Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara

Food Wars! The Second Plate

Aired: 2016-07-02

Status: FINISHED

Ratings: 79/100

Genres: Comedy, Ecchi

Tags: Food, Male Protagonist, School, Shounen, Educational, Nudity, Tsundere, Tanned Skin

Total Episodes: 13

Duration: 24 min

Studio: Dentsu

Source: MANGA

Format: TV

Season: SUMMER

Release Year: 2016

Season No: 1

Director: Yoshitomo Yonetani

Watch:Twitter, Official Site, Crunchyroll, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

Synopsis

The second season of Shokugeki no Souma. At the Totsuki Culinary Academy, the first rule is survival of the fittest, and if you don't have what it takes to become a master chef, you need to get out of the kitchen before you get burned. With the wheat of first-year students separated from the chaff, cocky former diner cook Yukihira Souma is one of the handful of kitchen whizzes still standing. As the next round of the Autumn Elections gets underway, can he survive a brutal bento boxing match with the chemistry-obsessed granddaughter of the Academy's director? And which of the other contenders; Megumi, Ryou, Akira, Hisako, Takumi or sinister dark-horse Subaru; will advance to fight for the gold medal? (Source: Sentai Filmworks))

Trailer

Characters

Souma Yukihira

MAIN

Erina Nakiri

MAIN

Megumi Tadokoro

MAIN

Yuuki Yoshino

SUPPORTING

Akira Hayama

SUPPORTING

Koujirou Shinomiya

SUPPORTING

Nao Sadatsuka

SUPPORTING

Tetsuji Kabutoyama

SUPPORTING

Yua Sasaki

SUPPORTING

Satoshi Isshiki

SUPPORTING

Gin Doujima

SUPPORTING

Jun Shiomi

SUPPORTING

Fumio Daimidou

SUPPORTING

Shimizu

SUPPORTING

Senzaemon Nakiri

SUPPORTING

Hinako Inui

SUPPORTING

Miyoko Houjou

SUPPORTING

Urara Kawashima

SUPPORTING

Kiyo

SUPPORTING

Ryou Kurokiba

SUPPORTING

Isami Aldini

SUPPORTING

Subaru Mimasaka

SUPPORTING

Mitsuru Soutsuda

SUPPORTING

Sonoka Kikuchi

SUPPORTING

Kazune Nishizono

SUPPORTING

Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma Season 2: A Sizzling Continuation of Culinary Battles

Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma Season 2, officially titled Food Wars! The Second Plate, is a delectable follow-up to the wildly popular first season of the anime adaptation of Yūto Tsukuda and Shun Saeki’s manga. Premiering in Japan on July 2, 2016, and running for 13 episodes until September 24, 2016, this season dives deeper into the high-stakes culinary world of Tōtsuki Culinary Academy, where young chefs battle for supremacy through intense cooking duels known as Shokugeki. Produced by J.C. Staff, Season 2 delivers a feast of vibrant animation, mouthwatering dishes, and character-driven drama that keeps viewers hungry for more.

Plot Overview: The Autumn Elections Arc

Season 2 picks up right after the events of the first season, focusing on the prestigious Autumn Elections, a tournament designed to spotlight Tōtsuki’s most talented first-year students. The protagonist, Soma Yukihira, a brash and innovative chef from a humble diner background, continues his quest to climb the ranks of Tōtsuki’s elite. After surviving the grueling training camp and a Shokugeki against rival Ikumi Mito, Soma enters the Elections with confidence, ready to prove his culinary prowess.

The Autumn Elections arc follows a tournament format, with students competing in themed cooking challenges judged by renowned culinary experts. The preliminary rounds task contestants with creating a curry dish, showcasing their ability to balance spices and creativity. Soma faces off against formidable opponents, including Alice Nakiri, a molecular gastronomy prodigy; Hayama Akira, a spice master with an unparalleled sense of smell; and Kurokiba Ryo, Alice’s fiercely loyal sous-chef. As the competition progresses to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, the stakes intensify, revealing each character’s unique cooking philosophy and personal motivations.

Without spoiling key moments, Season 2 explores Soma’s growth as a chef, his rivalries, and his ability to think outside the box under pressure. The season also delves into the backstories of supporting characters, adding depth to their culinary ambitions and rivalries. The tournament culminates in a thrilling finale that sets the stage for future conflicts and alliances.

What Makes Season 2 Stand Out?

1. Culinary Creativity and Animation:
   Season 2 elevates the series’ signature “foodgasm” moments, where dishes are so delicious they elicit exaggerated, often humorous reactions from judges. J.C. Staff’s animation brings each dish to life with vivid colors and intricate details, from steaming bowls of curry to delicate desserts. The show’s ability to make animated food look tantalizing remains a highlight, with each episode offering a visual feast.
2. Character Development:
   While Soma remains the heart of the series with his relentless optimism and ingenuity, Season 2 shines a spotlight on secondary characters. Hayama Akira’s complex relationship with his mentor, Jun Shiomi, and Alice Nakiri’s struggle to step out of her cousin Erina’s shadow add emotional weight to the cooking battles. Even minor characters, like the Aldini brothers and Megumi Tadokoro, get moments to showcase their skills and growth.
3. Intense Shokugeki Battles:
   The Shokugeki format—where chefs wager their pride, positions, or even expulsion—keeps the tension high. Season 2 introduces new rivals and challenges, with each match highlighting different culinary techniques, from spice blending to avant-garde plating. The judges’ critiques, often delivered with dramatic flair, provide insight into the art and science of cooking.
4. Humor and Fan Service:
   True to its roots, Food Wars! balances intense drama with lighthearted humor and occasional fan service. The exaggerated reactions, quirky character interactions, and playful rivalries keep the tone fun, even during high-pressure moments. However, the fan service (notably the “clothing-bursting” reactions to delicious food) may not appeal to all viewers.
5. Soundtrack and Voice Acting:
   The energetic soundtrack, composed by Tatsuya Kato, complements the fast-paced cooking sequences and emotional beats. The Japanese voice cast, including Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Soma, Minami Takahashi as Megumi, and Risa Taneda as Erina, delivers stellar performances that capture each character’s personality. The English dub, produced by Sentai Filmworks, is equally engaging for dubbed anime fans.

Themes and Messages

At its core, Food Wars! Season 2 is about passion, perseverance, and individuality. Soma’s unorthodox approach to cooking challenges Tōtsuki’s rigid hierarchy, inspiring his peers to embrace their unique strengths. The season explores themes of rivalry versus camaraderie, as competitors push each other to new heights while forming unexpected bonds. It also highlights the importance of heritage and innovation in cuisine, as characters draw from their cultural backgrounds to create groundbreaking dishes.

Reception and Impact

Season 2 was well-received by fans and critics for its fast-paced storytelling, stunning visuals, and character-driven narrative. While some viewers noted the shorter episode count (13 compared to Season 1’s 24) limited certain character arcs, the focused Autumn Elections storyline kept the momentum strong. The season solidified Food Wars! as a standout in the shonen and cooking anime genres, appealing to fans of both action-packed tournaments and food-centric storytelling.

According to posts on X, fans continue to praise Season 2 for its balance of humor, drama, and culinary inspiration, with many citing the curry-themed preliminaries as a highlight. The show’s popularity also sparked interest in real-world cooking, with fans attempting to recreate dishes like Soma’s “Transforming Furikake Gohan” or Hayama’s aromatic curries.

Where to Watch and What’s Next?

Food Wars! The Second Plate is available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix (availability varies by region). The Blu-ray and DVD releases, distributed by Sentai Filmworks, include both subbed and dubbed versions.

Season 2 sets up major plot points for Season 3 (Food Wars! The Third Plate), which dives into the aftermath of the Autumn Elections and introduces new challenges for Soma and his friends. For those new to the series, watching Season 1 is essential to understand the characters and Tōtsuki’s competitive world.

Final Thoughts

Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma Season 2 is a savory blend of intense cooking battles, vibrant animation, and heartfelt character moments. It builds on the first season’s foundation, delivering a tournament arc that’s as emotionally engaging as it is visually stunning. Whether you’re a foodie, an anime enthusiast, or just craving high-energy drama, The Second Plate serves up a satisfying course that leaves you eager for the next helping.

Rating: 8.5/10
Recommended For: Fans of shonen anime, cooking shows, and character-driven stories.
Viewer Tip: Watch on an empty stomach—you’ll be craving curry by the end!

Note: This article is based on information from the anime, manga context, and general fan sentiment on platforms like X, as of June 25, 2025. For the latest updates or to engage with the Food Wars! community, check out discussions on X or official anime streaming sites.