Rumiko Takahashi's "Ranma 1/2" announces a new anime production. Announced on June 26, 2024, via Takahashi’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, both the official website and social media channels for the project went live. A special trailer packed with original cuts from the manga has also been released.
Ranma 1/2, a martial arts love comedy serialized by Rumiko Takahashi from 1987 to 1996 in Weekly Shonen Sunday, follows Akane Tendo, who is unwillingly betrothed by her father. However, her fiancé, Ranma Saotome, has a unique condition—turning into a woman whenever splashed with water—spinning a tale that drags in the surrounding characters into a whirlwind of tears, laughter, and chaos.
The series was previously adapted into anime under the titles "Ranma 1/2" and "Ranma 1/2: Hard Battle" starting in 1989, and it expanded into theatrical films and OVAs. The original voice cast included Kappei Yamaguchi, Noriko Hidaka, and Megumi Hayashibara, with Kenichi Ogata, Minami Takayama, Kikuko Inoue, Rei Sakuma, Toshihiko Seki, and Koichi Yamadera among others. In 2011, a live-action drama version also premiered, featuring Yui Aragaki, Kenichi Kaga, and Natsu among others.
Details about the new anime will be unveiled during a live stream on the official X page of the anime on July 17, at the "Ranma 1/2 Completely New Anime Big Announcement Event." The event promises to feature a roster of special guests and the latest updates on the production.
Following the recent conclusion of the completely new anime adaptation of Takahashi’s "Urusei Yatsura" with Hiroshi Kamiya as Ataru Moroboshi and Sumire Uesaka as Lum, expectations are high to see what this new take on "Ranma 1/2" will bring, particularly regarding its cast.
© Rumiko Takahashi / Shogakukan
