The upcoming second season of Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun is one of the many highlights of the stacked Winter 2025 anime season. Premiering on January 11, 2025, the new season is set to delve deeper into the supernatural mysteries and charm that captivated fans in its original run, which aired almost exactly five years prior. While overshadowed by some of the season’s other high-profile releases, Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun season 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch, especially for fans of the first season and the manga.
What to Expect in Season 2
Plot Continuation
Season 2 will adapt material from the manga, likely covering three major arcs:
- The Three Clock Keepers Arc
- This arc introduces the Clock Keepers, the first of the Seven Mysteries, who control time within the school.
- Issues arise when students begin to age uncontrollably, and the protagonists must find the Clock Keepers and address the mysterious time skips.
- Key Characters:
- Kako (Past): An elder with the ability to turn back time.
- Mirai (Future): A child who accelerates time.
- Akane (Present): A reluctant contractor who can briefly stop time.
- The Summer Lights Arc
- A heartfelt exploration of friendship, memories, and spirits connected to the school’s supernatural lore.
- The Picture Perfect Arc
- A visually stunning arc that delves into surreal and dreamlike storytelling while uncovering more about the school’s mysteries.
The arcs are expected to deepen the characters’ relationships while exploring the expanding lore of the Seven Mysteries.
Returning and New Cast
The original voice cast from the first season returns, joined by talented new additions:
- Returning Cast:
- Megumi Ogata as Hanako-kun (Shinji, Neon Genesis Evangelion).
- Akari Kitō as Nene Yashiro (Nezuko, Demon Slayer).
- Shōya Chiba as Kō Minamoto (Taiki, Blue Box).
- Minako Satō as Aoi Akane.
- New Cast:
- Hōchū Ōtsuka (Jiraiya, Naruto) as Kako.
- Rie Kugimiya (Alphonse Elric, Fullmetal Alchemist) as Mirai.
Production Details
Studio: Lerche, known for its vibrant animation style and faithful adaptation of the manga’s art.
- Director: Yōhei Fukui returns after directing the first season.
- Series Composition: Yasuhiro Nakanishi continues to handle the adaptation.
- Character Design: Mayuka Itou.
Why This Season is Important
- Revisiting Missed Content:
Season 1 skipped key character development and foreshadowing, frustrating manga fans. Season 2 is expected to address these gaps, integrating material from the After-School Hanako-Kun spin-off and adding more depth to the story. - Tackling the Seven Mysteries:
While Season 1 focused on establishing the world and introducing the characters, Season 2 will dive into the lore of the Seven Mysteries, starting with the Three Clock Keepers. - A Matured Narrative:
As the story progresses, the stakes grow higher, and the themes become more profound. Fans can look forward to more emotional depth and stunning visuals.
Where to Watch
Both seasons will be available on Crunchyroll, which also streamed the first season. The anime’s return to the platform ensures accessibility for international fans.
A Perfect Time to Catch Up
For those who want to revisit or prepare for the second season:
- Watch Season 1 (available on Crunchyroll).
- Check out the spin-off series, After-School Hanako-Kun, for additional context and content.
With its unique blend of supernatural intrigue, quirky humor, and emotional storytelling, Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun season 2 is poised to reignite fans’ love for the series. Mark your calendars for January 11, 2025, and get ready to step back into the mysterious halls of Kamome Academy.