Aoashi is back. The acclaimed soccer drama returns with Season 2 on October 4, 2026, and the new visual confirms a few big changes behind the camera — a new studio, a new director, and a 10-FEET opening theme.
Quick answer
Aoashi Season 2 premieres October 4, 2026 on NHK Educational. TMS Entertainment takes over animation from Production I.G., with Kazuki Yokoyama directing. The opening (first 12 episodes) is by 10-FEET and the ending is by Ai Higuchi (titles unrevealed). It adapts the back half of Yūgo Kobayashi's manga, which ended at 40 volumes in August 2025. According to SenpaiRanks, Aoashi holds a solid spot on the sports-anime ranking board — and the dual-axis read separates how broadly it's liked from how well it holds up.
What you're getting into
If you missed Season 1: Aoashi follows Ashito Aoi, a raw striker from the countryside scouted into a Tokyo youth academy, where raw talent isn't enough and the game is as much positioning and vision as it is finishing. It's one of the better-regarded sports series of recent years — a tactical, character-driven take rather than a pure spectacle shonen.
The source manga by Yūgo Kobayashi wrapped at 40 volumes in August 2025, so the staff now have the full story to draw from.
Behind the camera
The headline change: TMS Entertainment is animating Season 2, replacing Production I.G. Kazuki Yokoyama directs (replacing Akira Satō). Character designs come from Asami Taguchi, Junko Yamanaka, and returning designer Manabu Nakatake. Script supervisor Masahiro Yokotani, sound director Shōji Hata, and composer Masaru Yokoyama all return — so the tone should stay intact even with the studio swap.
The theme songs
10-FEET performs the opening for the first 12 episodes, and Ai Higuchi handles the ending. Song titles haven't been revealed yet.
Worth a slot?
For a fall season that's stacked, Aoashi is the thinking-fan's sports pick. On SenpaiRanks it tracks on the dual-axis ranking board, where Consensus (broad appeal) and Quality (how well it holds up) are scored separately rather than mashed into one number the way MAL does it. If you watched Season 1, rate it on its ranking page and see where your take lands against the crowd before the new cour airs.
Building your fall lineup? Start with the what to watch this summer hub and our best summer 2026 anime roundup, then check the Classroom of the Elite Season 5 breakdown for another returning favorite.
Frequently asked questions
Q: When does Aoashi Season 2 premiere?
A: October 4, 2026 on NHK Educational.
Q: Which studio is making Aoashi Season 2?
A: TMS Entertainment, taking over from Production I.G., with Kazuki Yokoyama directing.
Q: Who performs the Aoashi Season 2 theme songs?
A: 10-FEET performs the opening (first 12 episodes) and Ai Higuchi performs the ending; titles are unrevealed.
Q: Is the Aoashi manga finished?
A: Yes — Yūgo Kobayashi's manga ended at 40 volumes in August 2025.
Q: How does Aoashi rank on SenpaiRanks?
A: It holds a solid position on the sports-anime ranking board, scored on the dual-axis Consensus + Quality system.