Otakuwriter
Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Staff on the Wonders of Season 2
Season 2 of Toilet-bound Hanako-kun returns with its unique blend of supernatural thrills and emotional storytelling. Following the conclusion of the Shijima of the Art Room arc, the series continues to explore Hanako’s past, his connection to the other School Mysteries, and his evolving relationship with Nene. To celebrate the arrival of Season 2, key creators from the anime—voice actress Megumi Ogata, producer Yuki Katayama, and fellow producer Shota Komatsu—shared their insights on the series’ emotional depth, striking visual style, and creative process.
Producing Toilet-bound Hanako-kun: Meet the Team Behind the Anime
Megumi Ogata, a veteran voice actress known for her roles as Shinji Ikari in Neon Genesis Evangelion and Sailor Uranus in Sailor Moon, returns as the voice of Hanako in Season 2. Alongside her are producers Yuki Katayama and Shota Komatsu, who oversee various aspects of animation production for the series.
Katayama explained that the anime adaptation stays faithful to the source material, which already has an optimal balance between lighthearted humor and darker supernatural elements. “The key lies in honoring what the manga does—and for us, specifically, visual elements like color usage are pivotal,” he shared.
Komatsu elaborated on the collaboration of the manga creators Aida and Iro, collectively known as AidaIro. “Aida handles the art, while Iro focuses on the storytelling. Their synergy gives Hanako-kun its unique charm, and we simply bring that to life in animation form,” he said.
Hanako and Amane: Exploring Character Evolution in Season 2
Season 2 gives viewers the opportunity to see Hanako’s original self, Amane Yugi, as the fantastical world created by Shijima of the Art Room allows characters to live out their deepest desires. Ogata discussed the challenge of portraying both the mischievous Hanako and the more innocent Amane. “Amane is still that 14-year-old middle schooler who hasn’t experienced all of Hanako’s pain and regrets,” she noted, emphasizing the shift in tone and emotional nuance required for the role.
Studio and Streaming: Where to Watch Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Season 2
The animation for Season 2 is handled by Lerche, the studio behind Season 1 and other well-known anime like Assassination Classroom and Given. Season 2 continues to maintain the distinctive visual aesthetics of its predecessor, with vivid colors and creative shot composition. The series is being streamed globally on Crunchyroll, which also features both the subtitled and English dubbed versions.
The Power of Rumors: A Commentary on Society
In Season 2, the show delves deeper into the lore of the Seven School Wonders, focusing on how rumors not only define these supernatural beings but also actively alter them. Ogata reflected on this concept, noting, “It’s almost like a metaphor for social media—how easily misinformation can spread and influence thinking. Fictional as it may be, it mirrors real-world dynamics.”
This theme becomes particularly evident during the Shijima arc, where the titular character’s world-building power plays on the wishes and imaginations of others, creating ideal but ultimately empty realities.
Visual and Emotional Milestones in Season 2
Both Katayama and Komatsu singled out the Shijima arc as a standout element of the new season. “The way the story is structured feels almost cinematic,” said Katayama. Komatsu added, “We spent the first half of the season adapting this arc, and it’s rich with character development and visual storytelling.”
Siblings Across Realities: Hanako and Tsukasa
Season 2 also allows the audience to see Hanako and his twin brother Tsukasa in a different light. In the constructed world of Shijima, the two brothers interact as normal siblings—a stark contrast to reality where Hanako grapples with guilt over Tsukasa’s death. “As Amane, he doesn’t yet carry that weight,” said Ogata. “So their interactions come from a place of innocence, which changes the emotional tenor of their relationship.”
Evolving Character Relationships: Hanako and Nene
Over time, the series has shifted from Nene’s initial wish for romance to deeper emotional themes. Ogata commented on this transformation, explaining that Nene’s journey from wanting to connect with Minamoto to building a bond with Hanako represents genuine growth. “Their bond develops gradually, and that makes their connection feel earned,” she said.
Behind the Curtain: The Voice and Production Team’s Favorites
When asked about their favorite wonders or powers, Komatsu expressed admiration for the cute and mysterious Mokke, while Katayama chose Tsuchigomori, the librarian who watches over students. Both acknowledged the allure and potential dangers of supernatural abilities, particularly the power to manipulate time.
Ogata, meanwhile, reflected on her deep connection to Hanako, stating, “There are actions he takes that even I don’t fully understand, but that’s part of the charm—he is a layered, mysterious character.”
What Would Be Your Yorishiro?
In the lore of the series, each supernatural entity has a yorishiro—an object or person precious to them. When asked what theirs would be, Komatsu gave a heartfelt answer: “I recently got married, so my wife would be my yorishiro.” Katayama chose a video game controller, representing his passion and the reason he entered the entertainment industry. Ogata shared a broader sentiment, saying her yorishiro would be the collective well-being of her family, friends, and colleagues.
Looking Ahead: The Continuing Appeal of Toilet-bound Hanako-kun
Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Season 2 continues to deepen its narrative with strong emotional arcs, stunning animation, and an evolving cast of characters. With Lerche handling the animation and Crunchyroll providing global streaming access, the series remains a compelling blend of aesthetic beauty, psychological complexity, and folklore-inspired storytelling. As audiences revisit the Seven Wonders of Kamome Academy, the layered writing and intricate character dynamics promise more revelations and emotional moments in the episodes ahead.
