After a long wait, fans of the popular soccer anime Aoashi have reason to celebrate! A second season has officially been announced and is slated to premiere in 2026. The new season will be produced by TMS Entertainment, taking over from Production I.G, which animated the first season. This announcement has sparked excitement among fans eager to continue Ashito Aoi’s journey in the world of competitive soccer.
What We Know About Aoashi Season 2
Here’s a breakdown of the key details regarding the upcoming season:
- Release Date: 2026
- Production Studio: TMS Entertainment (known for Dr. STONE and Sakamoto Days)
- Previous Studio: Production I.G (animated Season 1)
- Based On: The manga series Aoashi by Yūgo Kobayashi
- Streaming: The first season is currently available on Crunchyroll
A teaser visual has been released to commemorate the announcement, featuring Ashito tying his shoelaces with a determined look. This image has further fueled anticipation for the new season, hinting at the challenges and growth that Ashito will face.
Why Aoashi Captivated Audiences
Aoashi quickly gained a dedicated following due to its:
- Compelling Story: The series follows Ashito Aoi, a talented but rough soccer player from Ehime Prefecture, as he strives to become a professional.
- Emotional Depth: The anime explores the characters’ struggles, ambitions, and personal growth, resonating with viewers on a deeper level.
- Realistic Depiction of Soccer: Aoashi is praised for its accurate portrayal of the sport, focusing on strategy, teamwork, and the challenges of youth soccer.
The Plot: What to Expect in Season 2
Season 1 of Aoashi covered Ashito’s initial journey from his rural hometown to Tokyo, where he joined the Tokyo Esperion youth academy. The first season showed Ashito’s raw talent being noticed by coach Tatsuya Fukuda, and his subsequent trials and tribulations as he adapts to a more organized and high-level of play.
Season 2 will likely delve deeper into:
- Ashito’s Development: Continuing to hone his skills and understanding of the game.
- Team Dynamics: Ashito navigating the complexities of teamwork and building relationships with his fellow players.
- New Challenges: Facing tougher opponents and overcoming obstacles in his pursuit of becoming a professional soccer player.
- The Manga’s Ending: With the manga concluding with its 40th volume in May 2025, the anime’s second season may cover some of the final moments of the story. The manga is set to end after the Barcelona match, so that could be a major plot point in the upcoming season.
TMS Entertainment Takes the Reins
The change in animation studio from Production I.G to TMS Entertainment has raised some questions among fans. However, TMS Entertainment has a long and respected history in the anime industry, with a portfolio that includes:
- Dr. STONE
- Sakamoto Days
- Yowamushi Pedal
- Lupin the 3rd
- Detective Conan
With their experience in producing high-quality anime, TMS Entertainment is expected to deliver a worthy continuation of Aoashi.
Where to Catch Up
For those new to the series or wanting to refresh their memory, Season 1 of Aoashi is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Ashito’s world and prepare for the upcoming season.
A Look Back at Season 1
The first season of Aoashi, which aired from April to September 2022, was directed by Akira Satō and produced by Production I.G. The series featured:
- Director: Akira Satō
- Studio: Production I.G
- Series Composition: Masahiro Yokotani
- Character Designs: Manabu Nakatake, Toshie Kawamura, Asuka Yamaguchi, and Saki Hasegawa
- Music: Masaru Yokoyama
The opening themes were “Mushin Hakusū” by Alexandros (first) and “Presence” by Superfly (second), while the ending themes were “Blue Diary” by Rinne (first) and “Color Lily no Koibumi” by Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai (second).
The Aoashi Manga: A Deep Dive
Written and illustrated by Yūgo Kobayashi, Aoashi has been serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits since January 2015. The manga tells the story of Ashito Aoi, a third-year middle school student with exceptional soccer talent. Despite his rough edges, Ashito’s potential is recognized by Tatsuya Fukuda, the coach of the Tokyo Esperion youth academy.
- Author: Yūgo Kobayashi
- Original Concept: Naohiko Ueno
- Serialization: Weekly Big Comic Spirits
- Publisher: Shogakukan
- Volumes: 39 (as of April 2025), with the final 40th volume expected in May 2025
The manga has achieved significant success, with over 23 million copies in circulation as of January 2025. In 2020, it won the 65th Shogakukan Manga Award for the general category.
Spin-Offs
- Aoashi Brotherfoot: A spin-off manga series by Kobayashi, serialized in Weekly Big Comic Spirits in 2021.
- Aoashi Midnight Diner: A two-part spin-off manga by Kobayashi, published in Big Comic Original in 2024.
Other Sports Anime to Watch
If you’re a fan of Aoashi and looking for more sports anime to enjoy, here are a few recommendations:
- Haikyu!!: A high school volleyball anime known for its dynamic animation and intense matches.
- Yowamushi Pedal: A cycling anime with a focus on determination and teamwork.
- Slam Dunk: A classic basketball anime that combines humor with compelling character development.
- Baby Steps: A tennis anime that realistically portrays the dedication and strategic thinking required to succeed in the sport.
- Eyeshield 21: An American football anime with an underdog protagonist and exciting gameplay.
- Welcome to the Ballroom: A ballroom dancing anime with beautiful animation and a unique premise.
Final Thoughts
The announcement of Aoashi Season 2 has rekindled the excitement of fans worldwide. With TMS Entertainment at the helm and the promise of further exploration into Ashito’s journey, the new season is poised to be a must-watch for sports anime enthusiasts. Get ready to cheer on Ashito and his teammates as they strive for greatness in the world of soccer!.
