Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd. has unveiled the main trailer for Part 1 of the second season of the acclaimed soccer anime Aoashi, along with its theme songs: “Fortress Defense” by rock band 10-FEET for the opening and “Triangle” by singer-songwriter Ai Higuchi for the ending.
The trailer signals a premiere this October, as the initial 12 of 24 episodes showcase Ashito Aoi’s journey into the Tokyo City Esperion A Team and onto a significantly more challenging level.
Providing a first listen to portions of both songs, the preview begins with Ai Higuchi‘s “Triangle,” featuring Ashito and his teammates wrestling with the high standards in the Premier League, while Akutsu, Kuribayashi, Kiriki, and others stand by for the newly promoted A Team. In an environment where sheer talent is insufficient, the players confront their vulnerabilities and strive for higher aspirations.
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“No matter how high you ascend, there is perpetually something above you. Even if you achieve excellence in your current situation, the subsequent step requires starting anew at the bottom of the next level. That can be excruciating, yet the joy derived from it prevails, propelling you to keep climbing,” remarked Higuchi, whose anime portfolio includes the ending theme for Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2 and the opening lyrics for Bocchi the Rock! “I’ve consistently felt a deep, aching yearning for that world of AOASHI. This song is dedicated to the dreamers who refuse to let it conclude, who cannot accept an end, who cannot concede.”
The latter part of the trailer transitions to the energy of 10-FEET‘s “Fortress Defense,” moving rapidly between scenes, featuring Kuribayashi on his expectations from Ashito as the team navigates the field, carrying a mix of frustration, envy, and impatience.
“I fell in love with Aoashi through the manga, and I’ve followed it into the anime ever since,” shared 10-FEET’s guitarist-vocalist Takuma. “The approach to soccer is captivating, but what captivates me equally is how the main character connects with his family, friends, and those around him. It’s a great privilege to be overseeing the opening theme song. We’ve crafted a truly amazing track, so please take a moment to listen.”
“For many, Aoashi could be their first encounter with a 10-FEET song, and I’m excited for those new experiences as well,” added bassist-vocalist Naoki. “It’s an electrifying track bursting with the energy of our live performances, and I hope it expands the universe of AOASHI even more. Embrace that feeling!”
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Drummer and backing vocalist Kouichi remarked, “Having played soccer from elementary through high school, this is truly a dream come true for me. Give it a listen and get hyped!”
Adapted from the original manga by Yugo Kobayashi, Aoashi is brought to life by TMS Entertainment, directed by Kazuki Yokoyama (NieR:Automata Ver1.1a) with series composition by Masahiro Yokotani (Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World). The creative team includes character designers Manabu Nakatake, Asami Taguchi and Junko Yamanaka; action animation directors Tadayoshi Okimura and Satoshi Kubo; and art director Niki Higaki.
The Japanese voice cast includes Kouki Osuzu (Ashito Aoi), Tatsumaru Tachibana (Eisaku Otomo), Seiichiro Yamashita (Soichiro Tachibana), Taku Yashiro (Keiji Togashi), Shun Horie (Kampei Kuroda), Wataru Kato (Jun Martis Asari), Junya Enoki (Yuma Motoki) and Kentaro Kumagai (Ryuichi Takeshima).
Season 1 of Aoashi is currently streaming on Crunchyroll. Season 2, Part 1 launches in October.
