Rikekoi Season 2 - What We Know So Far
In 1993, drenched in bright Eurodance synths, artist Haddaway dared to ask, "What Is Love?" While his danceable hit served as the essential backdrop to a memorable Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan SNL sketch and movie, the question itself for many still lingers. What really is love? Also, scientifically speaking, how the heck do you prove its existence? Manga author Alifred Yamamoto uses this possible scientific quandary as the basis for their manga, "Science Fell in Love, So I Tried To Prove It" or "Rikekoi." While it's arguable whether or not the series is closer to ultimately answering that question about love, fans have enjoyed the attempt as the manga has sold more than 600,000 copies (via Anime News Network).
The series has been a hit partly because of its comedic take on two scientists attempting to examine their romantic feelings through a theoretical lens. Add in an eccentric supporting cast, and we've got a recipe for a fun anime romantic comedy. The manga series spawned a live-action limited series, as well as a live-action movie, before finally being adapted as an anime. The "Rikekoi" 12-episode anime series debuted in 2020, and it's confirmed that a second season is on the way.
Here's everything we know so far about "Rikekoi" Season 2.
When is the release date for Rikekoi Season 2?
When the first season of "Rikekoi" wrapped up last year, fans of the series eagerly awaited news on the release of Season 2. According to the official anime site, the second season of "Rikekoi" is scheduled for release sometime in 2022. Unfortunately, a specific release date beyond that has not been revealed just yet. The series could potentially make for a surprise winter release next year. The first season of "Rikekoi" premiered in January 2020, and there are still a few months left in 2021 to make such a welcome announcement of the series coming back in January 2022.
Word of an official English release has not been revealed yet, but considering their work for Season 1, we could probably see Crunchyroll and Sentai Filmworks involved for Season 2's western release. Crunchyroll released an English dub shortly after a simulcast for the series' first season. Crunchyroll and Sentai Filmworks also did the official western home video release for Season 1 of "Rikekoi" (via Animation Magazine).
Who are the characters of Rikekoi Season 2?
It appears that Season 2 of "Rikekoi" will thankfully feature much of the central cast from Season 1. This includes data scientists Shinya Yukimura and Ayame Himuro, who are the focal point of the series. According to the official site, the two characters are described as geniuses who not only appear to balance each out in the lab but also manage to fall in love with each other. Fans want to see the pairing return for Season 2, especially given that Season 1 ends on such a romantic high note. Besides, they have more research to perform on their quest of scientifically quantifying the feeling of love.
Based on the teaser trailer released for the upcoming season, it also looks like Shinya and Ayame's bizarre lab mates will also return. This includes Kotonoha Kanade, the calm girl who tries to stay out of the lab's comedic shenanigans and experiments, otakus — a word for passionate fans of anime and manga — Kosuke Inukai and Ena Ibarada, aspiring manga author Arika Yamamoto, and the surprisingly muscular head of the lab, Professor Ikeda.
What is the plot of Rikekoi Season 2?
The central plot of "Rikekoi" kicks off in Season 1 when Ayame confesses her love for Shinya. As a result, the two scientists admit their feelings for each other but want to prove their love can actually be proven with data. Much of Season 1 (via Crunchyroll) focuses on the development of Ayame and Shinya's romantic feelings while also attempting to analyze and experiment in the hopes of gaining various answers to the subject of love backed by hard science. The unique mixture of romance and science leads to many comedic hijinks and moments of tense drama for the couple. And as Season 1 closes, the two, along with their lab mates, feel like they need more research on the subject.
Season 2 will likely continue where the first season leaves off, and perhaps as Ayame and Shinya's relationship deepens, the experiments will become more humorous and the theories more informative. Via The Anime Daily, Season 1 of "Rikekoi" basically adapts the first four volumes of the manga. According to Comic Meteor, the manga is presently up to 10 volumes, so Season 2 should have plenty of story from the source to use.