Go Tokyo Your Experience
“Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun,” a unique spin on classic school ghost stories and urban legends, is set to premiere its second season in January 2025. The anime, which differentiates itself from other ghostly narratives like the recently discussed “Spectral Teacher Kaminome,” continues to captivate audiences with its distinct storytelling and visual flair.
Alongside the upcoming season, fans can also look forward to a four-episode spin-off series, airing weekly in late-night slots on TBS starting October 2024.
A Rich Background of Manga and Spin-offs
Originating from a manga series by AidaIro, published in the “Monthly GFantasy” magazine, “Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun” began as a short-term series before transitioning to a long serialization still ongoing since 2015.
AidaIro also crafted a sister series, “After-School Hanako-kun,” serialized on “Pixiv Manga,” enriching the franchise’s lore and reach.
Unraveling the Legend Within Seagull Academy
Set in the fictional Seagull Academy, the story revolves around the legend of Hanako-san of the toilet—a spirit who grants wishes in exchange for a significant sacrifice. The summoning ritual involves knocking on the toilet door three times and calling out, “Hanako-san, Hanako-san, are you there?”
This leads Yashiro Nene, the female protagonist, to encounter Hanako-kun, the male lead, setting off a chain of supernatural events.
Artistic and Vocal Highlights
The anime is noted not only for its engagement with urban legends but also for its distinctive artistic style and appealing character dynamics. The animation, produced by Lerche, features impressive visuals and a talented voice cast, making it accessible and appealing even to those new to the series.
Production and Voice Talent
- Original Creator: AidaIro
- Director: Yohei Fukui
- Series Composition: Yasuhiro Nakanishi
- Character Design: Mayuka Ito
- Animation Studio: Lerche
Voice Cast:
- Hanako-kun: Megumi Ogata
- Yashiro Nene: Akari Kito
- Minamoto Kou: Shoya Chiba
- Akane Aoi: Minako Sato
- Aoi Akane: Shunichi Toki
- Kodama: Yuri Yoshida, Chisai Morinaga, Mai Kanazawa
This continuation and expansion of the “Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun” universe are sure to delight fans and attract new viewers with its blend of eerie tales and engaging animation.