Fans of classic romantic comedy and martial arts anime rejoice: the highly anticipated second season of the new Ranma ½ anime officially premiered on October 4, 2025. The reboot, produced by the acclaimed animation studio MAPPA, is now available for global streaming on Netflix, with broadcasts also airing on Nippon TV and other networks in Japan. This new season continues the beloved story of Ranma Saotome, a martial artist cursed to transform into a girl with cold water and back into a boy with hot water, as he navigates chaotic engagements, eccentric rivals, and everyday life at the Tendō dojo.
A Triumphant Return for a Rumiko Takahashi Classic
The original Ranma ½ manga, penned by legendary creator Rumiko Takahashi, ran from 1987 to 1996 and inspired a lengthy anime series, OVAs, and films. Its gender-bending premise and slapstick humor have cemented its place as a genre-defining work. The 2024 reboot aimed to bring this classic to a new generation while satisfying long-time fans, and its initial run was met with considerable success, even cracking Netflix’s Top 10 series in some regions. The announcement of a new anime adaptation was first made in June 2024, with more details following in July of the same year.
The new series, simply titled Ranma ½, is animated by MAPPA, known for its work on popular titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan. Kōnosuke Uda (known for One Piece) directs the series, with Kimiko Ueno handling series scripts and Hiromi Taniguchi serving as character designer.
Voice Cast: A Mix of Familiar and New Faces
A significant draw for returning fans is the reprisal of many original Japanese voice actors for the main characters. Kappei Yamaguchi and Megumi Hayashibara return as the voices of male Ranma Saotome and female Ranma Saotome, respectively. Noriko Hidaka is back as Akane Tendō. Other returning cast members include Minami Takayama as Nabiki Tendō, Kikuko Inoue as Kasumi Tendō, Kōichi Yamadera as Ryōga Hibiki, and Rei Sakuma as Shampoo.
However, the new adaptation also features some notable cast changes and additions for both established and new characters:
- Akio Ōtsuka has taken over the role of Sōun Tendō.
- Chō now voices Genma Saotome, with the original Genma voice actor, Kenichi Ogata, stepping into the narrator role.
- Newcomers for Season 2 include Toshihiko Seki as Mousse, Kaori Nazuka as Ukyo Kuonji, Ako Mayama as Cologne, Kazuhiko Inoue as Happosai, and Akira Ishida as Hikaru Gosunkugi.
What to Expect in Season 2
Following the successful reintroduction of the characters and premise in 2024, Season 2 of Ranma ½ is set to dive deeper into the series’ iconic arcs, introducing more fan-favorite characters and expanding on the martial arts romantic comedy. Viewers can anticipate the continued chaotic interactions between Ranma, Akane, and their ever-growing circle of rivals and fiancées.
The second season is expected to maintain the faithful adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi’s manga while delivering updated visuals and pacing that resonated with audiences in Season 1. With 12 episodes projected for the season, fans can look forward to weekly releases, with the final episode slated for December 20, 2025. The series promises more gender-swapping escapades, martial arts battles, and hilarious misunderstandings that define the enduring appeal of Ranma ½.
