barakamon season 2

Barakamon Season 2: Could it be possible after a decade?

Barakamon is a beloved anime series in the slice-of-life and comedy genre. Slice-of-life has a special place in Japanese anime culture, offering heartfelt, relatable stories that connect with viewers on a deep emotional level. Among these gems, the Barakamon manga series, penned by Satsuki Yoshino, debuted in 2009 and quickly won fans’ hearts. This acclaimed series was later adapted into anime in 2014 by the highly regarded studio Kinema Citrus, known for other successes like Made in Abyss and The Rising of The Shield Hero.

Fans were delighted when a spin-off series, Handa-kun, was released two years later, further expanding the Barakamon universe. Created by the same author and adapted for TV by Diomedéa, the spin-off focuses on the protagonist’s earlier years and provides a unique prequel experience. While Handa-kun is a joy in its own right, fans are still yearning for a full-fledged continuation of Barakamon itself. Could a second season finally be on the horizon?

The Barakamon anime originally aired in Japan from July 6, 2014, to September 27, 2014, on local networks. It was licensed internationally by Funimation, allowing it to reach a global audience. Despite nearly a decade passing since the first season aired, discussions about a potential second season remain alive. In this article, we’ll explore whether fans can realistically expect more of Handa’s adventures on Goto Island and examine the factors that could influence its renewal.

What is the plotline of Barakamon?

The story begins with Seishuu Handa, a 23-year-old professional calligrapher whose life is turned upside down after a public outburst. Frustrated by an exhibition manager’s harsh critique labeling his award-winning work “ordinary, monotonous, and unoriginal,” Handa loses control and punches the manager. To help him regain his composure and reflect on his actions, Handa’s father sends him to the remote Goto Island, far removed from the bustling city life.

Life on Goto Island is vastly different. With transportation arriving only once a day and the local community relying heavily on fishing, the serene yet lively atmosphere offers a stark contrast to Handa’s urban upbringing. Although Handa initially seeks solitude to hone his artistic skills, he is constantly interrupted by the island’s vibrant and eccentric residents, particularly a mischievous young girl named Naru Kotoishi. Her energetic and curious nature frequently draws Handa into humorous and heartwarming situations.

Through its delightful storytelling, Barakamon explores themes of personal growth, the importance of community, and the struggle to find one’s unique voice in the world. Handa’s interactions with the islanders, especially Naru, teach him to embrace imperfection and rediscover the joy of his craft. The anime’s charm lies in its simplicity and relatable messages, making it a must-watch for fans of the slice-of-life genre. Naru’s endearing antics and Handa’s tsundere personality create a dynamic that’s both comedic and touching, making each episode a memorable experience.

barakamon
© Funimation

Will there be a second season of Barakamon?

The first season of Barakamon left a lasting impression on viewers, but nearly a decade later, there has been no confirmation of a second season. As of November 2024, neither studio Kinema Citrus, manga publisher Square Enix, nor any other affiliated company has announced a renewal. Fans have been patiently waiting, but the chances of a second season seem increasingly uncertain. Here, we’ll analyze the key factors affecting the likelihood of Barakamon’s return:

Factor 1: Manga status

The original Barakamon manga, written by Satsuki Yoshino, was serialized in Square Enix’s Gangan Online from February 21, 2009, to December 12, 2018. Spanning 18 volumes, the series concluded with a satisfying ending. Despite this, the anime adaptation only covered the first six volumes, leaving enough source material for at least two more seasons.

The manga’s popularity is evident from its sales, which have surpassed a cumulative circulation of 4 million copies. However, the fact that the manga has been completed for several years reduces the likelihood of a new season being greenlit. Typically, ongoing manga series provide stronger motivation for studios to produce sequels.

33%
Manga adaptation rate

Factor 2: Disc sales

Disc sales are a critical indicator of an anime’s financial success in Japan. Barakamon performed well in this regard, selling approximately 7,000 units—far above the industry benchmark of 4,000 units for potential renewals. While this is an encouraging sign, it’s worth noting that disc sales are less influential in today’s streaming-dominated market. Even so, Barakamon’s strong sales during its initial release remain a positive factor.

Factor 3: The animation studio

Studio Kinema Citrus has shifted its focus to other high-profile projects, including Made in Abyss and The Rising of the Shield Hero. Additionally, their partnership with KADOKAWA, a rival of Square Enix, complicates the possibility of producing more Barakamon episodes. A different studio could theoretically take over the project, as was the case with the spin-off series Handa-kun, but no such plans have been announced.

Factor 4: Popularity

Barakamon remains a well-loved anime, ranking 319th on MyAnimeList’s popularity list. However, recent metrics indicate a decline in interest. Google search volume for Barakamon has dropped significantly, and its official Twitter account has been inactive for years, and recently has been deleted totally. It’s not very common for anime’s Twitter accounts to be deleted. Although it’s sad, it could be a sign that the creators have shelved the anime series.

barakamon season 2
2nd Season Chance of Barakamon
Popularity on Mynanimelist
87
Popularity on Social Media
58
Popularity on Google Searches
53
Success in Disc Sales
84
Reader Rating1 Votes
90
Positives
Perfect Reviews (8.39 on MA, 8.2 on IMDb)
Enough Manga Source Material
Success in Disc Sales
Negatives
Only One Season
No Big Distributor or Additional Income
Below Average Popularity
Manga Ended
No Renewal Since 2014
No Best Seller Manga Series
10
Renewal Possibility

When is the second season of Barakamon?

Considering all factors, the probability of a second season is low—around 10%. While the availability of source material and strong initial disc sales provide hope, the passage of time, lack of ongoing manga, and declining popularity weigh heavily against it. If a second season were to be announced, production would likely take at least one year, meaning the earliest possible release would be in 2026 or later.

However, the possibility is not higher than the one we mentioned, and our advice to its viewers is to read the manga series and find more stories from the Barakamon universe. Fans of Barakamon can also explore other heartwarming slice-of-life anime like Gakuen Babysitters and Senryu Girl. We’ll keep you updated with any new developments regarding Barakamon’s future.