The highly anticipated second season of the anime series, Aharen-san wa Hakarenai, has released its first promotional video, offering fans a glimpse into the upcoming season, including its opening theme song. The anime is set to premiere in April 2025, continuing the story of the socially awkward Reina Aharen and her classmate, Raido.
New Season, New Theme Song
The promotional video unveiled the new opening theme song titled “Binetsuma”, performed by the popular Japanese band ZUTOMAYO. The song captures the essence of the anime’s quirky and heartwarming tone. ACA-ne, the vocalist of ZUTOMAYO, expressed her love for the series, stating that she reread the manga multiple times while working on the song to capture the feeling of not being able to gauge interpersonal distance.
A Sneak Peek into Season 2
The promotional video provides a peek into the daily lives of Reina Aharen and Raido as they begin their second year of high school. The video showcases the return of familiar characters such as Mitsuki, Hanako, and Ishikawa, who are all in the same class as the main duo. Additionally, the video introduces a new character, Riku Tamanaha, a socially awkward gyaru transfer student, voiced by Nao Toyama. The trailer highlights comical moments as Aharen and Riku navigate their unique sense of interpersonal distance.
Returning Cast and Crew
The main voice cast from the first season is returning for season two. This includes Inori Minase as Reina Aharen and Takuma Terashima as Raido. The returning cast also includes M.A.O as Mitsuki Ooshiro, Kana Hanazawa as Ms. Tobaru, Tetsuya Kakihara as Ishikawa, Tomori Kusonoki as Hanako Sato, and Yurie Kozaki as Miyahira-sensei.
The production team also sees the return of key staff members including, Yasutaka Yamamoto as chief director, Tomoe Makino as director, Takao Yoshioka as screenwriter and scriptwriter, Yuko Yahiro as character designer, and Satoru Kosaki and MONACA as music composers. Felix Film is once again producing the animation for the series.
Story Synopsis
Aharen-san wa Hakarenai is a romantic comedy that follows the relationship between Reina Aharen, a quiet and petite high school student, and her classmate, Raido. The series is based on the manga by Asato Mizu, serialized on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ from January 2017 to April 2023.
The story revolves around Aharen’s inability to gauge personal boundaries, which often results in her being either too close or too far away from people. When Raido picks up an eraser she drops, Aharen decides they are now best friends. The series explores their interactions and growing bond amidst the chaos of high school life. The first season of the anime aired from April to June 2022, consisting of 12 episodes.
Premiere Details and Streaming
The second season of Aharen-san wa Hakarenai is set to air in April 2025 on Tokyo MX, MBS, and BS11 channels in Japan. Crunchyroll has licensed the series and streamed the first season. It is expected that they will also stream season two.
What to Expect in Season 2
Season two will continue to explore the unique dynamics between Aharen and Raido as they navigate their second year of high school. The introduction of new characters, like Riku Tamanaha, promises to bring new comical and heartwarming moments to the series. The new opening theme by ZUTOMAYO also sets a vibrant tone for the upcoming season.
How the Characters Interact
Aharen’s interactions with others are often unpredictable, leading to humorous situations. Her tendency to misjudge personal space and her extremely quiet voice make her interactions quite unique. Raido, on the other hand, is initially perceived as intimidating due to his tall stature, but he is very kind and accepting of Aharen’s quirks. Their contrasting personalities and their interactions form the core of the show’s charm. The story uses their unique perspectives to create a series of comedic misunderstandings and tender moments.
Key Themes
The series delves into themes of social awkwardness, acceptance, and the complexities of human connection. Through Aharen and Raido’s relationship, the show explores the challenges of fitting in and the importance of empathy. The humor in the series arises from Aharen’s inability to understand social norms, and the way Raido navigates these situations with her. Ultimately, Aharen-san wa Hakarenai is a feel-good story that celebrates the beauty of unconventional friendships.
The Manga
The manga series, written and illustrated by Asato Mizu, was published on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ website. The series is collected into seventeen tankobon volumes. The manga’s popularity led to the anime adaptation, which has garnered a dedicated fan base. The manga concluded its serialization in April 2023, making the anime adaptation a much-anticipated continuation for the series.
The Anime’s Impact
The first season of the anime received positive reviews for its faithful adaptation of the manga and its charming characters. The unique art style and comedic timing were praised, making it a standout series in the romantic comedy genre. The announcement of a second season was met with excitement, and fans are eager to see more of Aharen and Raido’s story. The anime is known for its lighthearted approach and positive themes, making it a great watch for those looking for something fun and comforting.
