by The second season of the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End officially begins airing on January 16, 2026, and expectations could not be higher. The first season, which premiered in 2023 with an unprecedented two-hour special, was widely praised both in Japan and overseas as one of the finest fantasy anime of recent years. Its quiet storytelling, emotional depth, and cinematic direction left a lasting impression on viewers.
With Season 2 now underway, fans are paying close attention not only to the story’s progression, but also to the music, newly introduced characters, and how far the anime will adapt the original manga. Early signs suggest that this season may become another unforgettable milestone for the series.
A New Opening Theme That Reflects Frieren’s World
Even before the first episode aired, Season 2 was already trending online thanks to its new opening theme song, “lulu.” by Mrs. GREEN APPLE.
The previous season featured an exceptional lineup, including YOASOBI’s “Yūsha” and yorushika’s “Haru”, setting a very high bar. Nevertheless, “lulu.” has been met with overwhelming praise.
The latest promotional video featuring the song was released on January 11, prompting reactions such as:
- “This exceeds all expectations.”
- “I got goosebumps watching this.”
- “YOASOBI, yorushika, and now Mrs. GREEN APPLE—this anime is unbelievably luxurious.”
The response makes it clear that the production team continues to invest extraordinary care into every aspect of the series, especially its music, which plays a vital role in conveying Frieren’s emotional tone.
The Southern Hero Finally Takes Center Stage
One of the most exciting announcements made alongside the new PV was the reveal of the voice actor for a long-anticipated character: the Southern Hero, known in the story as “the strongest man in humanity.”
In Season 1, this legendary figure was only mentioned briefly, described as a hero who fought before the Demon King’s defeat and was ultimately slain by the Seven Sages of Destruction. Until now, viewers had only heard his name—never seen his strength.
Season 2 finally promises to shed light on his true abilities.
The Southern Hero will be voiced by Kazuhiko Inoue, a veteran voice actor famous for iconic roles such as:
- Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)
- Yoriichi Tsugikuni (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
This casting alone strongly suggests that the Southern Hero will play a major role, possibly in powerful flashbacks or newly expanded anime-original scenes. Fans quickly reacted online, saying:
- “I want to see the Southern Hero’s battle animated in full.”
- “This casting guarantees something incredible.”
Will Season 2 Reach the Golden Land Arc?
Perhaps the biggest question surrounding Season 2 is how much of the original manga will be adapted.
Where Season 1 Left Off
Season 1 aired for two consecutive cours (about six months) and covered content up to the First-Class Mage Exam Arc, which corresponds roughly to:
- Chapter 60 (Volume 7) of the manga
The Golden Land Arc
One of the manga’s most popular and emotionally intense storylines, the Golden Land (Mahat) Arc, begins around:
- Chapter 81 (Volume 9)
So far:
- No announcement has been made regarding a two-cour Season 2
- No casting information for Mahat
- No clear Golden Land imagery appears in the current PV
Additionally, another major anime title is scheduled to take over the same broadcast time slot in April, leading many fans to speculate that:
- Season 2 may end before the Golden Land Arc
- The Golden Land Arc could instead be adapted as a theatrical movie
While nothing has been officially confirmed, these factors make it increasingly likely that Season 2 will stop just short of that arc.
Even Without Golden Land, Season 2 Has Major Highlights
Even if the Golden Land Arc is not included, Season 2 still contains many highly anticipated moments.
Fern and Stark’s Date Episode
One standout episode comes from Volume 7, featuring a quiet yet emotionally rich “date” between Fern (CV: Kana Ichinose) and Stark (CV: Chiaki Kobayashi).
Based on Fern’s outfit seen in the PV, this scene is almost certainly being adapted.
This episode perfectly embodies Frieren’s signature storytelling style—where silence, pauses, and subtle glances speak louder than words. Fans are eager to see how the anime captures the awkward, bittersweet tension between the two characters.
New Stories About Himmel
Season 2 also promises new stories told from Frieren’s perspective about Himmel (CV: Nobuhiko Okamoto), deepening the emotional weight of past journeys and further exploring the theme of memory and time.
Aftermath of the First-Class Mage Exam
Viewers will also see how characters introduced during the First-Class Mage Exam Arc move forward, giving the season a sense of transition as Frieren and her companions step into a new phase of their journey.
A Defining Season for Frieren’s Journey
Season 2 of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is shaping up to be a turning point. With the introduction of legendary figures like the Southern Hero, emotionally charged character moments, and careful pacing that honors the source material, the series continues to prove why it stands apart from typical fantasy anime.
Whether or not it reaches the Golden Land Arc, this season is clearly designed to deepen the world, strengthen character relationships, and prepare viewers for what comes next—possibly on the big screen.
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