The beloved martial arts romantic comedy, `Ranma 1/2`, is gearing up for its highly anticipated second season! Fans can mark their calendars as the new season is set to premiere on Nippon TV starting October 4, 2025. Excitingly, new cast members Inoue Kazuhiko, Mayama Ako, and Ishida Akira will be joining the fray, and they’ve shared their thoughts on their new roles.
Adding to the excitement, the opening theme will be “War Ai Ni” by the unique music unit Suiyoubi no Campanella, while the ending theme will be “Panda Girl” by the talented artist Nishina. To catch up on the previous season’s antics, a digest movie for the first season has also been released. And for those eager for an early peek, a special pre-screening event will be held on October 4, featuring Yamaguchi Kappei and Hidaka Noriko, the voices behind Saotome Ranma and Tendo Akane!
About the Enduring Classic, Ranma 1/2
`Ranma 1/2` is a legendary martial arts romantic comedy based on the manga by Takahashi Rumiko, a creative genius known for other iconic works such as `Urusei Yatsura`, `Maison Ikkoku`, `Inuyasha`, `Kyoukai no RINNE`, and `MAO`. The manga captivated readers in `Weekly Shounen Sunday` from 1987 to 1996 and continues to boast immense popularity worldwide. The “complete new anime” adaptation first aired its initial season in October 2024, garnering significant attention, particularly with the return of its original cast.
The story kicks off when Saotome Genma and his son, Ranma, return from their martial arts training in China and arrive at the Tendo household. However, instead of the expected duo, a giant panda and a cute girl appear! It turns out Ranma, during his rigorous training, acquired a peculiar body type: he transforms into a girl when splashed with cold water and reverts to a boy with hot water. This unique predicament sets the stage for a whirlwind of laughter, tears, and occasional romance, as Ranma and the equally eccentric characters around him get entangled in hilarious and heartwarming situations.
New Faces and Voices Join the Chaos
For the upcoming second season, we’re thrilled to welcome additional characters, brought to life by a stellar cast! Inoue Kazuhiko steps into the role of Happousai, the founder of the Musabetsu Kakutou Ryu and a formidable martial arts master who also served as the teacher to Soun and Genma. Mayama Ako will voice Cologne, Shampoo’s great-grandmother, a powerful woman from the Warrior Tribe, and a martial arts expert herself. And Ishida Akira takes on the part of Goshunkugi Hikaru, a first-year student at Fuurinkan High who harbors a deep affection for Akane. Character designs by Taniguchi Hiromi have also been unveiled, further building anticipation for their exciting appearances.
Catchy Tunes for the New Season
The second season will feature “War Ai Ni” by Suiyoubi no Campanella as its opening theme, promising to energize viewers from the very first note. Nishina’s “Panda Girl” will serve as the ending theme, offering a sweet and memorable close to each episode. Both artists have shared their excitement for contributing to this legendary series.
Season 1 Recap and Special Event
For those who need a refresher or are jumping into the world of `Ranma 1/2` for the first time, a special “Ima kara demo Maniau! TV Anime ‘Ranma 1/2’ Dai-1 Ki Digest Movie” (It’s Not Too Late to Catch Up! TV Anime ‘Ranma 1/2’ Season 1 Digest Movie) is available on MAPPA CHANNEL. This digest features brand-new narration by Yamaguchi Kappei (as Saotome Ranma) and Hayashibara Megumi (as Ranma), offering a perfect recap of the first season’s highlights.
To celebrate the second season’s premiere, a special advance screening event will be held on October 4, the broadcast start date, at United Cinemas Toyosu in Tokyo. Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to watch episodes 13 and 14 (Season 2’s first and second episodes) on the big screen! Furthermore, the event will feature a talk show with Yamaguchi Kappei, the voice of Saotome Ranma, and Hidaka Noriko, the voice of Tendo Akane. Ticket lottery applications are now open via Loppi Ticket, so fans shouldn’t miss this chance!
Broadcast and Streaming Details
TV Anime `Ranma 1/2` Season 2 will begin its broadcast on Nippon TV from October 4, 2025, airing every Saturday at 24:55. It will also be broadcast nationwide across Nippon TV affiliated channels, with exclusive streaming available on Netflix immediately after broadcast.
<Comments from the Cast & Artists>
Inoue Kazuhiko (as Happousai)
This time, I will be taking on the role of Happousai. Happousai is a character that my master, Nagai Ichirou-san, so memorably brought to life. I can still vividly picture Nagai-san performing as Happousai. It’s a great honor, and I’m genuinely delighted. While carrying on Nagai-san’s spirit, I intend to fully embrace the role and have a blast in my own Inoue Kazuhiko style. Please look forward to it!
Mayama Ako (as Cologne)
I’m Mayama Ako, and I’ll be appearing as Cologne-san from the second season. Just the other day, someone I met for work, Mr. S, suddenly told me, “The first time I met Ako-san was on `Ranma 1/2`!” I was so surprised! It had completely slipped my mind. Apparently, I played a female student. I probably just don’t remember anything due to how nervous I was back then. What a wonderful twist of fate to come full circle! I am so grateful. This set is filled with legends. It’s truly amazing to be working alongside them. Please look forward to it from October!
Ishida Akira (as Goshunkugi Hikaru)
For long-time fans, no explanation is needed, but even among the incredibly rich cast of characters in this series, Goshunkugi Hikaru stands out. Despite appearing somewhat timid at first glance, his peculiar “abnormal drive” when it comes to Akane is truly unique. I hope you will all enjoy the ridiculous situations that these revived characters get into this season.
Suiyoubi no Campanella
Q1. What is your impression of this work?
We aimed for a positive, energetic, and vibrant song. For the lyrics, while incorporating the original’s atmosphere, we mixed in terms from mahjong and cooking to create a fun, rhythmic feel. I believe it turned out to be a very humorous and high-tension song.
Q2. What are your aspirations for providing the opening theme?
I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to be involved with `Ranma 1/2`, a show I’ve watched since childhood! I was deeply moved when I saw the opening animation! I would be so happy if our song “War Ai Ni” could be loved alongside the anime!
Nishina
Q1. What is your impression of this work?
It’s a timeless masterpiece that’s always loved! The awkward yet adorable relationship and interactions between the two protagonists are so frustratingly cute, no matter how many times you watch them. I also love how all the characters are absolutely wild and chaotic. And just when you think you’re simply laughing, suddenly a moment of pure emotion catches you off guard… I’m really looking forward to the second season!
Q2. What are your aspirations for providing the ending theme?
It’s an honor to have my song contribute to the series, following in the footsteps of so many wonderful past tracks. I aimed to create a song that makes everyone look forward to tomorrow and the next episode. I hope you all like it!
Special Pre-screening Event & Talk Show!!
Event Overview
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date/Time | 2025 October 4 (Saturday) Day Session: Doors Open 13:30 / Start 14:00 / End (approx.) 15:40 Evening Session: Doors Open 17:00 / Start 17:30 / End (approx.) 19:10 |
| Venue | United Cinemas Toyosu, Screen 10 |
| Cast Appearances | Yamaguchi Kappei (as Saotome Ranma) Hidaka Noriko (as Tendo Akane) |
| Ticket Price | 3,000 JPY (tax included) per session |
TV Anime “Ranma 1/2” Season 2 – Production Details
Work Title
Ranma 1/2
Broadcast/Streaming Information
Broadcasting starts from October 2025 on Nippon TV!
To be broadcast sequentially nationwide on Nippon TV affiliated channels.
Exclusive streaming on Netflix immediately after broadcast!
Original Work
Original work by Takahashi Rumiko, “`Ranma 1/2`” (published by `Shogakukan` in `Shounen Sunday Comics`)
STAFF
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Uda Kounosuke |
| Series Composition | Ueno Kimiko |
| Character Design | Taniguchi Hiromi |
| Chief Animation Directors | Yoshioka Takeshi, Saitou Yoshiko, Ootsu Nao, Kawamura Kousuke |
| Main Animators | Naitou Nao, Aoki Rie, Kurio Masahiro |
| POP Artwork | Kitamura Minami |
| Art Directors | Ookawa Chihiro, Hayashi Ryouta |
| Color Design | Kakita Yukiko |
| Photography Director | Kanou Atsushi |
| Editor | Yanagi Keisuke |
| Sound Director | Uda Kounosuke |
| Sound Effects | Hasegawa Takuya |
| Music Selection | Chihara Makiko |
| Sound Production | dugout |
| Music | Wada Kaoru |
| Planning Produce | Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions |
| Animation Production | MAPPA |
| Production | “Ranma 1/2” Production Committee |
CAST
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Saotome Ranma (male) | Yamaguchi Kappei |
| Ranma (female) | Hayashibara Megumi |
| Tendo Akane | Hidaka Noriko |
| Tendo Nabiki | Takayama Minami |
| Tendo Kasumi | Inoue Kikuko |
| Tendo Soun | Ootsuka Akio |
| Saotome Genma | Chou |
| Hibiki Ryouga | Yamadera Kouichi |
| Shampoo | Sakuma Rei |
| Mousse | Seki Toshihiko |
| Kuonji Ukyou | Nazuka Kaori |
| Kunou Tatewaki | Sugita Tomokazu |
| Kunou Kodachi | Sakura Ayane |
| Happousai | Inoue Kazuhiko |
| Cologne | Mayama Ako |
| Kouno Toufuu | Morikawa Toshiyuki |
| Sannin-in Tei | Miyano Mamoru |
| Shiratori Azusa | Yuuki Aoi |
| Goshunkugi Hikaru | Ishida Akira |
| Ichirou | Seki Tomokazu |
| Narration | Ogata Kenichi |
© Takahashi Rumiko, `Shogakukan` / “`Ranma 1/2`” Production Committee
