributing songs to various popular series and films. Some of their notable anime songs include:
- Warmthaholic – Aharen-san wa Hakarenai
- TAIDADA – Dandadan
- Truth in Lies – My Oni Girl
- Blues in the Closet – My Oni Girl
- Time Left – Chainsaw Man
- Blush – Drifting Home
- Summer Slack – Drifting Home
Aharen-san wa Hakarenai Season 2: What to Expect
Aharen-san wa Hakarenai Season 2 continues the story of Reina Aharen, a quiet and socially awkward high school student, and her close friend Raidou Matsuboshi. The series is known for its unique humor, heartwarming moments, and the endearing bond between its two main characters.
Synopsis
The story revolves around Aharen’s inability to gauge personal boundaries, leading to situations where she’s either too close or too far from her classmates. Raidou often finds himself trying to understand and navigate Aharen’s eccentricities, resulting in comedic and heartwarming interactions. As they begin their second year, they are joined by a transfer student named Riku Tamanaha, who is actually a childhood friend of Aharen.
Key Characters
- Reina Aharen: Voiced by Inori Minase (Japanese) and Kelsey Cruz (English Dub). A quiet and petite girl who struggles with social interactions and has difficulty understanding personal boundaries.
- Raidou Matsuboshi: Voiced by Takuma Terashima (Japanese) and Ben Balmaceda (English Dub). A kind and understanding student who becomes close friends with Aharen. He often tries to decipher Aharen’s actions and thoughts.
- Riku Tamanaha: Voiced by Nao Toyama (Japanese) and Kara Edwards (English Dub). A transfer student who is a childhood friend of Aharen.
Production
- Original Creator: Asato Mizu
- Chief Directors: Yasutaka Yamamoto
- Director: Tomoe Makino
- Series Composition: Takao Yoshioka
- Character Design: Yuko Yahiro
- Music: Satoru Kosaki and MONACA
- Animation Studio: Felix Film
English Dub
The English dub of Aharen-san wa Hakarenai Season 2 premiered on April 21, 2025, on Crunchyroll. The English dub cast includes:
- Raido: Ben Balmaceda
- Aharen: Kelsey Cruz (temporarily replacing Dani Chambers)
- Riku: Kara Edwards
- Tobaru: Katelyn Barr
- Oshiro: Kristen McGuire
- Ishikawa: Kevin D. Thelwell
- Sato: Veronica Laux
- Miyahira: Tia Ballard
Who is ZUTOMAYO?
ZUTOMAYO, short for “Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni” (meaning “I Wish It Was Midnight All The Time”), is a Japanese rock band that debuted in 2018. The band is known for its mysterious and ever-changing lineup, with ACA-Ne being the only consistent member.
ACA-Ne: The Heart of ZUTOMAYO
ACA-Ne is the vocalist, lyricist, and composer for ZUTOMAYO. Her real name and age remain undisclosed, adding to the band’s enigmatic appeal. Her voice is often described as energetic, expressive, and delicate, perfectly complementing ZUTOMAYO’s intricate and genre-bending music.
ZUTOMAYO’s Style and Anonymity
ZUTOMAYO is known for their unique blend of rock, jazz, and pop music, often featuring complex arrangements and funk-inspired basslines. The band maintains a high level of anonymity, with members often concealing their faces during live performances. This secrecy has contributed to their popularity, allowing listeners to focus solely on their music.
History and Success
ZUTOMAYO’s debut song, “Byōshin wo Kamu,” released on YouTube in June 2018, quickly went viral, garnering hundreds of thousands of views within the first week. The band has since released multiple EPs and albums, achieving commercial success and critical acclaim.
Where to Watch
Aharen-san wa Hakarenai Season 2 is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
A Perfect Blend of Music and Anime
The collaboration between Aharen-san wa Hakarenai and ZUTOMAYO highlights the powerful synergy between music and anime. ACA-Ne’s vocal cameo in Episode 10 is a delightful treat for fans of both the anime and the band, adding another layer of enjoyment to an already charming and hilarious series.
