Ranma 1/2 Season 3 has released its second promotional trailer, revealing new footage from the upcoming continuation of Rumiko Takahashi’s legendary martial arts romantic comedy.
The new video places considerable attention on Ryoga Hibiki, who returns from another period of intense training with a devastating new technique. His growing strength leads to another explosive confrontation with Ranma Saotome while his complicated feelings for Akane Tendo continue creating misunderstandings, jealousy and emotional chaos.
The second half of the trailer also introduces several characters who will make their anime debut during the third season. Their voices can already be heard in the footage, although their identities and cast members will be formally announced at a later date.
Season 3 will begin airing in Japan in October 2026 through Nippon TV and its affiliated stations. New episodes will stream exclusively on Netflix immediately after their Japanese television broadcasts.
Ranma 1/2 Season 3 Premieres in October 2026
The third season of MAPPA’s new Ranma 1/2 adaptation is scheduled to premiere in October 2026.
A specific broadcast date and time have not yet been announced. Nippon TV will begin airing the season in Japan, followed by a gradual nationwide broadcast through the network’s affiliated stations.
Netflix will continue serving as the anime’s exclusive streaming platform. Episodes are expected to become available shortly after their Japanese television broadcasts, following the release model used for the previous seasons.
- Premiere window: October 2026
- Japanese broadcaster: Nippon TV and affiliated stations
- Streaming platform: Netflix
- Animation production: MAPPA
- Director: Konosuke Uda
- Original creator: Rumiko Takahashi
The total number of episodes has not been confirmed. Opening and ending theme performers also remain unannounced.
The New Trailer Begins With Akane Apologizing to Ryoga
The second trailer begins with Akane saying, “I’m sorry, Ryoga,” immediately suggesting another emotionally difficult moment for the eternally unfortunate martial artist.
Ryoga has remained deeply in love with Akane since meeting her, but he has never found the courage or opportunity to properly express his feelings. His situation is further complicated by his secret identity as P-chan, the small black pig that Akane treats as a beloved pet.
Because Akane does not know that P-chan and Ryoga are the same person, Ryoga frequently finds himself physically close to her while being unable to explain the truth.
Ranma knows Ryoga’s secret and repeatedly threatens to expose him, although circumstances, arguments and occasional moments of sympathy have prevented Akane from discovering the truth.
The apology heard at the beginning of the trailer establishes a more emotional atmosphere before the footage moves into the season’s martial arts conflicts.
Ryoga Learns the Breaking Point Technique
One of the main attractions of Season 3 will be Ryoga’s mastery of a destructive martial arts technique known as the Bakusai Tenketsu, commonly translated as the Breaking Point.
The technique allows its user to identify and strike a specific weak point in an object. Even a small touch at the correct location can cause a large stone or solid structure to explode into fragments.
Learning the technique requires brutal physical conditioning. Ryoga must repeatedly endure the impact of enormous falling rocks while training his body to survive the resulting explosions.
Because of this training, the technique gives him more than the ability to destroy stone. It also dramatically increases his resistance to physical attacks.
Ryoga already possessed extraordinary strength and durability. After mastering the Breaking Point, he becomes an even more dangerous opponent for Ranma.
The Breaking Point Has an Important Limitation
Although the Breaking Point is extremely effective against rocks, walls and other solid objects, it cannot make a human body explode in the same way.
The pressure points used by the technique apply specifically to inorganic material. Ryoga cannot simply touch Ranma and destroy him.
However, the harsh training required to master the technique transforms Ryoga’s body into something resembling living armor.
Ranma’s ordinary attacks become far less effective because Ryoga can absorb an extraordinary amount of punishment without falling.
The new trailer demonstrates this increased durability as the two rivals exchange rapid and increasingly powerful attacks.
Ranma and Ryoga Face Each Other Again
The rivalry between Ranma and Ryoga has been part of the story since the wandering martial artist first arrived in Nerima.
Ryoga originally blamed Ranma for missing a duel because his terrible sense of direction prevented him from reaching the agreed location on time.
His anger intensified after following Ranma to China and accidentally falling into one of the cursed springs at Jusenkyo.
Ryoga fell into the Spring of Drowned Piglet, causing him to transform into a small black pig whenever he is exposed to cold water. Hot water restores his human body.
Although Ranma was indirectly involved in the accident, Ryoga’s tendency to place all responsibility on his rival has kept their conflict alive.
Their relationship has gradually become more complicated than simple hatred. They remain competitors and frequently attack one another, but they can also cooperate when facing a common threat.
Season 3 will return their rivalry to the center of the action as Ryoga attempts to prove that his new training has finally made him stronger than Ranma.
Ryoga’s Feelings for Akane Raise the Stakes
The battle between Ranma and Ryoga is never motivated only by martial arts pride.
Both boys care deeply about Akane, although neither handles those feelings with emotional maturity.
Ryoga openly admires her kindness but remains unable to confess his identity as P-chan. Ranma spends much of his time arguing with Akane and denying that he cares about her, even while becoming jealous whenever another boy approaches.
The trailer suggests that the new fight will once again combine physical competition with romantic frustration.
Ryoga may believe that defeating Ranma will make him more worthy of Akane, while Ranma refuses to admit that his own jealousy influences the intensity of the battle.
Akane is placed between two people who are unwilling to communicate honestly, ensuring that the conflict becomes far more chaotic than an ordinary martial arts match.
New Martial Arts Rivals Appear in the Trailer
The final section of the new trailer introduces several characters who have not yet appeared in MAPPA’s adaptation.
The footage includes their first animated appearances as well as brief samples of their voices.
However, the production team has deliberately withheld their official character profiles and cast information. Those details will be revealed through future announcements.
The new arrivals are expected to increase both sides of the series’ central formula. Some will challenge Ranma and the others through highly specialized forms of martial arts, while others will complicate the already crowded network of romantic rivalries.
Ranma 1/2 frequently introduces opponents whose fighting styles are based on unusual professions, sports, traditions or daily activities. Even absurd disciplines are treated with enough internal logic to create elaborate battles.
Season 3 will continue that tradition with challengers whose abilities force Ranma to develop new strategies rather than relying only on speed and strength.
The New Characters Already Have Voices
Although the new cast members have not been named, the trailer confirms that voice recording for the characters is already underway.
Their dialogue can be heard during the later section of the video, giving viewers an early impression of their personalities.
The decision to reveal the voices without identifying the performers has created additional anticipation around the casting announcement.
The remake has consistently attracted prominent actors while also bringing back many performers associated with the original 1989 anime.
Future announcements are expected to reveal the character names and voice actors together, possibly accompanied by individual character visuals.
Romantic Competition Will Become Even More Chaotic
The new trailer makes it clear that Season 3 will not focus only on Ranma and Ryoga’s battle.
Several romantic conflicts are shown, with new and returning characters competing for the attention of Ranma, Akane and other members of the cast.
Ranma’s relationship with Akane is already surrounded by people who refuse to respect their engagement or believe they would be better partners.
Shampoo insists that Ranma must marry her according to the laws of her village. Ukyo Kuonji considers herself his legitimate fiancée because of an agreement made by their fathers. Kodachi Kuno pursues him with theatrical determination and dangerous tricks.
Akane attracts her own admirers, including Ryoga and Tatewaki Kuno. Ranma often responds with jealousy while simultaneously refusing to acknowledge their engagement as a genuine romantic relationship.
The arrival of additional rivals will make it even more difficult for Ranma and Akane to understand their feelings without being interrupted by challenges, misunderstandings or unexpected engagements.
Ranma and Akane Remain at the Center of the Story
Ranma Saotome and Akane Tendo were engaged by their fathers before properly meeting one another.
Neither accepted the arrangement willingly. Their first interactions were filled with insults, arguments and physical confrontations.
Despite that beginning, the two have gradually developed a strong emotional connection.
Ranma becomes protective whenever Akane is in danger, while Akane continues supporting him even after his pride and careless words create unnecessary conflict.
Their relationship advances slowly because both are embarrassed by emotional honesty. Every sincere moment is quickly followed by a misunderstanding, joke or argument that allows them to avoid openly acknowledging what happened.
Season 3 will continue that gradual development while placing new martial artists and romantic rivals between them.
Akane’s Relationship With Ryoga Becomes More Complicated
Akane sees Ryoga as a kind and dependable friend, unaware that he is also P-chan.
Her affection for the small pig creates an uncomfortable situation because she allows P-chan to sleep in her room and frequently holds him close.
Ryoga enjoys the attention but also understands that he is deceiving her.
Ranma repeatedly becomes angry about the arrangement, although he often expresses that jealousy through insults and threats rather than explaining his true feelings.
The trailer’s opening apology suggests that the relationship among Akane, Ryoga and Ranma will receive considerable attention during the third season.
As Ryoga becomes physically stronger, his emotional inability to speak honestly remains one weakness that no martial arts technique can solve.
Ranma Must Find a Way Around Ryoga’s Durability
Ranma is one of the most adaptable fighters in the series. He frequently defeats stronger opponents by identifying weaknesses and developing a strategy during combat.
Ryoga’s Breaking Point training creates a new problem because direct attacks no longer produce their usual effect.
Ranma must discover a method capable of overcoming Ryoga’s enhanced resistance without depending entirely on physical force.
This challenge reflects one of the defining features of Rumiko Takahashi’s martial arts battles. Victory is rarely determined only by which character possesses greater strength.
Unusual techniques, psychological weaknesses, environmental conditions and improvised solutions all influence the outcome.
The trailer suggests that MAPPA will treat the rematch as one of the season’s major animation showcases.
MAPPA Highlights the Martial Arts Action
The new footage presents a noticeable emphasis on speed, impact and environmental destruction.
Ryoga’s technique causes stone surfaces to explode, while Ranma moves through the debris and searches for opportunities to counterattack.
MAPPA’s adaptation has consistently combined exaggerated comedy with fluid martial arts choreography. The third season appears ready to increase the scale of those confrontations.
The Breaking Point storyline is particularly suitable for dynamic animation because every strike can transform the environment.
The destruction is not only visual spectacle. It demonstrates the difference between Ryoga’s earlier abilities and the strength he has gained through training.
The Trailer Was Revealed During MAPPA’s Anniversary Event
The promotional video was released during the MAPPA 15th Anniversary Lineup Reveal on June 19, 2026.
The online presentation celebrated the studio’s history while revealing updates for several current and upcoming productions.
Kappei Yamaguchi, Noriko Hidaka and Koichi Yamadera participated in a special Ranma 1/2 discussion during the event.
The three actors voice Ranma Saotome, Akane Tendo and Ryoga Hibiki, the characters most prominently featured in the new trailer.
Their segment examined the appeal of the upcoming season and the changing relationship among the central trio.
Kappei Yamaguchi Returns as Male Ranma
Kappei Yamaguchi continues voicing Ranma Saotome in his male form.
Yamaguchi also portrayed Ranma in the original anime adaptation, making him one of several returning performers strongly associated with the franchise.
Ranma requires a performance capable of moving rapidly between confidence, embarrassment, anger and panic.
He frequently presents himself as an unbeatable martial artist, but his pride makes him extremely vulnerable whenever Akane or one of his rivals challenges his emotions.
Season 3 will give Yamaguchi several opportunities to emphasize both sides of the character through the intense conflict with Ryoga and the expanding romantic chaos.
Megumi Hayashibara Voices Ranma’s Female Form
Megumi Hayashibara continues portraying Ranma after his transformation into a girl.
Ranma’s personality remains the same in either form, but his transformation frequently changes how other characters respond to him.
Some people fail to realize that the two forms belong to the same person, while others attempt to exploit the curse for their own plans.
Ranma can also use the transformation strategically, adopting a different voice or behavior when deception provides an advantage.
Hayashibara’s energetic performance helps preserve the continuity between the two bodies while giving the female form its own vocal identity.
Noriko Hidaka Returns as Akane Tendo
Noriko Hidaka voices Akane Tendo, continuing the role she originally performed in the 1989 adaptation.
Akane is a skilled martial artist with a strong sense of justice and a famously explosive temper.
Her anger is frequently directed toward Ranma, particularly when his pride, insults or complicated romantic situation creates another misunderstanding.
Despite their constant arguments, Akane understands Ranma better than most people around him.
The third season will continue developing her relationships with both Ranma and Ryoga, including the emotional moment heard at the beginning of the new trailer.
Koichi Yamadera Returns as Ryoga Hibiki
Koichi Yamadera continues voicing Ryoga Hibiki.
Yamadera originally played Ryoga in the earlier anime and returned for MAPPA’s new adaptation.
Ryoga shifts between intimidating strength, dramatic anger, romantic sensitivity and helpless confusion caused by his terrible sense of direction.
The Breaking Point storyline allows Yamadera to present a more confident and physically imposing version of the character.
However, Ryoga’s emotional weakness around Akane remains unchanged, ensuring that his new strength does not protect him from embarrassment.
Returning Japanese Voice Cast
- Kappei Yamaguchi as Ranma Saotome
- Megumi Hayashibara as female Ranma
- Noriko Hidaka as Akane Tendo
- Minami Takayama as Nabiki Tendo
- Kikuko Inoue as Kasumi Tendo
- Akio Otsuka as Soun Tendo
- Cho as Genma Saotome
- Koichi Yamadera as Ryoga Hibiki
- Rei Sakuma as Shampoo
- Toshihiko Seki as Mousse
- Kaori Nazuka as Ukyo Kuonji
- Tomokazu Sugita as Tatewaki Kuno
- Ayane Sakura as Kodachi Kuno
- Kazuhiko Inoue as Happosai
- Ako Mayama as Cologne
- Toshiyuki Morikawa as Dr. Tofu Ono
- Mamoru Miyano as Mikado Sanzenin
- Aoi Yuki as Azusa Shiratori
- Akira Ishida as Hikaru Gosunkugi
- Tomokazu Seki as Ichiro
- Kenichi Ogata as narrator
Konosuke Uda Continues Directing the Anime
Konosuke Uda returns as director for the third season.
Uda also serves as sound director, giving him influence over both the visual pacing and the vocal rhythm of the comedy.
Ranma 1/2 depends on extremely fast transitions between romance, combat and slapstick humor.
A serious confession can be interrupted by cold water, a martial arts challenge or a character crashing through a wall. The direction must preserve that speed without making the emotional relationships feel meaningless.
The new trailer indicates that Uda and the production team will continue treating the battles with considerable visual energy while preserving the comedic personality of the manga.
Kimiko Ueno Handles Series Composition
Kimiko Ueno continues handling series composition.
The adaptation follows Rumiko Takahashi’s manga while organizing its many short storylines and longer martial arts arcs into seasonal television structures.
Season 3 introduces more characters and techniques, making the balance among action, romantic development and episodic comedy increasingly complicated.
The scripts must give new rivals enough time to establish their personalities without losing focus on Ranma and Akane.
Ryoga’s new technique also requires preparation because his training, emotional motivation and final confrontation with Ranma are all important to the storyline.
Hiromi Taniguchi Designs the Characters
Hiromi Taniguchi returns as character designer.
The designs preserve the recognizable silhouettes and expressions of Rumiko Takahashi’s manga while using cleaner shapes suitable for modern animation.
The adaptation also maintains the series’ colorful identity, allowing each rival to remain visually distinct even as the cast becomes increasingly large.
Yoshiko Saito, Kosuke Kawamura, Riko Kaneda and Haruki Miura serve as chief animation directors.
Masahiro Kurio, Atsuko Ishida and Yoshihiro Takeda are credited as lead animators.
Main Production Staff
- Original creator: Rumiko Takahashi
- Director: Konosuke Uda
- Series composition: Kimiko Ueno
- Character design: Hiromi Taniguchi
- Chief animation directors: Yoshiko Saito, Kosuke Kawamura, Riko Kaneda and Haruki Miura
- Lead animators: Masahiro Kurio, Atsuko Ishida and Yoshihiro Takeda
- Pop artwork: Minami Kitamura
- Color design: Yukiko Kakita
- Art directors: Chihiro Okawa and Ryuta Hayashi
- Compositing director: Atsushi Kano
- Editing: Keisuke Yanagi and ACE
- Sound director: Konosuke Uda
- Sound effects: Takuya Hasegawa
- Music selection: Makiko Chihara
- Sound production: dugout
- Music: Kaoru Wada
- Animation production: MAPPA
Kaoru Wada Returns to Compose the Music
Kaoru Wada continues composing the music for the new adaptation.
Wada also created music for the original Ranma 1/2 anime, giving the modern series another strong connection to its predecessor.
His score supports both Chinese-inspired martial arts elements and the exaggerated comedy surrounding the characters’ relationships.
Season 3 will require music capable of giving Ryoga’s new technique genuine dramatic impact while still allowing the battle to become ridiculous when the characters’ personalities interfere.
The new opening and ending songs have not yet been revealed.
What Is Ranma 1/2 About?
Ranma 1/2 follows teenage martial artist Ranma Saotome, who travels to China with his father, Genma, for an intense training journey.
During their visit to the cursed springs of Jusenkyo, both fall into magical pools associated with people or animals that drowned there.
Ranma falls into the Spring of Drowned Girl. Cold water transforms him into a girl, while hot water changes him back into a boy.
Genma falls into the Spring of Drowned Panda and transforms into a giant panda under the same conditions.
After returning to Japan, Genma brings Ranma to the Tendo family home. Years earlier, he promised his friend Soun Tendo that their children would marry and inherit the Tendo dojo.
Ranma becomes engaged to Soun’s youngest daughter, Akane, even though the two immediately begin arguing.
Their developing romance is repeatedly interrupted by cursed transformations, martial arts challenges, family schemes and an ever-growing number of rival fiancées and admirers.
The Series Combines Romance With Absurd Martial Arts
Ranma 1/2 treats almost every activity as a potential martial arts discipline.
The characters participate in fights involving rhythmic gymnastics, figure skating, cooking, tea ceremonies, cheerleading and many other unusual competitions.
Each challenge follows its own exaggerated rules, forcing Ranma to adapt his fighting style to unfamiliar conditions.
The absurdity never completely removes the danger. Characters can destroy walls, survive enormous falls and unleash techniques capable of changing entire battlefields.
The combination allows the series to deliver exciting action without abandoning its identity as a romantic comedy.
Season 3 Continues MAPPA’s New Adaptation
MAPPA’s adaptation premiered in October 2024 as a new version of Rumiko Takahashi’s manga.
The production restored the original Japanese voice performers for several central characters while updating the animation, pacing and visual presentation.
Season 2 followed in October 2025 and introduced important characters including Mousse, Ukyo Kuonji, Happosai, Cologne, Mikado Sanzenin and Azusa Shiratori.
The third season continues the annual October release pattern and moves deeper into the manga’s increasingly elaborate martial arts rivalries.
The immediate confirmation of another season demonstrates the production committee’s commitment to continuing the adaptation beyond the earliest and most familiar storylines.
Based on Rumiko Takahashi’s Classic Manga
Ranma 1/2 was written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi.
The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 1987 until 1996 and collected into 38 volumes.
Takahashi is also known for creating Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Inuyasha, RIN-NE and MAO.
Ranma 1/2 became one of her most internationally recognized works through its combination of romantic comedy, martial arts and supernatural transformation.
An earlier anime adaptation began in 1989 and was followed by additional episodes, original video animations and films.
MAPPA’s version returns to the manga with a new production while preserving much of the vocal identity associated with the classic anime.
What Remains Unknown About Season 3?
The exact October premiere date has not yet been announced.
The production has also not confirmed the episode count, opening theme, ending theme or complete international release schedule.
Netflix is confirmed as the exclusive streaming platform, but regional release times and available dubbed languages remain unknown.
The identities and voice actors of the new characters appearing in the second trailer will be announced later.
Future promotional updates are expected to include character profiles, a new key visual and a longer trailer closer to the premiere.
What to Expect From Ranma 1/2 Season 3
The third season will begin with Ryoga attempting to use his new strength to overcome Ranma.
The Breaking Point storyline should provide some of the most physically destructive action seen in the remake so far.
At the same time, Akane’s involvement ensures that the battle remains connected to the central romantic conflict.
The new characters shown in the trailer will then expand the cast with additional fighting styles, personalities and romantic interests.
Ranma and Akane will continue moving closer emotionally while refusing to admit that their engagement has become more than an arrangement created by their fathers.
Ryoga, Shampoo, Mousse, Ukyo, Kuno and the other rivals will make that progress as difficult and entertaining as possible.
Final Thoughts
Ranma 1/2 Season 3 will premiere in October 2026 through Nippon TV, with Netflix exclusively streaming episodes after their Japanese broadcasts.
The newly released second trailer begins with an emotional apology from Akane before introducing Ryoga’s powerful Breaking Point technique and his destructive rematch with Ranma.
The footage also reveals the first animated appearances and voices of several new characters, although their names and cast members will be announced at a later date.
Konosuke Uda continues directing the anime at MAPPA, with Kimiko Ueno handling series composition, Hiromi Taniguchi designing the characters and Kaoru Wada composing the music.
With stronger techniques, new martial arts opponents and even more people entering the already complicated romantic battles surrounding Ranma and Akane, Season 3 promises another energetic combination of action, transformation, jealousy and comedy.
