Ao Ashi, the gripping soccer anime based on Yūgo Kobayashi’s manga, has fans buzzing with excitement for its second season. After a stellar first season that aired from April to September 2022, viewers are eager to see Ashito Aoi’s journey continue. With Season 2 officially confirmed, here’s everything we know about the release date, cast, plot, and more, crafted to keep you informed and engaged.
Ao Ashi Season 2 Release Date Speculation
The big news for fans came in April 2025, when Weekly Big Comic Spirits announced that Ao Ashi Season 2 is green-lit for production, with a premiere slated for 2026. While an exact release date hasn’t been pinned down, reports suggest a potential window between early and mid-2026, given the production timeline.
Ao Ashi Season 2 Cast: Who’s Returning?
The voice cast for Ao Ashi Season 2 is expected to feature returning talent, maintaining continuity for Ashito’s story. Based on Season 1 and recent reports, here’s the likely lineup:
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Kōki Oosuzu as Ashito Aoi, the determined protagonist striving to redefine Japanese soccer.
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Chikahiro Kobayashi as Tatsuya Fukuda, the visionary coach guiding Esperion’s youth team.
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Maki Kawase as Hana Ichijo, the supportive high schooler and soccer enthusiast.
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Tatsumaru Tachibana as Eisaku Ohtomo, a key teammate.
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Seiichirō Yamashita as Sōichirō Tachibana, another vital player in Ashito’s circle.
Ao Ashi Season 2 Plot: What to Expect?
Ao Ashi Season 2 will pick up from the Season 1 finale, which adapted the manga up to Chapter 117. The story is set to dive into the A-Team Beginnings Arc within the A-Team X Premiere League Saga, focusing on Ashito’s transition to Esperion’s A-team. After mastering his “bird’s-eye view” and adapting to the defender role under Coach Fukuda’s guidance, Ashito faces new challenges among elite players.
Expect intense soccer matches, with opponents like Kashiwa, Tokyo V, Funabashi, Aomori, and Barcelona on the horizon, as hinted by manga author Yūgo Kobayashi. The narrative will blend high-stakes gameplay with Ashito’s personal growth, exploring themes of teamwork, perseverance, and self-discovery. As the manga concludes with its 40th volume in 2025, Season 2 may cover pivotal moments leading to the climactic Barcelona match, setting the stage for Ashito’s evolution as a player.
