During AnimeJapan 2024, the anime adaptation of the light novel Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World took center stage. Thankfully for fans, this showcase brought a wealth of news regarding the third season of the series, sparking excitement among those who have eagerly been waiting.
As per the details shared the third season of the anime adaptation for Re:Zero is slated to debut in Japan in October 2024. Furthermore, a promotional video lasting over two minutes was unveiled for this upcoming installment.
It was also revealed that voice actress Aya Yamane will be voicing the character Liliana Masquerade. Alongside this announcement, a character visual featuring Subaru Natsuki, Emilia, Beatrice, Otto Suwen, and Garfield Tinsel was unveiled.
These characters correspond to the voice actors and actresses who participated in the AnimeJapan 2024 event during the live presentation.
It’s worth noting that voice actors Yusuke Kobayashi (Subaru Natsuki), Rie Takahashi (Emilia), Satomi Arai (Beatrice), Kouhei Amasaki (Otto Suwen), and Nobuhiko Okamoto (Garfield Tinsel) were special guests at the anime presentation.
Re: Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu, commonly referred to as Re:Zero or Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World in Western markets, is an isekai light novel blending elements of fantasy and suspense.
Authored by Tappei Nagatsuki and illustrated by Shinichirou Otsuka, the series debuted in January 2014 under the MF Bunko J imprint of Media Factory Publishing House and has since been ongoing.
On April 4, 2016, the anime adaptation of Re:Zero premiered, spanning across 2 seasons, with the second season premiering on July 8th 2020 split into two parts, with the secondary part of the second season airing on January 6th 2021. The series has totaled 50 episodes, including specials and 2 OVAs.
The renowned animation studio White Fox helmed the production, with Masaharu Watanabe serving as director.
From the concise yet captivating promotional video, it’s clear that the anticipation for the third season has been justified, as the animation quality has notably improved compared to previous seasons. Of particular interest, the PV also includes scenes of Garfield engaging in combat with Reinhard, a moment not featured in the light novel but present in Re:Zero’s web novel.
The upcoming third season adaptation will center around the series’ 5th arc, introducing new characters such as Liliana and Capella, both of whom will play significant roles throughout the season.
However, it’s worth noting that their character designs have been altered from their original portrayals in the web / light novels, drawing attention to a form of censorship for its anime adaptation.
Both characters themselves are short in stature, reminiscent of being a “loli,” with Liliana’s design now including a sports bra and shorts instead of far more skimpy bikini, whereas Capella’s outfit has been modified to feature a more modest bra and bikini bottom.
These alterations were evidently implemented to tone down the perceived “problematic” nature of these characters, likely aimed at appealing to a broader audience less interested in what they deem as “pedophilic” Japanese media.
Such individuals often express perpetual outrage over the portrayal of fictional characters and their fictitious ages, if they cannot accept a shows design they should not be watching it.
For instance, Capella Emerada Lugunica is depicted as the Sin Archbishop representing Lust, has undergone a redesign that feels half-hearted and is seen as an insult to true fans of the series. Puritans have seized the opportunity to celebrate the censorship openly on social media, proclaiming it as a significant victory against lolicons, despite of course how they’ll more than likely slander those who enjoy the season as being “pedophiles” or “Epstein” regardless.
Certain individuals have speculated that these changes may be attributed to Japanese broadcasting regulations. However, this argument falls short when considering existing adaptations like Gushing Over Magical Girls, which happen to be even more suggestive and risqué than their source material.
Meanwhile, the portrayal of the series staple heroine, Emilia, has undergone significant changes compared to her appearance in the first two seasons of the anime, with her breasts being more pronounced and possibly larger in this latest iteration of the anime adaptation.
The double standards are glaringly apparent, as numerous anti-Twitter users are hailing the new “safe horny” designs for the purportedly “problematic pedo” characters, while the series icon, Emilia, appears to receive a free pass with larger and more pronounced cleavage.
Given KADOKAWA’s adherence to Western ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) values, it’s highly likely that the alterations to Capella and Liliana’s designs were made to cater to Western audiences, who may have had little interest initially. However, this decision only serves to frustrate genuine fans like myself.
Especially considering that the third season is likely to heavily feature the character of Ferris / Felix, the androgynous “femboy” with cat-like traits. His portrayal is bound to provoke outrage on Twitter, as numerous tourists and fake fans who demand the erasure of “femboys,” falsely equating non-compliance with gender stereotypes as the characters themselves somehow being transgender.
I’m extremely disappointed by the censored redesigns aimed at appealing to audiences who would never support the franchise financially. Additionally, I anticipate mentally malnourished individuals to once again propagate their delusional head canon of Ferris being a “girl” once the third season begins airing in October.
As a somewhat dedicated fan of the series, I’m still hopeful that it will at least offer a decent viewing experience.
