In a thrilling announcement that has sent waves of excitement (and some skepticism) through the anime community, Ninja Kamui has been renewed for not one, but two additional seasons! The news broke at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, currently underway in Annecy, France, confirming that the action-packed original anime will be continuing its tale of vengeance and conspiracy.
A Surprise Renewal
The renewal comes as a surprise to some, considering the mixed reception the first season received. While critics lauded its visual storytelling, dynamic fight choreography, and the sharp direction of Sunghoo Park (known for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1), audience reviews were more divided, with a 57% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this, Adult Swim’s decision to greenlight two more seasons signals a strong belief in the series’ long-term potential.
Several factors likely contributed to this decision:
- International Fanbase: Ninja Kamui has cultivated a dedicated international following.
- Strong Late-Night Ratings: The show performed well in its Toonami block on Adult Swim.
- Viral Action Clips: Engaging fight scenes spread rapidly on social media, indicating a deeper level of audience engagement.
- Toonami’s Reinvigoration: The series has injected fresh, original content into Adult Swim’s anime lineup.
What to Expect in Seasons 2 and 3
According to reports, the upcoming seasons will plunge Joe Higan, the protagonist, into a new arc involving a conspiracy with “cataclysmic” consequences. This pivot could be precisely what the show needs to win over more skeptical viewers. By expanding its world and raising the stakes, Ninja Kamui Seasons 2 and 3 have the potential to deliver a more profound and emotionally resonant narrative.
The first visual and early tagline for Ninja Kamui Season 2 have been revealed: “The next season, Ninja Kamui Season Two: Red Vendetta, will follow Higan as he uncovers a new conspiracy of cataclysmic proportions.”
Production Details
Sola Entertainment, the Japanese production company behind the show, is committed to refining the series further. While details on the production staff and exact premiere dates remain undisclosed, it’s been confirmed that Season 2 is already in production.
E&H Production handled the animation for the first season, but it remains unconfirmed whether they will return for Seasons 2 and 3.
A Look Back at Season 1
For those who need a refresher, Ninja Kamui follows Joe Higan, a former ninja who escaped his clan to live a peaceful life in rural America with his family under the alias Joe Logan. However, his past catches up to him when assassins from his former clan attack, brutally murdering his wife and son as punishment for his betrayal. With nothing left to lose, Higan returns to his ninja ways, seeking vengeance against those who destroyed his life.
The 13-episode first season premiered on Adult Swim’s Toonami block from February 11, 2024, to May 5, 2024, and aired in Japan from July 2, 2024, to September 24, 2024.
Accolades and Recognition
Despite the mixed audience reception, Ninja Kamui has garnered critical acclaim, including:
- Best Original Anime at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
- Nomination for Best Anime Series at the 4th Astra TV Awards
Controversy and Fan Reactions
Ninja Kamui certainly didn’t shy away from controversy. While the initial episodes focused on hand-to-hand combat and traditional ninjutsu, the introduction of mechs and robotics later in the season left some fans scratching their heads. This shift in tone and style divided the fanbase, with some embracing the unique blend of genres and others feeling alienated by the departure from the series’ initial premise.
The Team Behind the Anime
- Director: Sunghoo Park (Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, The God of High School)
- Series Screenwriter: Shigeru Murakoshi (Zombieland Saga, Dark Gathering)
- Original Character Designs: Takashi Okazaki (Batman Ninja)
- Art Director: Yann Le Gall (Meiji Gekken 1874)
- Animation Production: E&H Production
- Production: Sola Entertainment
Joseph Chou, the producer, has worked on legendary franchises including Neon Genesis Evangelion, Knight of The Zodiac, Tower of God, The God of High School, Ghost In The Shell, and Ultraman. In recent years, Chou has assisted Warner Bros with projects such as Rick And Morty: The Anime, The Lord of The Rings: The War of The Rohirrim, and Lazarus.
Adult Swim’s Commitment to Anime
The renewal of Ninja Kamui underscores Adult Swim’s ongoing commitment to original anime productions. While previous series like Junji Ito’s Uzumaki, Fena: Pirate Princess, and Shenmue The Animation were “one and done” adaptations, Ninja Kamui‘s multi-season renewal suggests a shift towards building longer-term anime franchises. This move aligns with the network’s success in adult animation with series like Rick and Morty and The Smiling Friends, which have been confirmed for multiple future seasons.
What Does the Future Hold?
With Ninja Kamui Season 2 already in production, fans can anticipate a continuation of Higan’s journey into a world of conspiracy and cataclysmic threats. Whether the series can overcome the mixed reception of its first season remains to be seen, but the commitment from Adult Swim and Sola Entertainment suggests a determination to refine and expand upon the show’s unique vision.
