Urusei Yatsura (2022) 2nd Season

Urusei Yatsura (2022) Season 3

Characters

Ataru Moroboshi

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Lum

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Shuutarou Mendou

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Benten

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Moroboshi Ataru no Haha

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Shingo

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Pepper

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Tsubame Ozuno

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Yousei

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Ran

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Ten

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Tobimaro Mizunokoji

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Kousuke Shirai

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Upa

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Oyuki

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Sakura

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Ryuunosuke Fujinami

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Nagisa Shiowatari

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Satoshi

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Sakuranbou

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Lum no Haha

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Ryuunosuke no Chichi

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Mizunokoji Haha

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Nozomi

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Souban

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Urusei Yatsura (2022) Season 2: A Cosmic Rom-Com Reborn with Retro Flair and Modern Polish

When Urusei Yatsura returned in 2022 as a vibrant reboot of Rumiko Takahashi’s iconic manga, it reignited the spark of a beloved franchise for both longtime fans and newcomers. Season 2, which aired from January to June 2024 on Fuji TV’s Noitamina block, takes the chaotic, heartfelt hilarity of the original and elevates it with a blend of nostalgic charm and contemporary finesse. Produced by David Production, this 23-episode continuation (part of a 46-episode, four-cour run) doesn’t just retread old ground—it carves out a unique space in the anime landscape by balancing fidelity to the source material with bold, modern touches. Here’s why Season 2 of Urusei Yatsura (2022) stands out as a singular cosmic comedy that’s as electrifying as Lum’s signature shocks.

A Faithful Yet Fresh Take on a Classic

Urusei Yatsura (2022) Season 2 picks up where the first season left off, diving deeper into the misadventures of Ataru Moroboshi, the universe’s unluckiest womanizer, and Lum, the Oni alien princess who’s smitten with him. The season adapts select chapters from Takahashi’s manga, focusing on the slapstick chaos and romantic entanglements that define the series. What makes this season unique is its careful curation of stories—some previously unadapted or poorly adapted in the 1981 anime—while maintaining the episodic, anything-goes spirit of the original.

Unlike the 1981 adaptation’s sprawling 194 episodes, the 2022 reboot is leaner, with a planned 46 episodes across two seasons. Season 2 (cours 3 and 4) covers the second half of this run, delivering 23 episodes that blend standalone gags with subtle character arcs. The decision to avoid filler and stick closely to the manga ensures a tighter narrative, but the real magic lies in how David Production infuses the series with a modern aesthetic while preserving the Showa-era setting. The result is a love letter to the 1978 manga that feels timeless yet fresh, avoiding the dated humor traps that some critics noted in the original.

Visual and Sonic Brilliance

David Production, known for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, brings a vibrant, colorful palette to Season 2. Naoyuki Asano’s character designs capture the exaggerated expressions and quirky charm of Takahashi’s art, while the animation pops with fluid comedic timing and dazzling sci-fi flourishes. From Lum’s lightning-charged tantrums to the surreal dreamscapes of episodes like the season finale, the visuals are a feast of retro-futuristic energy. The Showa-era setting—complete with rotary phones and vintage posters—grounds the absurdity in a nostalgic glow, while subtle nods to Takahashi’s other works (like Maison Ikkoku) reward eagle-eyed fans.

The soundtrack is another standout, with opening and ending themes that tie directly to the plot’s emotional beats. “Rock On feat. HashiMelo, Megurimeguru” and “Kaminarizakura feat. 9Lana, SAKURAmoti” inject infectious energy, their lyrics echoing Ataru and Lum’s chaotic romance. Masaru Yokoyama’s score weaves playful melodies with dramatic stings, amplifying both the comedy and the rare poignant moments. Fans on platforms like MyAnimeList have praised the music for enhancing the emotional depth of key episodes, such as the finale’s high-stakes game of tag.

Emotional Depth Amid the Chaos

While Urusei Yatsura is known for its slapstick and Ataru’s lecherous antics, Season 2 surprises with moments of genuine emotional weight. The season delves into the complexities of Ataru and Lum’s relationship, particularly in episodes like Episode 22, described by fans as a “mini-movie” for its heartfelt misunderstanding and resolution. Lum’s frustration with Ataru’s flirting reaches a peak, showcasing her vulnerability beneath the comedic shocks, while Ataru’s refusal to confess his feelings hints at a deeper, unspoken bond.

The season finale, “Boy Meets Girl: I Want You When I Can’t Have You,” is a chaotic yet touching climax. Lum challenges Ataru to a game with global stakes, seeking a confession, while the ensemble cast—from Shinobu to Shutaro Mendo—rallies in a whirlwind of humor and heart. Fans noted the finale’s ability to balance emotional drama with the series’ signature absurdity, making it a satisfying cap to the reboot’s run.

Unique Character Dynamics

Season 2 shines in its ensemble cast, introducing and expanding on characters like the snow spirit Oyuki (voiced by Saori Hayami), the crow goblin Princess Kurama (Nana Mizuki), and the mischievous Ten. Each character adds a distinct flavor to the chaos, from Mendo’s aristocratic posturing to Ryunosuke’s gender-bending antics. The reboot also gives more screen time to previously overlooked manga characters like Kosuke Shirai, offering fresh dynamics absent from the 1981 anime.

A standout aspect is how the series handles its female characters. Lum remains the heart of the show, her mix of confidence and insecurity making her both relatable and iconic. Shinobu, Sakura, and others are given moments to shine, avoiding the one-dimensional tropes of some older rom-coms. The interplay between Ataru’s relentless flirting and the women’s varied responses—ranging from Lum’s jealousy to Shinobu’s exasperation—creates a dynamic that feels both classic and progressive.

Why It’s Unique

What sets Season 2 apart is its ability to honor the past while forging a new path. Unlike the 1981 anime, which leaned heavily on filler and dated humor, the 2022 reboot is a curated celebration of Takahashi’s manga, choosing stories that resonate with modern audiences. The decision to adapt unadapted chapters, like the “Miss Tomobiki” episode, adds freshness for longtime fans, while the tighter episode count avoids the bloat of the original.

The season also stands out for its cultural impact. A collaboration with Central Japan Railway Company, featuring Lum and Ataru in a train-themed audio drama, showcases the series’ playful integration into modern Japanese pop culture. The voice cast, including Hiroshi Kamiya as Ataru and Sumire Uesaka as Lum, brings a contemporary edge, while cameos from original voice actors Toshio Furukawa and Fumi Hirano (as Ataru’s and Lum’s parents) bridge the old and new.

Reception and Legacy

Fans on MyAnimeList and X have lauded Season 2 for its emotional highs and faithful adaptation, though some felt it played it “safe” compared to the experimental flair of the 1981 anime. The season’s focus on character-driven comedy and selective storytelling earned praise, with the finale earning particular acclaim for its emotional resonance. Critics noted the reboot’s ability to appeal to new viewers while satisfying purists, cementing its place as a standout in the 2024 anime landscape.

Where to Watch

Urusei Yatsura (2022) Season 2 is available on Crunchyroll and Hidive, with English subtitles and select dubs. In North America, Sentai Filmworks released the series on Blu-ray as “Seasons 1 & 2” on March 19, 2024.

Final Verdict

Urusei Yatsura (2022) Season 2 is a cosmic triumph that blends retro charm with modern polish. Its vibrant animation, catchy music, and heartfelt moments make it a unique entry in the rom-com genre, proving that Ataru and Lum’s chaotic love story is as electrifying as ever. Whether you’re a fan of the original or a newcomer, this season is a wild, heartfelt ride that’s out of this world.