Fans of the popular romantic comedy anime and manga series “Kimi no Todoke” have a reason to celebrate. After an almost 12-year hiatus since the second season’s release in 2011, the series is set to return for a third season.
The original voice actors will reprise their roles, with Mamiko Noto continuing as Sawako Kuronuma and Daisuke Namikawa as Shota Kazehaya. Production I.G., the studio behind the first two seasons, will also handle the animation for the upcoming season.
The third season of Kimi no Todoke is slated for release in 2024 and will be available for streaming on Netflix.
To mark the announcement, the original author, Karuho Shiina, has provided a newly drawn illustration and a heartfelt message.
Shiina expressed her surprise and joy at the re-animation of the series after so many years. She was moved by the performances of the cast during a voice recording session she attended, stating that the characters remain as compelling as they were over a decade ago.
The voice actors also shared messages to fans. Daisuke Namikawa shared his mixed feelings of happiness, surprise, and slight panic upon hearing the news. He emphasized his deep attachment to the series and promised to deliver the best anime adaptation possible.
Mamiko Noto, on the other hand, expressed her surprise and a sense of great responsibility. She conveyed her excitement and commitment to making the third season a success.
Related: Top 10 Must-Watch Romance Anime of All Time
The story revolves around Sawako Kuronuma, a high school girl often misunderstood due to her resemblance to the character from the horror film “The Ring.” Despite her intimidating appearance, Sawako is a kind-hearted and timid girl who longs for friendship.
Her life takes a turn when she crosses paths with Shota Kazehaya, the most popular boy in school. Unlike others, Kazehaya sees through Sawako’s outward appearance and befriends her, setting off a chain of events that not only change Sawako’s life but also bring warmth and love into the lives of those around her.
“Kimi no Todoke,” created by Karuho Shiina, is a romantic comedy manga series that debuted in 2005. It was serialized in Shueisha’s “Bessatsu Margaret” magazine and has been compiled into 30+ volumes. The manga has garnered a large following and has also spawned several light novels and a visual guidebook.
The manga’s popularity led to an anime adaptation, which premiered in 2009. Produced by Production I.G., the series has had two seasons so far. The first season aired from October 2009 to March 2010, while the second season, titled “Kimi no Todoke 2nd Season,” was released in January 2011 and concluded in March of the same year.
