Netflix has officially confirmed that Blue Box, one of its most popular anime of 2024, will be returning for a second season. The announcement was accompanied by a teaser showcasing Chinatsu and Taiki’s most touching moments from season one, reigniting excitement among fans. The show’s blend of sports and romance quickly earned it a dedicated following, making the renewal a highly anticipated moment for viewers eager to see how the story unfolds.
For those unfamiliar, Blue Box follows Taiki Inomata, a high school badminton player, and Chinatsu Kano, a basketball star. Their relationship, marked by quiet longing and growing mutual respect, formed the emotional core of season one. The season ended with Taiki finally resolving his feelings, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their relationship in the next chapter. With the confirmation from @aonohako_PR on X, fans are now looking forward to more emotional highs and romantic developments in season two.
The Perfect Balance of Sports and Romance
Blue Box Episode 2 Still
What sets Blue Box apart from other series is its ability to strike a balance between athletic ambition and romantic tension. While most sports anime focus heavily on competition and romance anime lean toward emotional drama, Blue Box merges the two seamlessly.
Taiki’s devotion to badminton and Chinatsu’s commitment to basketball provide a meaningful backdrop to their growing connection, adding depth to both the romantic and competitive aspects of the story. This combination makes the series appealing to a wide audience, as it caters to both sports and romance fans without sacrificing either element.
━━大喜くんが辛い時は隣にいるよ━━ TVアニメ『アオのハコ』 第2期制作決定 ！🟦 第2期制作決定PV！ ▶ https://t.co/XHXwDjnUqb #アオのハコ #アニハコ pic.twitter.com/AtboLc3UM8 — アオのハコ【公式】@TVアニメ放送中！ (@aonohako_PR) March 27, 2025
The emotional depth of Blue Box also played a key role in its success. The series’ slow-burn approach allowed Taiki and Chinatsu’s relationship to unfold naturally, with each shared moment carrying weight. Season one focused on the foundation of their relationship, but now that Taiki has clarified his feelings, the next season has the opportunity to deepen their emotional bond. The thoughtful exploration of their ambitions, struggles, and quiet understanding made the first season a standout, and season two is expected to build on this carefully crafted dynamic.
Season 2 to Explore New Emotional Depths
Blue Box Episode 2 Still
One of the biggest reasons fans are excited about season two is the potential for Taiki and Chinatsu’s relationship to evolve. Season one established their connection, but with growing hints of romantic feelings, the upcoming season could explore their emotions more directly. As they continue to push themselves in their respective sports, their emotional struggles and deepening affection are likely to become even more intertwined. This creates the potential for heartfelt and memorable moments as they face new challenges together.
Season two is also expected to bring more character development, as Taiki and Chinatsu face new hurdles both in their athletic and personal lives. Their competitive spirits and individual goals may complicate their growing relationship, raising questions about whether they can balance love and ambition. Fans are eager to see how their dynamic will shift and whether they will finally take the next step toward becoming a couple. Regardless of the outcome, season two promises to deliver the same emotional weight and thoughtful storytelling that made the first season a success.
With Blue Box officially returning, anticipation for the new season is already building. The next chapter of Taiki and Chinatsu’s story is poised to offer a fresh blend of romance and competition, ensuring that fans remain deeply invested in their journey.
Few Hollywood adaptations of anime have been as widely criticized as Dragonball Evolution (2009). Now, some of the original Dragon Ball editors have explained why the film turned out so poorly. In a recent interview with Dragon Ball editors Kazuhiko Torishima, Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, and Kazuo Enomoto, Torishima revealed that Shueisha’s unwillingness to invest enough money to secure control over the script was the key reason for the movie’s failure.
According to Torishima, if Shueisha had invested around $50 million, they could have influenced the script and overall direction of the film. Without that investment, the production slipped out of Japanese control, resulting in a final product that he describes as the worst movie ever made.
Torishima, who was the original editor for Akira Toriyama’s Dr. Slump and the early chapters of Dragon Ball, has a deep connection to the franchise. He suggested that Toriyama shift the focus of Dragon Ball to martial arts, making him a pivotal figure in the series’ history.
Torishima’s regret over Dragonball Evolution stems from Shueisha’s decision to avoid taking a more active role in the production. He believes this decision reflects the company’s lingering hesitation toward the film industry, stemming from the failure of the 1981 film Daijobu, My Friend. That misstep made Shueisha cautious about movie investments, leading them to leave control of Dragonball Evolution entirely in Hollywood’s hands.
Shueisha’s Missed Opportunity and the Fallout
Goku and Gohan (Credits: Akira Toriyama)
Torishima explained that he consulted with several lawyers in the U.S., who warned him that without financial investment in final cut rights, Shueisha would have no power to influence the movie’s creative direction. Despite this, Shueisha opted not to invest, hoping Hollywood’s influence would help bring Dragon Ball to a global audience. At the same time, the American edition of Shonen Jump was launched, but neither the film nor the magazine made the impact they hoped for.
The lack of creative control resulted in a film that ignored the tone and style of the original series. Dragonball Evolution altered key storylines, misrepresented characters, and failed to capture the humor and charm that defined the franchise.
Concerns about the Dragon Ball theme park in Saudi Arabia 🧵13/n pic.twitter.com/Q2aBwUrCW2 — Enomis (@Venixys) March 22, 2025
Torishima believes the film’s failure damaged Dragon Ball’s reputation and remains Shonen Jump’s greatest mistake. He also expressed concern that similar missteps could affect future projects, such as the upcoming Dragon Ball theme park in Saudi Arabia.
Given Torishima’s close ties to the franchise, his frustration with Shueisha’s handling of the movie is understandable. He also criticized Shueisha’s handling of Akira Toriyama’s passing, calling their response disrespectful. His remarks reflect both his personal investment in Dragon Ball and his broader concerns about how the franchise is being managed.
Dragonball Evolution’s Silver Lining
Goku (Credits: Akira Toriyama)
Despite the negative fallout from Dragonball Evolution, the movie’s poor reception had one unexpected benefit. Akira Toriyama was reportedly so dissatisfied with the film that he wanted to reclaim control over his creation. This frustration led to the development of Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013), which revived the franchise and laid the foundation for Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Daima. In a roundabout way, Dragonball Evolution became the catalyst for a new era of Dragon Ball, reinvigorating the franchise and introducing it to a new generation of fans.
Even with this positive outcome, Torishima remains critical of the film itself. He believes that Dragonball Evolution’s failure stemmed from Shueisha’s refusal to invest in creative control, a mistake that could have been avoided. As Dragon Ball continues to thrive with new content and global popularity, Torishima hopes that Shueisha will avoid similar missteps in future adaptations.
