Particularly followers of the dark magical girl genre, the highly anticipated second season of “Magical Girl Raising Project” (Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku) has been officially announced. The revelation came during the “Project Restart Fan Event” on December 13, marking a pivotal moment for the franchise’s expansion.
The upcoming season, titled “Magical Girl Raising Project: Restart,” promises to elevate the series’ signature blend of magical girl themes with psychological survival elements. This continuation builds upon the foundation laid by Asari Endou’s original light novel series, which first captured audiences’ attention with its subversive take on the magical girl genre.
Behind the Scenes: A Powerhouse Creative Team
The production brings together an impressive array of industry veterans:
- Director: Hiroyuki Hashimoto, known for his work on acclaimed series such as “Code Geass” and “Angel Beats!“
- Script Supervision: Takao Yoshioka, whose portfolio includes “Your Lie in April” and “Elfen Lied“
- Character Design: Masako Itou, recognized for “Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai“
- Sound Direction: Satoki Iida, with credits including “Assassination Classroom“
The Stakes Are Higher
“Restart” introduces a complex game system where sixteen magical girls compete in an RPG-style simulation. Every three days, participants must collaborate to overcome challenges while accumulating magical candies. However, the promise of a ¥10 billion reward creates a powder keg of tension, as only those dealing final blows can claim the prize. The series maintains its signature consequence system – when a magical girl’s life points deplete to zero, the implications extend far beyond mere game mechanics.
Star-Studded Voice Cast
The series features an ensemble of talented voice actors, including:
Leading Cast:
Nao Touyama (東山奈央) – Portraying Koyuki Himekawa
Known for: Chitoge Kirisaki (Nisekoi), Karen Kujou (Kiniro Mosaic)Yoshino Nanjou (南條愛乃) – Portraying Kanoe Hitokouji
Known for: Eli Ayase (Love Live!), Kokomi Teruhashi (Saiki Kusuo)Honoka Inoue (井上ほの花) – Portraying Chika Tatehara
Known for: Various roles in recent productionsQueen Kondou (近藤クイン) – Portraying Mamori Toyoyama
Notable newcomer in the voice acting industry
Supporting Cast:
Ami Koshimizu (小清水亜美) – Portraying Akane Fuwa
Known for: Ryuko Matoi (Kill la Kill), Yang Xiao Long (RWBYMaria Naganawa (長縄まりあ) – Portraying Cherna Mouse
Known for: Kanna Kamui (Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid)Miyu Tomita (富田美憂) – Portraying Shinobu Hiok
Known for: Gabriel White Tenma (Gabriel DropOut)- Megumin Han (メグミン・ハン) – Portraying Keek
Notable for specialized character roles - Shiori Mikami (三上枝織) – Portraying Mashiro Kuji
Known for: Eren Yeager (young) (Attack on Titan) - Mao Ichimichi (市道真央) – Portraying Rio Kujou
Known for: Various leading roles in anime and video games - Ai Fairouz (ファイルーズあい) – Portraying Konomi Mita
Known for: Jolyne Cujoh (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean) - Hime Sawada (沢田ひめ) – Portraying Noriko Nonohara
Rising talent in the voice acting industry - Mariya Ise (伊瀬茉莉也) – Portraying Nene Ono
Known for: Killua Zoldyck (Hunter x Hunter 2011) - Jenya Davidyuk (ジェーニャ・デイビディュク) – Portraying Anna Sarizae
International voice talent bringing unique perspective - Sayumi Suzushiro (鈴代紗弓) – Portraying Karin Sonoda
Known for: Recent breakthrough roles - Akari Kitou (鬼頭明里) – Portraying Himari Tanahashi
Known for: Nezuko Kamado (Demon Slayer) - Maaya Uchida (内田真礼) – Portraying Kiku Yakumo
Known for: Rikka Takanashi (Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions)
Franchise Legacy
Since its initial anime adaptation in 2016, the franchise has expanded beyond traditional media, encompassing dramatic readings and various multimedia projects. The production committee, プロジェクトrestart製作委員会, continues to oversee the franchise’s development, with illustrations by Marui no enhancing the original light novel series.
Conclusion
This announcement represents a significant milestone for the franchise, promising to deliver the sophisticated storytelling and psychological complexity that fans have come to expect from the series. The convergence of experienced creators and fresh talent suggests that “Restart” will push the boundaries of the magical girl genre while maintaining the core elements that made its predecessor a standout success.
Learn more about the original light novel series
The original light novel series, written by Asari Endou and illustrated by Marui no, was first published in 2012 and has since become a cult classic among fans of the dark magical girl genre.
