The new “Ranma 1/2” anime, based on the legendary manga by Rumiko Takahashi, is getting a second season! Can you believe it? MAPPA, the studio behind the anime, made the big announcement in a brand new promotional video on Sunday. This is huge news for all the fans who have been loving the new series.
To celebrate this awesome announcement, character designer Hiromi Taniguchi even drew a special illustration. It’s so cool to see the love and excitement everyone has for “Ranma 1/2”!
The first season of the new anime started airing in Japan on October 5 on the NTC channel. It comes on really late at night, though – 24:55 JST, which is actually 12:55 a.m. on October 6! But don’t worry, if you missed it on TV, you can catch it exclusively on Netflix after it airs.
What’s even more exciting? A bunch of the original voice actors are back for the new anime! Kappei Yamaguchi, Megumi Hayashibara, and Noriko Hidaka are once again bringing to life the main characters – (male) Ranma Saotome, (female) Ranma, and Akane Tendō.
Rei Sakuma is also back as Shampoo, and Minami Takayama and Kikuko Inoue are reprising their roles as Nabiki Tendō and Kasumi Tendō from the previous anime.
There are some new voices joining the cast too. Akio Ōtsuka is now playing Sōun Tendō, taking over for Ryunosuke Ohbayashi. Chō is voicing Genma Saotome, replacing Kenichi Ogata, who’s now the narrator for the new anime. Kōichi Yamadera is back as Ryōga Hibiki and Jusenkyo Guide, just like in the old anime.
The new anime also has some brand new cast members playing characters we know and love. Tomokazu Sugita is Tatewaki Kunō, Ayane Sakura is Kodachi Kunō, Toshiyuki Morikawa is Tōfū Ono, Mamoru Miyano is Mikado Sanzenin, Aoi Yūki is Azusa Shiratori, and Tomokazu Seki is Ichiro.
Behind the scenes, Kōnosuke Uda, who directed the “One Piece: Dead End” film and “DAYS,” is in charge of the new series at MAPPA. Kimiko Ueno, known for “Delicious in Dungeon” and “Astro Note,” is handling the series scripts. Hiromi Taniguchi, from “Kurage no Shokudō,” is designing the characters.
The opening theme song, “Iinazukekkyun,” is performed by Ano, while the ending theme, “Anta Nante,” is by singer-songwriter Riria.
Twelve episodes of the new anime actually leaked online in August! Talk about a surprise sneak peek!
