The Irregular At Magic High School: Reminiscence Arc - What We Know So Far
"The Irregular at Magic High School," affectionately called "Mahouka" by both its fans and creators alike, is a Japanese anime series developed by studio Madhouse and licensed by Aniplex (via Anime News Network). Based on the original light novel by author Tsutomu Sato, it is set near the end of the 21st century in an alternate reality where magic and modern technology have been combined. The series follows a pair of twins, Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba, who enroll in a magical high school together. The original "Mahouka" series premiered in April 2014 and has since received various sequels and spinoffs.
Now, a new chapter of the siblings' lives is being adapted into another series. It is titled "Reminiscence Arc," and adapts Volume 8 of the original light novel. With a release date set for right around the corner, "Mahouka: Reminiscent" seeks to recapture fans' attention with this new adaptation. Here is what we know so far.
What is the release date for Mahouka: Reminiscence Arc?
According to Anime News Network, Aniplex announced the upcoming adaptation of "Mahouka: Reminiscence Arc" in February 2021. This announcement came in celebration of the franchise's 10th anniversary, during which Aniplex released an official teaser trailer for the upcoming anime. At the time, Aniplex did not reveal an official release date.
That changed, however, when Aniplex debuted the first commercial for its adaptation of the "Reminiscence Arc" following the finale of the franchise's spinoff anime, "The Honor Student at Magic High School" (via a separate article from ANN). The commercial, which was also shared on the official "Mahouka" Twitter, revealed that the "Reminiscence Arc" would begin broadcasting in winter 2021.
Despite this, Aniplex did not reveal when the anime would be available anywhere but Japan's television market. As with most anime, it is likely to find its way onto a streaming service such as Funimation or Crunchyroll. When this might happen, however, remains a mystery.
Who are the characters in Mahouka: Reminiscence Arc?
The primary protagonist of "Mahouka" is Tatsuya Shiba, the bodyguard and brother of his sister, Miyuki. The series begins with the pair's enrollment into First High School (via Myanimelist), one of Japan's leading magical high schools. Miyuki is seen as a magical prodigy, placing her in a higher class than her less powerful brother. Despite this, Tatsuya is actually an incredibly capable magician, making up for what he lacks in magical power with technological know-how and martial arts. Tatsuya will be voiced by Yūichi Nakamura, while Miyuki will be voiced by Saori Hayami.
In addition to "Mahouka's" main duo, Aniplex has also revealed two other characters that will appear in "Reminiscence Arc." The first is Miya Shiba, voiced by Kikuko Inoue, the mother of Tetsuya and Miyuki. The other is, according to the official "Mahouka" website, Honami Sakura, a genetically engineered magician who serves as the family's guard. She is voiced by Aya Endo.
What is the plot of Mahouka: Reminiscence Arc?
As an adaptation of the original novel series' 8th Volume, "Mahouka Reminiscence Arc" is just what it sounds like, a reminiscence. In other words, it's a prequel story that takes place before Tatsuya and Miyuki enrolled in First High School. According to the official synopsis from Yen Press, the publication responsible for the novel's English translation, "Reminiscence Arc" will cover how Miyuki and Tatsuya first establish the incredibly close sibling bond they share once they make it to First High.
Among other things, the story will explore Tatsuya's emotionless demeanor, which developed over the course of his coarse upbringing. As a magical prodigy, Miyuki was brought up with praise, and stands to inherit leadership of her family's influential clan. Meanwhile, Tatsuya was always treated as a servant, and was ordered to serve as her bodyguard. Presumably, "Reminiscence Arc" covers how these two manage to break through that barrier and establish a more healthy sibling relationship.