Blend S is a slice-of-life anime with comedic elements that quickly captured the hearts of viewers when it first aired in the fall of 2017. Based on the manga by Miyuki Nakayama, which began in 2013, Blend S explores humor, romance, and quirky character dynamics within a workplace setting. The anime was produced by A-1 Pictures, the renowned studio behind hits like Black Butler and Kaguya-sama: Love is War.
The series aired from October 8, 2017, to December 24, 2017, across several major Japanese networks, such as Tokyo MX and BS11, and was later licensed internationally by Funimation and Crunchyroll, gaining popularity with a global audience. Since the conclusion of its first season, fans have been eagerly awaiting news of a second season.
What is the plotline of Blend S?
At its heart, Blend S is a charming story about Maika Sakuranomiya, a high school student with a passion for studying abroad. To fund her education, she looks for a part-time job. However, her “sadistic” gaze, which unnerves people, makes it difficult for her to find a job. Her life takes a turn when, after a series of failed job interviews, she meets a man on the subway who shares a brief but memorable encounter with her. This man is intrigued by her, and Maika, in turn, is fascinated by foreigners.
As fate would have it, Maika stumbles upon a cafe where she catches the attention of the same man, who turns out to be the cafe’s owner. The cafe is unique because its staff members are required to embody distinct “personas” when interacting with customers, adding a quirky charm to the workplace. The various character types the staff members take on – such as the tsundere, the shy girl, and others – lead to comedic situations that add depth to the show’s humor.
Maika is invited to work at this cafe, and her interactions with the other staff members, especially with the cafe’s owner, form the basis of the series. This setup creates a balance between romance and comedy, drawing viewers in with its quirky but heartwarming portrayal of workplace dynamics and personal growth.
Will There Be a Second Season of Blend S?
As of January 8, 2025, there has been no official announcement from A-1 Pictures or any other production companies regarding a renewal. This delay has left many wondering whether a second season of Blend S is in the works or if the anime will remain a one-season wonder. To understand the chances of a second season, we must look at several factors, including the manga’s status, the anime’s reception, disc sales, and the studio’s current priorities. As of now, there is no official confirmation of a second season of Blend S. Several factors influence whether an anime gets renewed, and while Blend S did not achieve extraordinary disc sales, it maintained a loyal fanbase. Let’s explore these factors to understand the likelihood of a continuation.
Manga Status
The original manga ran from 2013 until its conclusion in 2022, with a total of eight volumes. The anime adapted three of these volumes during its first season, leaving five more volumes of source material. While the completion of the manga series often reduces the momentum for an anime renewal, the fact that there is still enough material for a second season is a positive sign. Fans of the anime can continue the story in the manga, which continues after the point where the anime ended, creating a bridge for the potential development of further adaptations.
Popularity and Disc Sales
Blu-ray and DVD sales are traditionally a key metric for determining whether an anime will get a second season. Blend S achieved moderate success in this area. Its Blu-ray and DVD sales averaged around 3,167 units per volume, which is slightly below the typical threshold (around 4,000 units) needed to ensure profitability for a second season. While these numbers are not exceptional, they are not disastrous either, and the show’s ongoing popularity on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation plays a key role in keeping it relevant.
More importantly, Blend S has maintained a solid fanbase, with its official X account boasting around 62,600 followers. It continues to rank on popular anime sites like MyAnimeList, where it holds a respectable position among its peers. Social media activity and fan engagement can sometimes be more important than physical sales when it comes to securing a second season.
What Could Influence a Second Season?
Although the disc sales weren’t groundbreaking, Blend S’s moderate success combined with its ongoing fan engagement provides a foundation for a potential second season. It’s also worth noting that Blend S belongs to the slice-of-life genre, a category known for its long-lasting appeal even without massive sales figures. The anime’s lighthearted, humorous approach to workplace dynamics and its diverse cast of characters have kept the show in the minds of fans, and its consistent viewership on platforms like Crunchyroll suggests there is still demand for more content.
Another key factor that could contribute to a second season is the current trend in the anime industry to revisit older series that have retained a devoted fanbase. Studios, including A-1 Pictures, have revived past titles when the demand is high enough, even after years of dormancy. This could mean that while the wait has been long, there might still be a window of opportunity for Blend S to receive a renewal.
In summary, while a second season of Blend S has not been confirmed as of January 2025, there are still several factors that could contribute to its renewal. The manga has plenty of content left to adapt, the anime maintains a solid fanbase, and A-1 Pictures has a history of bringing back older titles when there’s enough demand. While it’s unclear when we might see new episodes, fans of the show can continue to enjoy the manga and explore other similar series in the meantime. Let’s stay hopeful that we might see Maika and her quirky coworkers return in the near future.
When Could the Second Season Air?
Given the production schedules and the studio’s current workload, it’s difficult to predict an exact date for the second season of Blend S. A-1 Pictures is working on multiple major projects, including the continuation of Kaguya-sama: Love is War and other highly anticipated adaptations like Solo Leveling. However, considering the fan demand and the available source material, there is a possibility that a second season could be greenlit in the near future. If Blend S were to be renewed in 2025, it’s realistic to expect the new season to air sometime in 2026, depending on the production timeline.
Other Anime to Watch While Waiting
If you’re eager for more anime of a similar vein while waiting for news on a second season of Blend S, here are a few recommendations:
- Super Cub: This series follows a high school girl and her adventures with her scooter. It blends heartwarming moments with themes of personal growth, making it a perfect choice for fans of Blend S.
- Kaguya-sama: Love is War: If you enjoy romantic comedy with quirky characters, this popular series offers a mix of humor, romance, and clever plotting.
- Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku: A slice-of-life romantic comedy about a couple of otaku navigating their relationship, it shares the same lighthearted tone and humorous charm as Blend S.