Yona of the Dawn also known as Akatsuki no Yona is a captivating adventure and fantasy anime series that debuted in the fall of 2014. This Japanese masterpiece, which also blends romance elements, is based on the highly acclaimed manga series written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi. Produced by the renowned Studio Pierrot, known for hits like Akudama Drive and Black Clover, the anime has captured hearts worldwide. Licensed by Funimation, the series was originally broadcast across prominent Japanese networks, including AT-X, Tokyo MX, Sun TV, TV Aichi, RKK, and BS11, from October 7, 2014, to March 24, 2015. The series concluded with a three-episode OVA released in December 2016. Despite its enduring fanbase and the ongoing success of the manga, no release for a second season has been made so far. Let’s delve into what we know about the second season so far in this article.
What is the plotline of the anime?
Yona of the Dawn tells the story of Yona, the sheltered and pampered princess of the Kouka Kingdom, who lives a life of luxury under the protective love of her father, King Il. However, King Il has a glaring weakness—his disdain for war and weapons. This pacifist approach leaves the kingdom vulnerable to external threats, as he tolerates the aggression of neighboring states without retaliation.
Yona’s seemingly perfect life shatters when her beloved fiancé, Soo-won, betrays her. In a sudden coup, Soo-won murders King Il and seizes the throne for himself. While the truth remains hidden from most, Yona witnesses the treachery with her own eyes. Fearing for her life, Soo-won orders her execution, but Yona narrowly escapes with the help of Hak, her childhood friend and loyal bodyguard.
Forced to flee her palace, Yona embarks on a perilous journey to survive and reclaim her rightful place. Along the way, she learns about the legendary Four Dragon Warriors—loyal guardians of King Hiryuu, Kouka’s first ruler. Determined to gather their strength, Yona and Hak set out to find the Dragon Warriors and rally them to her cause, transforming Yona from a naïve princess into a brave and determined leader.
Will there be a second season of Yona of the Dawn?
The first season of Yona of the Dawn aired 24 episodes between October 7, 2014, and March 24, 2015, followed by three OVA episodes that thrilled fans in December 2016. However, as of December 25, 2024, more than nine years have passed since the last episode, and no official announcement regarding a second season has been made. Neither manga publisher Hakusensha nor Studio Pierrot has provided any updates or hinted at plans for a renewal.
The decision to greenlight a new anime season typically depends on a combination of key factors. Two of the most critical are the show’s popularity as a commercial product and the availability of enough source material for adaptation. Let’s examine how Yona of the Dawn measures up against these criteria.
Manga Status and Comparison to the Anime
The manga series Yona of the Dawn, the source material for the anime, is written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi. Originally published by Hakusensha in Japan, the manga is also available in English through Viz Media, allowing international fans to follow the story. The series began serialization on August 4, 2009, and has remained ongoing, with 45 volumes released as of December 2024. The most recent volume was published on December 20, 2024, signaling that the story continues to expand.
Anime adaptations often serve as promotional tools for their source material, and the ongoing nature of the manga provides a positive impact for a potential second season.
The anime’s first season adapted the story up to the midpoint of the manga’s 8th volume. With 45 volumes currently available, there is a significant amount of material to produce not just a second season but potentially several more seasons. Furthermore, in the summer of 2024, the 44th volume of the manga announced that the manga has over 15 million copies in circulation—a strong indicator of its commercial success and enduring popularity. These factors collectively bolster the prospects of a second season for Yona of the Dawn.
Popularity and the other factors
Disc sales have traditionally been significant for anime profitability. Although video consumption habits have evolved with the rise of streaming platforms, disc sales remain a useful measure of an anime’s domestic popularity. Yona of the Dawn released eight disc volumes in the fall of 2015, achieving an average sale of 2,777 units per volume. While this was respectable, it fell below the industry benchmark of 4,000 units typically required to justify the renewal of a new season. By comparison, other series released during the same period, such as Haikyuu!!, sold an average of 25,514 units per volume, highlighting a significant gap in sales performance.
On MyAnimeList, the anime holds an impressive popularity ranking of 210th, showcasing its continued fanbase. However, this rank may not accurately reflect its current relevance, as the anime aired nearly a decade ago. Social media engagement provides additional insight: the official X page for Yona of the Dawn has 52,000 followers, a modest figure compared to other major anime franchises. Moreover, Google search trends indicate that the series’ current search volume is only about 20% of popular titles like Noragami or Classroom of the Elite.
Another important consideration is the absence of franchise expansions, such as live-action adaptations or video games, which often strengthen a series’ brand and increase the likelihood of a renewal. Unfortunately, Yona of the Dawn does not benefit from these supplemental ventures, potentially weakening its appeal to producers.
In summary, while the series retains a loyal fanbase and respectable MyAnimeList ranking, its below-threshold disc sales, limited search interest, and lack of franchise expansions suggest challenges in securing a second season.
Will There Be a Second Season?
As we speculated above, the lack of renewal for a second season of Yona of the Dawn is likely due to financial and popularity factors. While the manga is ongoing and has ample source material for a new season, the anime’s underwhelming disc sales and declining popularity have made a second season an unlikely investment. The gradual decline in Google search volume and overall interest since its original broadcast further supports this notion. Despite this, the possibility of a renewal cannot be entirely dismissed. With the manga continuing, there remains a slim chance—around 30%, in our estimation—that a second season could be greenlit. If this happens, a new season might emerge as early as 2026-2027, considering the time required for production.
In the meantime, we recommend delving into the manga, starting from Volume 8, to follow the story beyond the anime’s ending. For those who aren’t avid manga readers, exploring similar anime might be a great alternative. Our recommendations include:
Black Clover
Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon
The anime world is unpredictable, and surprises are always possible. For now, fans can only hope that Yona of the Dawn receives the continuation it deserves someday.