Ranma 1/2 is making a comeback with a brand new anime remake set to premiere next month as part of the Fall 2024 anime season. As part of Shogakukan’s 100th-anniversary celebration, fans are in for a treat as some of the biggest franchises are returning in various forms. One of the most well-known creators with the publisher, Rumiko Takahashi, has seen her works like Urusei Yatsura receive full anime remakes as part of this special occasion. Now, another one of Takahashi’s iconic works, Ranma 1/2, is gearing up for its new anime release in October as part of the upcoming Fall 2024 anime lineup.
The new remake of Ranma 1/2 will bring back beloved characters from the original adaptation in a fresh and exciting way. Fans recently got a glimpse of what’s in store with the release of a new trailer showcasing some of the returning characters, including the highly anticipated first look at Shampoo. The anime remake is scheduled to debut on October 5th and will be available for streaming exclusively on Netflix outside of Japan.
Many of the original voice actors from the first anime adaptation are returning to reprise their roles in the remake. The trailer highlights the returning cast members, including Rei Sakuma as Shampoo, Tomokazu Sugita as Tatewaki Kuno, Ayane Sakura as Kodachi Kuno, Toshiyuki Morikawa as Tofu Ono, Mamoru Miyano as Mikado Sanzenin, and Aoi Yuki as Azusa Shiratori. Additionally, Kappei Yamaguchi will return as Ranma Saotome, Megumi Hayashibara as the female Ranma, and Noriko Hidaka as Akane Tendo.
The new anime adaptation of Ranma 1/2 is helmed by director Konosuke Uda and produced by MAPPA. Kimiko Ueno is responsible for the scripts, Hiromi Taniguchi for character design, and Kaoru Wada for composing the music. The opening theme song, “Iinazukekkyun” by ano, and the ending theme song, “Anta Nante” by Riria, can be heard in the latest trailer. While the exact number of episodes for the series has not been announced yet, fans can expect an exciting return to the world of Ranma 1/2.
For those unfamiliar with the series, Ranma 1/2 first debuted in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine in 1987. The story follows Ranma Saotome, a skilled martial artist who undergoes a transformation after falling into the cursed spring of Jusenkyo in China. When exposed to cold water, Ranma changes into a girl, but reverts to his male form with hot water. The gender-swapping premise leads to a series of comedic and adventurous situations as Ranma navigates the challenges brought on by the curse.
Ranma 1/2, much like Urusei Yatsura, has had a lasting impact on the world of manga and anime with its unique humor and storytelling. The upcoming anime remake offers both new and existing fans an opportunity to rediscover the charm and wit that made the series a classic. Be sure to mark your calendars for the premiere this fall and join Ranma and the gang on their hilarious adventures once again.
