by The highly anticipated third season of the new “Ranma 1/2” anime is about to begin, and fans now have their first look at Episode 25. The official synopsis, preview stills, and trailer for the episode have been released, teasing another confrontation between Ranma Saotome and Ryoga Hibiki.
Titled “Training DE Dinner” (修行DEディナー), Episode 25 will serve as the opening episode of Season 3. The episode is scheduled to air in Japan on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 12:55 a.m. (technically October 4 by the calendar date) on Nippon Television’s late-night schedule. The series will also be distributed exclusively on Netflix immediately after its Japanese broadcast.
The newly released preview material shows Ryoga challenging Ranma once again. However, this time, their fight appears very different from their previous battles. Ranma has become considerably stronger after enduring intense training under Cologne, Shampoo’s formidable great-grandmother.
As Ryoga struggles with his humiliation and becomes increasingly determined to defeat Ranma, Cologne suddenly appears before him. Her unexpected arrival raises the biggest question surrounding Episode 25: What exactly does Cologne want from Ryoga?
Ranma and Ryoga Clash Again
The story of Episode 25 takes place shortly before summer vacation.
Ranma receives a formal challenge letter from Ryoga, once again inviting him to settle their rivalry through a martial arts battle. Their complicated relationship has always been one of the most entertaining parts of “Ranma 1/2,” with their rivalry frequently turning into exaggerated battles and comedic situations.
However, the latest confrontation reveals that the balance between the two fighters has changed.
Ranma has recently become stronger through his difficult experiences and training involving Cologne. When he and Ryoga face each other again, Ryoga realizes that his opponent is no longer at the same level.
The official synopsis specifically emphasizes the obvious difference in their strength. Ryoga is left humiliated by the result, and his frustration quickly turns into a renewed desire for revenge.
But before Ryoga can decide how to overcome Ranma’s newfound strength, Cologne appears in front of him.
Her presence immediately adds another layer of mystery to the episode. What is Cologne planning? Why has she approached Ryoga? And could her involvement change the rivalry between the two martial artists?
These questions are expected to drive much of Episode 25.
What Happens in Episode 25?
According to the official synopsis, the episode begins with Ranma receiving Ryoga’s challenge shortly before summer vacation.
The two rivals fight once again, but Ryoga discovers that Ranma’s abilities have improved significantly. The reason is connected to Ranma’s recent experiences with Cologne, who has put him through intense and unconventional training.
Ryoga is unable to accept the outcome.
His pride takes a serious hit, and his determination to defeat Ranma grows stronger. It is at this point that Cologne appears before him.
The episode deliberately leaves her intentions unclear, creating a mystery for viewers. Rather than revealing everything in advance, the preview focuses on the unusual situation surrounding Ryoga and Cologne.
For longtime fans of the manga, this setup will be familiar, but newcomers can also enjoy the episode without needing to know every detail of the original story.
Who Is Cologne?
Cologne is one of the most formidable martial artists in the “Ranma 1/2” universe.
She is Shampoo’s great-grandmother and an exceptionally skilled martial artist with tremendous experience. Despite her small appearance, Cologne possesses enormous knowledge of martial arts and frequently surprises the younger characters with her abilities.
Her relationship with Ranma is particularly interesting because she does not simply act as an ordinary mentor.
Her methods can be extremely demanding, and Ranma’s growth is closely connected to the challenges she puts him through. Episode 25 shows the consequences of that training when Ryoga realizes just how much stronger Ranma has become.
Cologne’s appearance before Ryoga therefore has significance beyond the immediate rivalry. Her knowledge and experience could potentially offer Ryoga a new way to challenge Ranma.
Why Is Ryoga So Determined to Beat Ranma?
Ryoga and Ranma have one of the most recognizable rivalries in the series.
Ryoga is a skilled martial artist, but he is also famously bad at finding his way around. His poor sense of direction frequently creates absurd situations, while his stubborn personality makes it difficult for him to accept defeat.
His rivalry with Ranma is fueled by pride, frustration, and a desire to prove himself.
The problem is that Ranma is constantly improving.
After their latest confrontation, Ryoga is forced to recognize that the gap between them has widened. This makes his meeting with Cologne particularly important.
The episode appears to ask whether Ryoga can find a new method of training or fighting that will allow him to close the gap.
Ranma’s Growth Becomes a Major Focus
One of the most interesting elements of Episode 25 is the way it highlights Ranma’s continued development as a martial artist.
Ranma has always been exceptionally talented, but the new anime has gradually shown him encountering opponents and situations that force him to improve.
Cologne’s training represents another important stage in that development.
The official synopsis makes it clear that her harsh treatment has helped Ranma become stronger. However, this improvement comes with consequences for his relationships with other martial artists.
Ryoga, in particular, is now forced to confront the reality that simply challenging Ranma again may not be enough.
The episode could therefore become an important turning point for Ryoga as he searches for another way to compete with his rival.
A New Chapter for the ‘Ranma 1/2’ Anime
The upcoming episode is especially significant because it marks the beginning of Season 3 of the completely new “Ranma 1/2” anime.
The new adaptation first premiered in October 2024. Season 2 followed in October 2025, and Season 3 begins in October 2026.
Unlike the original 1989 anime adaptation, this version is being produced as a new adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi’s original manga.
The series has also attracted attention because several members of the original voice cast returned for the new adaptation.
Main Cast
- Ranma Saotome: Kappei Yamaguchi
- Ranma’s female form: Megumi Hayashibara
- Akane Tendo: Noriko Hidaka
- Ryoga Hibiki: Koichi Yamadera
- Shampoo: Rei Sakuma
- Cologne: Ako Mayama
The returning cast has been an important part of the new anime’s appeal, connecting the modern adaptation with the long history of the franchise.
‘Ranma 1/2’ Season 3 Release Date and Streaming
Season 3 will begin airing on October 3, 2026, on Nippon Television.
The regular Japanese broadcast is scheduled for Saturdays at 12:55 a.m. The anime will also be broadcast on Nippon Television-affiliated stations nationwide.
For international viewers, Netflix will stream the new episodes exclusively immediately after their Japanese broadcast, according to the official production announcement.
Episode 25 Broadcast Details
Title: “Training DE Dinner”
Season: Season 3, Episode 1
Overall Episode: Episode 25
Japanese Broadcast: October 3, 2026
Broadcast: Nippon Television, Saturdays at 12:55 a.m.
Streaming: Netflix immediately after broadcast
Broadcast and streaming schedules may change, so viewers should check their local listings and streaming service for the latest information.
Special Advance Screening Held Before the Premiere
Fans in Japan also received an opportunity to watch the beginning of Season 3 ahead of the regular television broadcast.
A special advance screening event was scheduled for October 3, 2026, featuring Episodes 25 and 26 on the big screen. The event also included a talk session with voice actors Kappei Yamaguchi, Noriko Hidaka, and Koichi Yamadera, who voice Ranma, Akane, and Ryoga, respectively.
Part of the evening talk session was also scheduled for livestreaming through the MAPPA CHANNEL on YouTube, giving fans another way to participate in the Season 3 launch.
MAPPA Continues Animation Production
The new “Ranma 1/2” anime is animated by MAPPA, with Kōnosuke Uda continuing as director.
The main production staff for Season 3 includes:
- Original Work: Rumiko Takahashi, “Ranma 1/2”
- Director: Kōnosuke Uda
- Series Composition: Kimiko Ueno
- Character Design: Hiromi Taniguchi
- Music: Kaoru Wada
- Animation Production: MAPPA
- Planning and Production: Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions
The staff lineup continues the creative direction established by the previous seasons.
What Is ‘Ranma 1/2’ About?
For newcomers, “Ranma 1/2” is a martial-arts romantic comedy created by Rumiko Takahashi, the manga artist behind major works such as “Urusei Yatsura,” “Maison Ikkoku,” and “Inuyasha.”
The original “Ranma 1/2” manga was serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday from 1987 to 1996.
The story follows Ranma Saotome, a young martial artist who travels to China with his father, Genma, for training.
During their journey, they fall into the cursed springs of Jusenkyo.
As a result, Ranma develops a bizarre condition: when he is splashed with cold water, he transforms into a girl. Hot water changes him back into a boy.
Genma suffers from his own transformation, becoming a giant panda.
After returning to Japan, Ranma and Genma stay with Soun Tendo, an old friend of Genma’s. Soun has three daughters, and Ranma is introduced to Akane Tendo, who becomes his arranged fiancée.
From there, Ranma’s life becomes a chaotic mixture of martial-arts battles, romantic misunderstandings, transformations, rivalries, and comedy.
What Can Fans Expect From Episode 25?
The official preview makes three elements particularly important: Ranma’s increased strength, Ryoga’s determination to get revenge, and Cologne’s mysterious involvement.
The episode could give Ryoga a new direction while also showing how much Ranma has progressed.
The newly released preview stills further tease the confrontation, featuring Ranma, Ryoga, and Cologne in situations connected to the episode’s central conflict. The official production team has also released a preview trailer alongside the synopsis and still images.
For viewers who have been following the new anime since 2024, Episode 25 represents the beginning of another chapter. For newcomers, it offers a convenient opportunity to start exploring the latest season while discovering one of Rumiko Takahashi’s most famous martial-arts comedies.
“Ranma 1/2” Season 3 Episode 25 is set to begin with another Ranma vs. Ryoga confrontation, but the outcome of their battle appears to be only the beginning of a larger story.
Ranma has become stronger, Ryoga is determined to close the gap, and Cologne has suddenly entered the picture with an unknown objective.
So, what exactly is Cologne planning for Ryoga? And can Ryoga find a way to overcome Ranma’s new strength?
Fans will not have to wait long to find out.
With Season 3 premiering on October 3, 2026, and Netflix streaming the episode immediately after the Japanese broadcast, the latest chapter of the new “Ranma 1/2” anime is ready to begin.
