Anime studio Kyoto Animation has teased a new announcement set for Sep 21, 2024 at 9 PM JST. The reveal was made on the studio’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
With no further details provided, fans have taken to social media platforms to share their theories and hopes regarding what the mysterious announcement could entail.
One of the most prevalent theories is the potential revival of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya anime series. The original series aired its first season in 2006, followed by a second season in 2009.
In recent years, the series saw a resurgence when author Nagaru Tanigawa released a new light novel, The Intuition of Haruhi Suzumiya, in November 2020—the first new entry in the series in nine years. Four years later, the series is all set to get a new volume – The Theatre of Haruhi Suzumiya, slated to release in November 2024.
This unexpected addition has reignited interest in the franchise, leading fans to hope that Kyoto Animation might adapt the new material into an anime continuation.
Some fans suggest that the announcement could be about a second season of Hyouka, an anime which originally aired in 2012.
Based on the Classic Literature Club series of novels by Honobu Yonezawa, Hyouka follows high school student Houtarou Oreki as he solves various mysteries with his classmates.
Despite its cult status and critical acclaim, the series has not seen a continuation. Fans have long awaited news of a second season, and the upcoming announcement has rekindled those hopes.
Interestingly, there were leaks circulating on social media platforms that a new season of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid is currently under production. If the leaks are true, fans could expect to see Tohru and gang again in the third season of the anime.
While these are at the forefront of fan discussions, some are speculating that the announcement could pertain to other beloved Kyoto Animation works. Possibilities include new projects related to Violet Evergarden, Sound! Euphonium, or entirely new original series.
This potential new project comes after a challenging period for Kyoto Animation. On July 18, 2019, the studio faced a devastating arson attack on its Studio 1 building, resulting in the tragic loss of 36 lives and injuring 33 others.
The incident was one of the deadliest massacres in Japan’s post-war history and sent shockwaves throughout the global anime community.
The suspected arsonist was apprehended and, after recovering from injuries sustained during the incident, was formally arrested. Following a trial, the arsonist was sentenced to death.
The studio prioritized supporting the victims and their families, while also focusing on rebuilding and continuing their creative endeavors.
Kyoto Animation’s productions were initially paused after the attack, and the onset of the pandemic further delayed its projects.
As a fresh comeback from the two-year aftershock of the tragedy, the studio resumed its production activities with the release of the second season of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid.