The critically acclaimed anime adaptation of Kei Urana’s dark fantasy manga, Gachiakuta, has officially been greenlit for a second season. The announcement came immediately after the finale of its 24-episode first season aired in Japan today, Sunday, December 21, 2025, thrilling fans worldwide. Studio Bones Film, which handled the animation for the initial season, is expected to continue its work on the highly anticipated follow-up.
The first season of Gachiakuta ran for two consecutive cours, concluding with an episode that left viewers with several unanswered questions and intriguing plot developments, including mysteries surrounding the “Watchman Series” and escalating conflicts. The series quickly garnered a strong following, becoming Crunchyroll’s most viewed anime in July.
The World of Gachiakuta: A Glimpse into the Pit
Gachiakuta plunges viewers into a dystopian world sharply divided between the opulent “Sphere,” a floating city where the wealthy reside, and “The Pit,” a vast wasteland below where all of society’s refuse – including its criminals – are unceremoniously dumped. The narrative centers on Rudo, a young boy living in the slums of the floating town, who harbors a deep disdain for the upper class’s wasteful habits.
Rudo’s Journey into the Abyss
Rudo’s life takes a drastic turn when he is falsely accused of his foster father’s murder and subsequently exiled to The Pit. This harsh punishment thrusts him into a dangerous new reality, where monstrous creatures formed from discarded trash roam freely. To survive, Rudo must awaken and master a unique power, learning to imbue discarded objects with “Anima” to create “Vital Instruments” – powerful weapons essential for battling the “Trash Beasts”.
He soon joins a group known as the “Cleaners,” an organization dedicated to fighting these beasts and uncovering the truths hidden within their grim world. Rudo’s ultimate goal is not just survival, but also to seek vengeance against those who wrongly cast him into this hellish abyss.
Production and Creative Team
The anime adaptation is produced by the renowned Studio Bones Film, known for its work on other major titles such as My Hero Academia and Mob Psycho 100. The first season was directed by Fumihiko Suganuma, with Hiroshi Seko handling the series composition, and Satoshi Ishino as the character designer and chief animation director. Taku Iwasaki composed the music, contributing to the series’ distinctive atmosphere.
The original manga, written and illustrated by Kei Urana, began serialization in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine in February 2022. As of November 2025, 17 tankōbon volumes have been published in Japan, with Kodansha USA releasing the English-language version. Kei Urana and graffiti designer Hideyoshi Andou, who lends his artistic touch to the series, both released celebratory illustrations following the season two announcement.
What to Expect from Season 2 and Beyond
While specific details regarding the plot, release window, and returning staff for Gachiakuta Season 2 are currently limited, the continuation promises to delve deeper into the burgeoning mysteries and conflicts introduced in the first season’s climax. The conclusion of Season 1’s 24 episodes, which included the adaptation of the “Trash Storm” arc in its second cour, left fans eager for more of Rudo’s journey and his quest for truth and vengeance.
Beyond the anime, the Gachiakuta franchise is expanding with additional adaptations. A stage play featuring Hikaru Imamaki as Rudo is set to premiere in Tokyo in May 2026, followed by performances in Kyoto in June. An action-RPG video game is also in active development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC (Steam), further solidifying Gachiakuta‘s growing presence in the entertainment landscape. These multiple adaptations underscore the series’ increasing popularity and the compelling nature of its dark fantasy world.
