by Fans of the naval-themed anime franchise have exciting news: Season 2 of the TV anime AzurLane: Slow Ahead! is officially set to premiere in July 2026. Alongside the announcement, the production team released a brand-new key visual and promotional video showcasing both returning fan-favorite characters and several powerful new shipgirls joining the cast.
Based on the slice-of-life comedy manga derived from the globally popular mobile game Azur Lane, the series offers a lighter, more relaxed look at everyday life in the Azur Lane universe.
Key Visual Highlights Returning and New Ships
The newly unveiled key visual features the beloved starter quartet:
- Javelin
- Ayanami
- Laffey
- Z23
These characters served as the heart of Season 1 and are expected to continue delivering the series’ signature mix of humor and heartwarming daily moments.
Also prominently featured are several high-profile ships making their debut in the spin-off anime:
- New Jersey — A powerful Eagle Union battleship known for her confident personality
- Sirius — A devoted Royal Navy maid with exceptional combat ability
- Shinano — A mystical Sakura Empire carrier with a serene presence
- Golden Hind — A bold Royal Navy privateer with a playful streak
- Zara — An elegant Sardegna Empire heavy cruiser
The inclusion of these popular characters suggests a broader focus on cross-faction interactions and new comedic scenarios.
Promotional Video Introduces Theme Song and New Characters
The newly released PV offers a preview of Season 2’s tone, showcasing cheerful daily-life scenes, playful interactions, and glimpses of the expanded cast.
The trailer also features the opening theme song:
“Shaisuma!” Performed by Yui Sakakibara
Known for her energetic vocal style, Sakakibara’s performance matches the series’ upbeat atmosphere. The song emphasizes friendship, fun, and the lively personalities of the shipgirls.
About AzurLane: Slow Ahead!
Unlike the more action-focused main anime adaptation of Azur Lane, Bisoku Zenshin! is a four-panel comedy spin-off that emphasizes everyday life at the naval base.
The story depicts the shipgirls not as soldiers on the battlefield, but as friends enjoying peaceful moments such as:
- Training sessions and school-like activities
- Tea parties and meals
- Seasonal events
- Mischievous antics
- Personal bonding across factions
This approachable format makes the series especially beginner-friendly, even for viewers unfamiliar with the original game.
Season 1 Rebroadcast Scheduled Before Season 2
To help new viewers catch up, Season 1 will be rebroadcast on Japanese television ahead of the sequel.
Rebroadcast Details
- TOKYO MX: Starting April 5, 2026
- BS11: Starting April 5, 2026
This gives audiences three months to revisit the story or watch it for the first time before Season 2 premieres
Production Staff
Season 2 will be produced by studio CANDY BOX, returning from the first season.
Key staff members include:
- Original Manga: Hori (Monthly Comic REX / Ichijinsha)
- Original Work: Azur Lane Management Team
- Director: Toshiharu Maki
- Series Composition & Screenplay: Yu Sato, Hotaru Asafuji
- Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Nana Mori
- Assistant Character Designers: Yu Yagihara, Takuro U
- Music: Fuuga Hatori
- Sound Director: Masaki Tsuchiya
The continuity in staff suggests that Season 2 will retain the same visual style and comedic timing that fans enjoyed previously.
Main Voice Cast
The core cast returns to voice the main characters:
- Javelin: Nozomi Yamane
- Ayanami: Yo Daichi
- Laffey: Maria Naganawa
- Z23: Rika Abe
Additional casting for the newly introduced ships is expected to be announced in future updates.
Why Fans Are Excited for Season 2
Expanded Character Roster
More ships mean new friendships, rivalries, and comedic situations.
Relaxed Slice-of-Life Tone
Provides a refreshing contrast to battle-heavy war anime.
Accessible Entry Point
No prior knowledge of the game or main anime is required.
Strong Fanbase
The Azur Lane franchise remains globally popular, especially among mobile gamers and anime fans.
What to Expect from the New Season
While full story details have not yet been revealed, viewers can likely anticipate:
- New seasonal events and festivals
- Dormitory life shenanigans
- Cross-faction collaborations
- Character backstory moments
- More screen time for popular ships
Given the spin-off’s format, episodes will likely continue to focus on short, comedic vignettes.
Final Thoughts
AzurLane: Slow Ahead! Season 2 is shaping up to be a delightful return to the charming everyday world of the shipgirls. With new characters joining the familiar cast, a lively theme song, and a summer release window, the series is poised to be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable anime of July 2026.
Whether you are a longtime Azur Lane player or simply looking for a lighthearted slice-of-life anime, this upcoming season is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.
