The Fall 2021 anime season is slowly coming to a close, and it has been a solid few months for the industry. As Komi Can't Communicate, 86 Part 2, My Senpai is Annoying, and Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation approach the end of their run, new shows will step up to pick up the slack. What does the Winter 2022 anime season hold in store for fans?
While plenty of exciting new shows will debut in the upcoming months, the most highly-anticipated releases of Winter 2022 are expansions of known anime properties. Not many anime receive continuations, so follow-ups are always a reason to celebrate. Here are all the anime sequels (and prequels) coming out during Winter 2022.
Note: Only series will be included.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc & JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean
- Japanese Titles: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Yuukaku-hen & JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 6: Stone Ocean
As they debut during the beginning of December 2021, these popular anime can't be exactly described as "Winter 2022" releases. However, Demon Slayer's Entertainment District arc and Stone Ocean are huge shows that will undoubtedly be discussed for months to come.
Stone Ocean will be arriving on Netflix on December 1, 2021, although it will be airing on Japanese television starting from January 2022. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc finds Tanjiro and company heading to Yoshiwara's red-light district.
Attack On Titan Final Season Part 2
- Japanese Title: Shingeki no Kyojin: The Final Season Part 2
Unquestionably the standout release of the Winter 2022 anime season, Attack on Titan will finally come to a close. The grim fantasy anime shook things up significantly in its fourth season, flipping Eren's character in the process while introducing a host of new figures to oppose the show's protagonists.
As Paradis and Marley engage in a war that could leave both sides in ruin, Attack on Titan shall deliver action, tragedy, suspense, and presumably incredible animation.
How A Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom Season 2
- Japanese Title: Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki 2nd Season
A sequel to the Summer 2021 isekai series, How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom's season 2 will continue to explore Kazuya's quest to reform the Elfrieden Kingdom through diplomacy rather than battles.
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom has many of the standard isekai tropes, be it a harem or a protagonist who is a bit too perfect, however, it does change things up by focusing on dialogue rather than action. Season 2 will hopefully also expand upon Kazuya and Liscia's relationship.
Teasing Master Takagi-San Season 3
- Japanese Title: Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san 3
2022 is going to be a big year for Takagi and Nishikata as this slice of life anime will receive a season 3 and a movie. Initially starting out as a comedy about two children who engage in one-sided teasing, Teasing Master Takagi-San used that dynamic to lay the groundwork for an effective romance.
Wholesome and sweet, Teasing Master Takagi-San is one of those anime that is simply relaxing to watch. Everything has been set for season 3 to be the show's best.
The Irregular At Magic High School: Reminiscence Arc
- Japanese Title: Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei: Tsuioku-hen
An adaptation of an arc from the eighth light novel in the series, The Irregular at Magic High School: Reminiscence Arc is a prequel that should provide insight into the core event that shaped the relationship between Tatsuya and his sister Miyuki.
Following a few years of inactivity, The Irregular at Magic High School has become a mainstay in recent times; since 2020, the show has produced a sequel, a spin-off, and now this prequel. Reminiscence Arc marks a change of scenery for the series, as it will be predominantly set in Okinawa.
Arifureta: From Commonplace To World's Strongest Season 2
- Japanese Title: Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou 2nd Season
Arifureta's season 1 was polarizing since it changed quite a few elements from the light novel, rushing through the narrative's early chapters. The isekai anime follows Hajime Nagumo, an otaku who is sent to a fantasy world along with his classmates. After nearly being killed by one of his comrades, Hajime sets out on his own and comes across Yue, a girl that changes his life forever.
Comparisons to the light novel aside, Arifureta is a decent enough isekai harem, and it has one of the better core relationships in the genre.
Princess Connect! Re:Dive Season 2
Based on a mobile JRPG that was only released worldwide in 2021, months following the conclusion of the anime's first season, Princess Connect! Re:Dive is a surprisingly fun show. These adaptations tend to be quite forgettable, but Re:Dive has a likable roster of main characters, shockingly fantastic animation, and an overabundance of charming humor.
Re:Dive season 2 will ideally be more of the same while offering a bit more progression in its main story as its predecessor left most mysteries untouched.
The Case Study Of Vanitas Season 2
- Japanese Title: Vanitas no Karte 2nd Season
2021's The Case Study of Vanitas set up a lot of intrigue for its upcoming season, presenting hints at the mechanics and organization that exist within its vampire-themed universe. Set in Paris, Vanitas and Noé form a partnership as they work to cure vampires of their condition, an ambition that does not sit well with every blood-drinker out there.
A historical anime with plenty of humor, The Case Study of Vanitas has only scratched the surface of its potential. Season 2 could be incredible.
Saiyuki Reload: Even A Worm Arc
- Japanese Title: Saiyuki Reload: Zeroin
Saiyuki debuted as a manga in 1997, and it has spawned plenty of sequels and anime adaptations since then. Saiyuuki Reload: Zeroin covers the "Even a Worm" arc, the final saga of the Saiyuki Reload manga.
Obviously, the upcoming season is not an especially great place for newcomers to dive into. They would be better served to start with 2011's Saiyuki Gaiden and 2000's Gensomaden Saiyuki.