Are you a fan of historical action anime with a touch of samurai drama? Then Blue Miburo (also known as Ao no Miburo), an adaptation of Tsuyoshi Yasuda’s critically acclaimed manga The Blue Wolves of Mibu, is likely on your radar. The series plunges viewers into the tumultuous Bakumatsu period of Japan, following a young man’s journey amidst the rise of the legendary Shinsengumi. With its first season having concluded, fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter, and a second season is indeed on the horizon.
What is Blue Miburo About?
Blue Miburo transports audiences to Kyoto in 1863, a pivotal time when the Tokugawa Shogunate was faltering under external pressures and internal strife. The story centers on Nio Chirinu, a kind-hearted orphan who possesses a strong sense of justice. His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters two prominent “Miburo”—Toshizo Hijikata and Soji Okita—members of a band of ronin who would eventually form the renowned Shinsengumi.
Frustrated by his own perceived weakness, Nio joins their fight, training to develop his swordsmanship and seeking to forge his own destiny within this tumultuous era. The narrative explores his integration into the Miburo, his struggles for acceptance from his peers like Taro Tanaka and Hajime Saito, and his quest to define his own sense of justice. Though a fictional character, Nio’s journey is woven into the factual backdrop of the Shinsengumi’s formation and their efforts to protect Kyoto amidst calls for a new world order.
Production Details of the Anime
The Blue Miburo anime series is produced by MAHO FILM. Kumiko Habara, known for her work on series like I’m Standing on 1,000,000 Lives, serves as the director for both seasons. Kenta Ihara is responsible for the series composition, while Yuko Oba and Miyako Nishida handle the character designs. The compelling musical score is composed by Yuki Hayashi, celebrated for his contributions to anime such as My Hero Academia. Crunchyroll streams the anime, making it accessible to a global audience.
The source material, Tsuyoshi Yasuda’s manga The Blue Wolves of Mibu, has been serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine since October 2021. Kodansha USA began releasing the English-licensed manga in Spring 2024.
Blue Miburo Season 1 Overview
The inaugural season of Blue Miburo premiered in October 2024 and ran for two consecutive cours, concluding on March 29, 2025. This first season comprised a total of 24 episodes, detailing Nio’s initial encounters with the Miburo and his burgeoning commitment to their cause. Viewers followed Nio as he began to navigate the complex political landscape of late Edo period Japan and hone his skills alongside the future members of the Shinsengumi.
Blue Miburo Season 2: Release Date and What to Expect
Fans rejoice! A second season of Blue Miburo was officially announced immediately following the conclusion of the first season. Titled the “Serizawa Assassination Arc,” the upcoming season is scheduled to premiere on December 20, 2025. This arc will delve into a significant historical event, focusing on the assassination of Serizawa Kamo, the original lead commander of the Mibu Roshigumi (Miburo).
The core staff, including director Kumiko Habara and the animation studio MAHO FILM, are returning for the second season, ensuring continuity in the anime’s production and visual style. The voice cast from the first season is also expected to reprise their roles, with Shuichiro Umeda as Nio Chirinu and Ryota Takeuchi as Kamo Serizawa, among others. A new cast member, Taku Yashiro, has also been announced to join as Yamazaki Susumu, a swordsman seeking to make his living. New key visuals and trailers have been released, offering glimpses into the dramatic events that await Nio and the Miburo in this highly anticipated continuation.
