Anime "Ranma 1/2" Season 2 to Begin Airing on Nippon TV from October 4! Kazuhiko Inoue, Ako Mayama, and Akira Ishida Join as Additional Cast Members [With Comments]

Season 2 Additional Character Information & Cast Comments

▼ Happosai (CV: Kazuhiko Inoue)

The founder of the Anything-Goes Martial Arts school and a martial arts master. He is the mentor of Sōun Tendō and Genma Saotome. Driven by insatiable desires for lust, possessions, and food, his overwhelming fighting aura intimidates opponents and saps their will to fight.

Kazuhiko Inoue (as Happosai) Cast Comment:
I am honored to have been given the role of Happosai this time.
Happosai was originally played by my mentor, Ichirō Nagai. Even now, the image of Nagai-san performing as Happosai is vividly etched in my memory. I am truly delighted and honored.
While inheriting Nagai-san’s spirit, I hope to let loose and bring my own take as Kazuhiko Inoue.
Thank you very much in advance.

▼ Cologne (CV: Ako Mayama)

Shampoo’s great-grandmother. Originating from the Joketsuzoku (Amazon tribe), she is a martial arts master. She came to Japan to make Ranma Saotome Shampoo’s fiancé. She is also the proprietor of the Chinese restaurant "Cat Cafe."

Ako Mayama (as Cologne) Cast Comment:
I, Ako Mayama, will be appearing as Cologne beginning with Season 2.
Recently, during work, someone named S suddenly said to me, “The first time we met was for ‘Ranma 1/2’” — I was so surprised!
I had completely forgotten — apparently, I played a female student back then.
I probably remember nothing due to nerves.
Somehow, this connection has come full circle—thank you so much.
It’s an honor to be part of such a legendary production. I’m thrilled to be working with everyone.
Please look forward to it in October.

▼ Hikaru Gosunkugi (CV: Akira Ishida)

A first-year student at Furinkan High School and classmate of Ranma Saotome and Akane Tendō. He has a crush on Akane and enjoys photography and hammering nails into straw dolls as hobbies.

Akira Ishida (as Hikaru Gosunkugi) Cast Comment:
Long-time fans no doubt need no explanation, but even in a story packed with eccentric characters, the peculiar, seemingly timid Hikaru Gosunkugi’s abnormal persistence towards Akane is as unique as it gets.
Please look forward to seeing how these absurd situations unfold once again as these characters are revived in the 21st century.

Season 2 OP & ED Artist Comments

▼【Opening Theme】 Wednesday Campanella "Wo Ai Ni"

Wednesday Campanella Artist Comment:
Q1. What are your impressions of this work?
We aimed for a positive, energetic, and dynamic song.
While capturing the spirit of the original, we mixed in phrases from mahjong and cooking to give the lyrics a sense of fun and rhythm. I think it ended up as a very humorous and high-energy track.

Q2. Please share your enthusiasm for handling the opening theme!
I never imagined I’d get to be involved with a show like "Ranma 1/2," which I watched as a child!
Watching the opening animation was deeply moving!
I’d be thrilled if our song "Wo Ai Ni" becomes loved alongside the anime!

▼【Ending Theme】 nishina "Panda Girl"

nishina Artist Comment:
Q1. What are your impressions of this work?
It’s an enduring classic!
The awkward and endearing relationship between the two (Ranma and Akane) is always so adorable and relatable no matter how many times you watch it.
I also love how all of the characters are over-the-top in their own ways—it’s such chaos.
And just when you’re laughing, you suddenly get moved by the show’s sincerity...
I can’t wait to watch Season 2!

Q2. Please share your enthusiasm for handling the ending theme!
It’s an honor to have my song featured among such wonderful theme songs through series history.
I aimed to create a song that will make everyone look forward to the next episode and to tomorrow itself. I hope you enjoy it!

(C)高橋留美子・小学館／「らんま1/2」製作委員会

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