The highly anticipated second season of the supernatural anime sensation, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, has officially announced that veteran voice actress Ryōka Yuzuki will be joining the cast as the enigmatic character Sumire. This revelation has sent ripples of excitement through the fanbase, offering a glimpse into the expanded narrative and character dynamics awaiting viewers.
The Return of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, known in Japan as Jibaku Shōnen Hanako-kun, captivated audiences with its unique blend of supernatural mystery, heartfelt character moments, and distinctive art style in its inaugural season which premiered in January 2020. The series quickly garnered a dedicated following, eager for more adventures of Nene Yashiro, a high school girl who finds herself entangled with Hanako-kun, the seventh of Kamome Academy’s Seven Mysteries. He is a ghostly boy said to grant wishes for a price, residing in the third stall of the third-floor girls’ bathroom. Their bond forms the core of the story, as they work to maintain peace between the human and supernatural worlds within the academy’s haunted grounds.
The anime project was officially announced to be “restarting” in December 2022, signaling a robust continuation of the narrative. This was followed by a short anime adaptation of the After-School Hanako-kun spin-off, which premiered in October 2023 and returned for a second four-episode season in October 2024, keeping fans engaged while awaiting the main series’ return.
The main second season of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun premiered on January 12, 2025, and a subsequent part of the second season began airing on July 6, 2025, on TBS and its affiliates. Crunchyroll is streaming the new season as it airs in Japan, including an English dub. The production continues to be helmed by animation studio Lerche, with Yōhei Fukui directing the main second season, taking over from Masaomi Andō, who directed the first. Yasuhiro Nakanishi returns to handle series scripts, and Mayuka Itou reprises her role as character designer, ensuring visual and narrative continuity.
Ryōka Yuzuki Cast as Sumire
The announcement of Ryōka Yuzuki lending her voice to Sumire adds a significant layer of anticipation for the upcoming episodes. Yuzuki is a highly respected and prolific Japanese actress and voice actress, with a career spanning numerous iconic roles across anime, video games, and even live-action productions.
Her extensive filmography showcases her versatility and ability to embody a wide range of characters. Some of her most prominent anime roles include:
- Satsuki Kiryūin in Kill la Kill
- Ino Yamanaka in Naruto and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
- Shizuka Hiratsuka in My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected (also known as OreGairu or SNAFU)
- Minagi Tohno in Air
- Hilda Boreas Greyrat in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
- Metera in Granblue Fantasy
Yuzuki’s ability to portray powerful, assertive characters like Satsuki Kiryūin, as well as more nuanced and supportive roles like Ino Yamanaka, suggests she will bring considerable depth to Sumire. Her long-standing presence and consistent performance quality in the industry make her a highly reliable choice for a character that is expected to play a crucial role in the unfolding narrative.
The Significance of Sumire
While specific details about Sumire’s exact role in the second season’s anime adaptation are kept under wraps to avoid spoilers, fans of the original Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun manga will be well aware of her importance. Sumire is a mysterious and complex character whose presence is deeply intertwined with one of the school’s Seven Mysteries, particularly Number 6, and the overarching lore of the series.
In the manga, Sumire’s past and connection to the supernatural world are gradually revealed, adding significant emotional weight and plot twists to the story. She is revealed to be a ghost trapped within a boundary, serving as a yorishiro (a vessel for a supernatural being’s most precious memory or attachment). Her existence and the circumstances surrounding her fate raise questions about destiny, sacrifice, and the true nature of the school’s mysteries. Her complex relationship with Number 6 and the reasons for her entanglement in the supernatural realm are central to several key arcs in the manga.
The introduction of Sumire in the anime suggests that the second season will delve into these intricate backstories and expand on the supernatural world beyond the immediate vicinity of Hanako-kun and Nene Yashiro. This promises to enrich the narrative, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the origins of the school mysteries and the poignant tales woven within them. Her role is expected to challenge the main characters and push the boundaries of their understanding of Kamome Academy’s supernatural inhabitants.
Looking Ahead
With the second season of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun now airing and new cast members like Ryōka Yuzuki joining, the series is poised to continue its compelling narrative. The returning staff at Studio Lerche, coupled with the rich source material of AidaIro’s manga, ensures that the anime will maintain the quality and distinctive charm that captivated its initial audience.
Fans can look forward to not only witnessing Ryōka Yuzuki’s portrayal of Sumire but also the further unraveling of Kamome Academy’s mysteries, the deepening bonds between Hanako-kun, Nene, and Kou, and the exploration of new, emotionally resonant story arcs. The continued adventures promise more thrilling encounters with the supernatural and profound character development that has become a hallmark of the series.
