The
official website of the new Ranma ½ anime, based on the work of Rumiko
Takahashi, announced a special event to celebrate the arrival of its second
season. The event will take place on June 22 at the Shinjuku Wald 9 cinema in
Tokyo, where an advance screening will be held along with a live dubbing
session by the main cast.
The original cast returns to the stage
Confirmed
guests include Kappei Yamaguchi (male Ranma), Megumi Hayashibara (female
Ranma), Noriko Hidaka (Akane) and Rei Sakuma (Shampoo). In addition, the event
promises surprises with more voice actors to be announced. The promotional
poster also shows the character Mousse, although it has not yet been revealed
who will play him in this new version.
The return of an anime legend
The new
Ranma ½ series premiered in Japan on October 5, 2024, airing on the NTC channel
at 00:55 on October 6 (Japanese local time). Following its broadcast, the
series is available exclusively through Netflix.
This new
production has MAPPA as animation studio and Kōnosuke Uda as director. The
script is by Kimiko Ueno, while character design is by Hiromi Taniguchi.
Old acquaintances and new voices
Several
classic voices return in this new adaptation: Kōichi Yamadera reprises his
roles as Ryōga Hibiki and the Jusenkyo guide, while Minami Takayama and Kikuko
Inoue return as Nabiki and Kasumi Tendō. In contrast, Akio Ōtsuka takes the
role of Sōun Tendō and Chō plays Genma Saotome. Veteran Kenichi Ogata now
serves as narrator, replacing the late Tadashi Nakamura.
A revamped soundtrack
The opening
of the anime is provided by artist Ano with the theme “Iinazukekkyun”, while
the closing is provided by Riria. with the song “Anta Nante”.
The second
season promises to continue to surprise with more nostalgia, humor and action,
and the June 22 event will be just the beginning.
