The official website for the “Yaiba: Samurai Legend” anime has confirmed a highly anticipated second season, which will adapt the beloved ‘Kaguya Arc’ from Gosho Aoyama’s original manga. The announcement came shortly after the broadcast of the first season’s finale, which concluded with a cliffhanger introducing the new antagonist, Kaguya, the ruler of the moon.
A new visual and promotional video have been released, showcasing the upcoming conflict between protagonist Yaiba Kurogane, his rival Takeshi Onimaru, and the newly awakened Kaguya. While a specific release date has yet to be announced, the news has ignited excitement among fans eager to see this pivotal storyline animated.
Kaguya Arc: The Next Chapter for Yaiba
The ‘Kaguya Arc’ is a significant portion of the “Yaiba” manga, shifting the narrative focus from Yaiba’s quest for strength and his rivalry with Onimaru to a grander, more mythological battle. The first season‘s finale, episode 24, set the stage by depicting a massive ship appearing in the sky, from which Kaguya emerged after a thousand-year slumber. This event immediately throws Yaiba and Onimaru into an intense three-way conflict against Kaguya, who seeks to conquer Earth.
The arc introduces the evil princess of the Rabbit People, Kaguya, who seeks to absorb the youth of all women worldwide. To combat her and her powerful minion Gekko, Yaiba is ultimately forced to ally with his former rival, Onimaru. The newly released visual for Season 2 prominently features Yaiba wielding the Raijin Sword, Kaguya with a “seductive smile,” and Onimaru with a “piercing gaze,” hinting at the dramatic confrontation to come.
Key Voice Cast Additions and Returning Talent
The announcement also revealed key voice cast additions for the ‘Kaguya Arc’. Ami Koshimizu, known for her role as Pairin in The Apothecary Diaries, will voice Kaguya, while Koki Uchiyama, who plays Gen in Kaiju No. 8, will take on the role of Tsukikage, one of Kaguya’s close aides. Both actors have reportedly approached their roles with care, aiming to embody the original manga’s character images.
The returning main cast includes Minami Takayama as Yaiba Kurogane, Yoshimasa Hosoya as Takeshi Onimaru, and Manaka Iwami as Sayaka Mine. Other notable returning cast members include Katsuyuki Konishi as Kenjūrō Kurogane, Junichi Suwabe as Musashi Miyamoto, and Isshin Chiba as Kagetora.
Production Details: WIT Studio Continues
WIT Studio, renowned for its work on titles like Attack on Titan and Spy x Family, will continue to animate the series. The main staff from the first season will also return, ensuring continuity in the anime’s production quality and artistic direction.
Takahiro Hasui, who directed the first season, will once again helm the project. Tōko Machida (Series Composition), Yoshimichi Kameda (Character Designer and Chief Animation Director), and Takeshi Maenami (Sub-Character Designer and Main Animator) are also confirmed to be returning. The music will again be composed by Yutaka Yamada and Yoshiaki Dewa.
Background on “Yaiba: Samurai Legend”
“Yaiba: Samurai Legend” (Shin Samurai-den Yaiba) is a modern anime adaptation of Gosho Aoyama’s classic manga, which was serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday from 1988 to 1993. The manga, which has over 17 million copies in circulation, previously inspired a 52-episode anime adaptation from 1993 to 1994. The 2025 anime reboot, licensed by Viz Media for English release, follows the adventures of Yaiba Kurogane, a wild samurai boy who moves from jungle training to the bustling city, where he encounters rivals and supernatural threats.
The first season, which began airing on April 5, 2025, focused on Yaiba’s initial journey, his rivalry with Onimaru, and his quest to master the Raijin Sword. The series quickly garnered attention for its action-packed narrative and faithful adaptation of the source material. The confirmation of a second season adapting the ‘Kaguya Arc’ signals a deeper dive into the rich world of “Yaiba,” promising fans more thrilling samurai action and mythological encounters.
