Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has disrupted the lives and flow of people all around the world. Many things have been postponed for various reasons, including anime! Let’s have a quick look at some of the titles that we are going to have to wait a little longer for, or worse, may never get to see after all, thanks to Coronavirus.
Delayed Sequels to Highly-Anticipated Titles
While many fans have been waiting for months or even years for the next season of their favorite anime, COVID-19 had other plans...
Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd Season (Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- 2nd Season)
Another smash-hit fantasy anime to be delayed is the highly anticipated second season of Re:Zero, devastating fans in Japan and abroad since it has been several years since the first season aired. Its April 2nd release has been pushed back to July as well, though without an exact starting date yet. Everyone’s really waiting for this one!
No Guns Life 2nd Season
The second season of Autumn 2019’s cyborg anime No Guns Life was meant to air from April 10th, 2020 but has been delayed. Instead, the first season will be airing again in its TV spot. The bad news for fans continues, because the Blu-Ray box set containing the first 12 episodes also has had delayed release date due to COVID-19 (but thankfully only to April 22nd!). While fans are disappointed, many are optimistically reminding one another that they have a good chance to watch the first season again and get hyped for the second one. Right now, there is no new date for No Guns Life 2nd Season to air.
Sword Art Online Alicization - War of Underworld 2nd Season
One of the anime delays felt hardest around the world is for the second season of Sword Art Online Alicization - War of Underworld. Originally meant to air starting April 26th, this internationally famous anime has been pushed back to July. While an exact starting date has not been decided yet, everyone’s hoping that the show’s popularity will guarantee it a start date as soon as possible.
Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Kan (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU 3)
COVID-19 has brought some bad news to fans of Oregairu. The third season, meant to begin on April 10th, has been delayed indefinitely. In the meantime, fans can enjoy the first two seasons in its TV spot, but no one likes to hear that something has an indefinite delay.
False Starts and Pushbacks
And then, there are the shows that began as usual but got cut short while we were barely getting into them...
IDOLiSH7: Second Beat!
IDOLiSH7: Second Beat! managed to begin to air in the spring season this year, but its official website announced on April 13th, 2020 that from episode seven on the rest of the season would be delayed. Instead, from April 26th, episodes from the first season will air in its place on TV. More information about the remainder of the season is not available at this time, but the studio released the opening video on YouTube the same day it was delayed to keep fans happy while they wait.
A3! Season Spring & Summer
The news of the latest season of A3!, the idol anime adapted from a beloved rhythm mobile game, has left a lot of dissatisfied fans in its wake. It began to air as usual, but after episode 3 it was cancelled due to the Coronavirus. Many fans have expressed frustration at being left in the middle of the season without any news about when A3! will be coming back—though some recent news rumours its return by the end of April! Here’s hoping!
Infinite Dendrogram
Probably the luckiest of the titles in this article, Infinite Dendogram has had quite a ride during the Coronavirus outbreak. While it still managed to start in January as normal, it fell a few episodes behind when things became uncertain in Japan. It has since resumed broadcasting regularly, but will be finishing late outside of the Spring 2020 anime window.
No Movie For You… For Now.
Even some feature length anime have been delayed...
Precure Miracle Leap Movie: Minna to no Fushigi na Ichinichi (PreCure Miracle Leap: A Wonderful Day with Everyone)
PreCure is a beloved anime amongst children in Japan, and the 28th film in the installment, PreCure Miracle Leap: A Wonderful Day with Everyone, was delayed to help stop the spread of the virus especially to children. The film’s premier has been pushed to May 16th, but in the meantime, all the other films are available to stream on PreCure’s YouTube channel to entertain all the kids stuck at home!
Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel III. Spring Song
Fans of Fate/Stay Night have had a really rough ride waiting for the latest film, Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel III. Spring Song, to release. It was meant to premier on March 28th in Japan, and seemed like it was going to make it without a delay, when suddenly, March 26th, it was moved to releasing on April 25th. After that, hopes were dashed when the film was delayed indefinitely. The silver lining is that pre-purchased tickets will still be valid—whenever the film does finally make it to the cinema!
Violet Evergarden Movie
The movie for Violet Evergarden, a beloved fantasy anime from 2018, was set to release in cinemas in Japan on April 24th, 2020. The film is being produced by Kyoto Animation, and suffered several delays after the studio’s devastating fire in 2019. But even now, despite the film being completed and ready for distribution, Violet Evergarden has been delayed again due to COVID-19. KyoAni released an official statement saying that due to cinemas being closed down in Japan to help stop the spread of Coronavirus, the film’s release would be delayed. While no date has been released yet, KyoAni promised to keep fans informed via social media and the film’s website.
Final Thoughts
Sadly, there’s nothing we can really do about the anime that have been delayed due to COVID-19. What we as otaku can do, though, is continue to support our favourite anime studios, which means respecting and supporting their decisions to put their own health and families first in this trying time! And of course, look forward to a Coronavirus-free world full of more great anime.
What anime were you most looking forward to that has been delayed or cancelled? How are you coping with COVID-19 in your otaku life? Drop a comment before you leave!
Author: Jet Nebula
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