Fans have been anxiously awaiting a continuation of Futaba’s and Kou’s journey in the ‘Ao Haru Ride’ manga adaptation series for nearly half a decade. The manga was transformed into an anime series by I.G, which aired on July 7, 2014.
Penned by Tomoko Konparu and directed by Ai Yoshimura, the series garnered tremendous popularity among fans. The anime comprised a total of 12 episodes and concluded on September 22, 2014. Since then, fans have been eagerly anticipating a sequel, leading to concerns regarding the prospects of ‘Ao Haru Ride’ season 2. We are here to address all your inquiries, so please do not hesitate to ask.
‘Ao Haru Ride,’ known as ‘Blue Spring Ride’ in English, is a Japanese romantic comedy animation based on a classic manga series of the same name. Created by Io Sakisaka, the manga first appeared in Bessatsu Margaret Magazine on January 13, 2011. The creators published 13 volumes of the manga, completing it on February 13, 2015. Production I.G. developed the anime adaptation, which was released in 2014.
The storyline revolves around Futaba Yoshioka, a high school student who reunites with her childhood sweetheart, Kou Mabuchi, after several years. The series showcases their delightful interactions as they begin to rediscover one another.
Now, let’s explore whether the manga will make a comeback after these long years.
Here’s what we’ve learned so far.
Will There Be a Season 2 of ‘Ao Haru Ride’?
Despite the immense demand from fans, Production I.G. has not officially renewed the critically acclaimed shoujo anime for a second season.
As of now, there has been no formal confirmation of a season 2 for ‘Ao Haru Ride.’ It has been nearly six years since the first season concluded on September 22, 2014. The lack of communication from the show’s creators has left fans wondering about its fate. Is the show going to be canceled?
Certainly not! At present, the series has not been canceled or renewed. However, it is possible that a manga sequel may take a considerable amount of time to materialize.
Though the show hasn’t been canceled, some fans are holding onto a glimmer of hope, despite the prolonged silence regarding season 2 confirmation.
The Plot of Ao Haru Ride
In the first season, we witnessed Futaba and Kou grappling with their feelings for each other. Futaba finds it challenging to be at ease with her current boyfriend, Tma, due to her unresolved emotions for Kou. Meanwhile, Kou realizes that his relationship with Yuri hinders his emotional growth, leading to their breakup.
In the finale, Futaba and Kou decide to meet at their designated place before parting ways. Unfortunately, Kou gets involved in a minor accident. Ultimately, at the hospital, Kou and Futaba confess their love for each other and later attend a summer party with new friends. Finally, they return home together.
When Will the Second Season of ‘Ao Haru Ride’ Be Released?
The previous season aired six years ago. Without official announcements, it is challenging to predict the premiere of the next season. Production companies evaluate whether to renew an anime based on two main factors: revenue generated and the source material.
The manga was a tremendous success, having sold over six million copies. The anime was distributed in several countries and was a commercial success.
As we know, the manga series is the original content for the anime. The anime adaptation by I.G. Productions covered only four volumes of the manga series, leaving nine volumes to potentially create not just one, but two or more seasons.
Anime series are often used to promote and boost sales of the manga or light novel series they are based on. Manga sales tend to rise in direct proportion to the popularity of an anime series.
However, despite having more content for a second season, the manga’s serialization for the anime stopped in 2015. This could lead to the possibility that there might no longer be a compelling reason to continue the series.
As the first season ended on a cliffhanger, fans have been clamoring for a second season. Yet, Production I.G. has not responded to their requests.
An estimated release date cannot be provided as the manga is still waiting for a renewal of its second season. Although the anime series has been off the air for seven years, Production I.G. seems to have no plans for its revival. The manga series premiered in July 2014 but has yet to receive a continuation, leading us to anticipate that it may not be renewed.
However, there is reason for optimism!
In the past, we’ve seen older manga series revived after being acquired by another studio. If enough fans show interest and support, other studios might consider producing ‘Ao Haru Ride’ season 2. Fans have initiated an online petition to revive the series for a second season.
What Is the Plot of ‘Ao Haru Ride’ Season 2?
‘Ao Haru Ride’ recounts the story of Kou Mabuchi and Futaba Yoshioka, who meet while attending the same high school and fall deeply in love with each other.
However, both of them have personal issues that hinder their happiness and relationship.
If the anime series is revived for a second season, there will be plenty of material to cover. Season 2 would likely pick up where Season 1 left off and focus on Futaba and Kou’s relationship as they continue their journey together. Will Futaba succeed in permanently changing Kou? For now, we’ll have to wait for the new season to find out more.
Between 2011 and 2015, the manga series ‘Ao Haru Ride’ spanned thirteen volumes. The 13-episode anime manga adaptation covered only the first four volumes (up to Chapter 14). Assuming season 2 is renewed, it is expected to cover the remaining volumes, given the cliffhanger ending of season 1.