At Anime Expo 2026, held on July 4 (local time) in Los Angeles, a special panel for the TV anime Sousou no Frieren (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End) drew a packed house. Director Kitakawa Tomoya, director cooperation Saitou Keiichirou, character designer Kojima Keisuke, and Madhouse producer Fukushi Yuuichirou took the stage to enthusiastic applause. The panel offered a deep dive into Season 2 production secrets and confirmed major details for the upcoming Season 3.
Season 3 ‘Golden Land’ Arc Officially Announced
The highlight of the event was the announcement that Season 3, adapting the “Golden Land” arc, will begin airing in October 2027 on Nippon TV. Producer Fukushi revealed that the core staff from Season 2 will return: director Kitakawa Tomoya, assistant director Hara Daiki, director cooperation Saitou Keiichirou, series composition Suzuki Tomohiro, character designers Takase Maru and Kojima Keisuke, concept art Yoshioka Seiko, and composer Evan Call. Fukushi stated, “We are working hard to deliver a Season 3 that surpasses the quality of Season 2. The staff is coming together wonderfully, and we feel the momentum. Frieren’s journey continues, so please look forward to it!”
Behind the Scenes of Season 2
Kojima Keisuke, who served as chief animation director for episodes 34–36 (the “Revolte” arc), discussed the challenges of animating the intense battle sequences. He explained, “For Revolte, I aimed to balance beauty and ferocity. The beast-like movements were achieved by the in-between animators, and I added corrections to enhance both aspects.” A live drawing session followed, with Kojima creating a full-color illustration of Genau and Methode in under 30 minutes, drawing cheers from the audience.
Director Kitakawa shared insights on the Season 2 opening sequence, which he storyboarded. “The OP depicts Frieren’s past and future journey, using flowers as a motif to connect her encounters and farewells with Himmel, Flamme, and her current companions Fern and Stark,” he said. He credited concept artist Yoshioka Seiko for the color script and assistant director Hara Daiki for drawing over 1,000 key frames.
A fan-favorite moment from episode 31—Frieren crying for three days and three nights—was also discussed. Producer Fukushi revealed that the humorous direction was conceived by storyboard artist Tsuchiya Youhei, animated with great timing by Satou Toshiyuki, and enhanced with facial expressions by animation director Hara Runa. Another scene from the same episode, where Frieren returns from a hot spring with a towel on her head and eating a popsicle, was originally just a simple return in the script but was expanded by the staff to add charm.
Saitou Keiichirou, who moved from director in Season 1 to director cooperation in Season 2, explained his role in shaping episode 38, “Beautiful Scenery.” He noted that the episode needed original expansion to serve as a fitting finale. During discussions, he helped Kitakawa and scriptwriter Suzuki Tomohiro clarify the function of the holy snow crystal scene, leading to the final version. A photo of the whiteboard used in those meetings was shown, illustrating the collaborative effort behind the series.
Special Gift for Attendees
To commemorate the panel, a newly drawn illustration of the demon “Mahat of the Golden Land” by chief character designer Takase Maru was revealed and given as a gift to the 1,800 attendees. The crowd erupted in excitement, signaling high anticipation for the Golden Land arc.
Final Messages from the Staff
Kojima promised, “We will create something that surpasses the quality of Season 2!” Fukushi added, “Anime Expo is the best, and I want to meet Frieren fans again next year with a big souvenir.” Saitou encouraged fans, saying, “The Golden Land arc is a popular and dramatic story in the original manga, so please keep waiting with anticipation.” Kitakawa concluded, “The entire staff is working hard to meet your expectations for Season 3. Please wait a little longer!” The panel ended with thunderous applause.
《イベント概要》
◆日時：7月 4 日(土) 18:00～18:50 ※現地時間
◆場所：Anime Expo 2026 JW Marriot Platinum
◆イベント名：Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – Special Event Hosted by TOHO animation
◆登壇者＜敬称略＞：
北川朋哉(監督)、斎藤圭一郎(監督協力)、小嶋慶祐(キャラクターデザイン)、福士裕一郎(マッドハウスアニメプロデューサー)
【TVアニメ情報】
『葬送のフリーレン』第3期【黄金郷編】
2027年10月放送決定 日本テレビ系にて
第1期・第2期 各動画配信プラットフォームで配信中
原作：山田鐘人・アベツカサ(「葬送のフリーレン」(小学館「週刊少年サンデー」連載中)
監督：北川朋哉 副監督：原科大樹 監督協力：斎藤圭一郎 シリーズ構成：鈴木智尋
キャラクターデザイン：高瀬丸 小嶋慶祐 コンセプトアート：吉岡誠子 音楽：Evan Call
アニメーション制作：マッドハウス
（C）山田鐘人・アベツカサ／小学館／「葬送のフリーレン」製作委員会
