The highly anticipated second season of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun has premiered, continuing the supernatural adventures at Kamome Academy. The season’s first episode, titled “The First Mystery,” debuted on January 12, 2025, marking the return of Hanako, Nene, and their ghostly escapades. This season promises to delve deeper into the school’s mysteries and the characters’ complex relationships, with a fresh storyline that involves time manipulation and new adversaries.
A Familiar Yet Evolving Premise
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun centers around Nene Yashiro, a high school student with a penchant for the occult, and Hanako-kun, a mischievous ghost who is rumored to grant wishes from the third stall of the girls’ bathroom. This season sees the return of this central duo, and they are joined by their friend, Kou Minamoto. The premise remains true to the original series, blending humor, supernatural elements, and emotional depth. The first episode quickly re-establishes the core elements: the whimsical, yet often dangerous, world of school-based apparitions, and the unique dynamic between the main characters.
The narrative quickly introduces a new problem. Students at Kamome Academy begin to inexplicably age overnight, prompting Nene, Hanako, and Kou to suspect the involvement of the school’s rumored Three Clock Keepers. These mysterious apparitions are said to control time, and the trio embarks on a mission to stop these time-related disturbances. This is where the series truly kicks into high gear.
The Plot Thickens
Season 2’s narrative is set to explore the lore surrounding the Clock Keepers, with the first episode focusing on the immediate chaos they cause. The school’s students are aging uncontrollably. A new dynamic is introduced with the involvement of Akane Aoi, a character who is revealed to be one of the Clock Keepers. This reveal adds layers to the plot, showcasing that not all supernatural entities are necessarily malicious, and those on the human side of the equation may hold secrets.
Episode 2, titled “The Three Clock Keepers,” further explores Akane’s role and his conflicted relationship with Hanako. His distrust of apparitions, stemming from past experiences, creates friction within the group as they work to solve the time-related issues. This internal conflict provides a compelling counterpoint to the external challenges, adding complexity to the story.
Returning Cast and New Additions
The core voice cast of the first season has returned, ensuring a seamless transition for returning viewers. Megumi Ogata continues to voice the charismatic Hanako, while Akari Kito reprises her role as the earnest Nene. Shoya Chiba once again portrays the energetic Kou. New to the cast are Hōchū Ōtsuka as Kako, who controls the past, and Rie Kugimiya as Mirai, who controls the future. These additions add an interesting layer to the plot with the introduction of the three clock keepers. These voice actors bring the characters to life, capturing their nuances and enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Staff and Production
The animation for season 2 is once again handled by Lerche, the studio behind the first season. Yohei Fukui takes on the role of director, with Yasuhiro Nakanishi returning to handle series composition. Mayuka Itou is responsible for the character designs, and Hiroshi Takaki is in charge of the music. The same team from Season 1 is responsible for the production of the second season. The consistent team provides a sense of stability, maintaining the unique visual style and music that defined the first season. Masayoshi Ōishi performs the opening theme song “L’oN”, and Akari Kitō’s “With a Wish” serves as the ending theme, adding a fresh touch to the series’ musical identity.
Visuals and Animation Style
The animation style of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun remains a visual treat. The character designs are distinctive, with large, expressive eyes and thick outlines that contrast with the more detailed backgrounds. This gives the show a unique storybook-like quality, which has been upgraded this season. While the first season’s style sometimes masked limited movement, there’s a noticeable improvement in fluidity in the second season. The vivid colors and dynamic animation sequences enhance the supernatural elements and action scenes, making the show visually appealing.
Season 1 Recap
For those who may need a refresher, Season 1 introduced the world of Kamome Academy and its Seven Mysteries. Nene, in her quest for romance, accidentally becomes the assistant of Hanako, a ghost bound to the school’s toilets. They embark on various adventures, confronting other supernatural entities and uncovering secrets related to the school’s mysteries. Key moments of Season 1 include Nene and Hanako’s encounters with Yousei-san, the Misaki Stairs, the Confession Tree, the 4 o’clock Library, and Mitsuba. Season 1 also saw Nene learn more about Hanako’s past.
The series blends supernatural elements with heartfelt interactions between the characters, with themes of friendship and acceptance woven throughout the narrative. The recap serves as a quick and effective way to re-immerse viewers in the supernatural setting, ensuring they are prepared for the new story arc in season 2.
Where to Watch
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Season 2 is available to stream on Crunchyroll, with new episodes released weekly. The premiere was on January 12, 2025, with subsequent episodes airing every Sunday. The series is part of the Winter 2025 anime simulcast lineup, making it easily accessible to international audiences.
Final Thoughts
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Season 2 is a welcome return to a captivating series. The season’s premiere successfully sets the stage for a new adventure, blending familiar elements with fresh plot points. The animation and music continue to impress, and the new voice cast additions provide a new sense of depth. With a strong focus on character relationships and an engaging narrative, this season is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of the series and newcomers alike. The series is not only a fun supernatural anime, but also a touching story of acceptance and friendship, making it a top recommendation for the Winter 2025 anime season.
