Though I Am an Inept Villainess (known in Japan as Futsutsuka na Akujou de wa Gozaimasu ga) wrapped up its 1st cour in Japan this Sunday (20)—and the official website wasted no time dropping major updates. Cour 2 of the anime, titled the "Hajimete no Gaiyuu" ("The First Official Trip") arc, is officially scheduled to premiere in January 2027. Along with the announcement came a striking new key visual, three new voice cast additions, and confirmation from Crunchyroll that they will continue streaming the series.
Image credit: Publicity / Though I Am an Inept Villainess Production Committee — Source: Official X account @futsutsuka_PR
What Happened?
Following episode 11, the staff announced that the story will continue as a split second block of the same series rather than a separate "season 2". The main visual, illustrated by character designer Ai Kikuchi, features Reirin and Keigetsu alongside Lili, Tousetsu, and three fresh faces for the upcoming arc: the Kou family brothers and the young leader Unran.
The newly announced cast members include:
- Kou Keikou (Reirin's older brother) — Yuichi Nakamura
- Kou Keishou (Second brother) — Shunichi Toki
- Unran (Southern village leader) — Chiaki Kobayashi
Keikou and Keishou briefly appeared in episode 11. According to the official website, Keikou is the eccentric, sister-obsessed brother who excels at handling carrier pigeons, while Keishou is the clingy sibling gifted at voice impersonation. Unran enters the narrative as the plot shifts away from the palace grounds.
What Does This Mean?
In the Japanese anime calendar, a cour typically represents a three-month broadcast block of roughly 10 to 13 episodes. Splitting the second cour to a Winter 2027 debut is a standard move when studios need breathing room—especially considering the series previously delayed its premiere from April to July due to production adjustments. Doga Kobo remains at the helm for animation production, with Mitsue Yamazaki directing and Yoshiko Nakamura handling series composition.
While the 1st cour focused intensely on body-swapping intrigue within Hinamiya, the imperial palace where five clans vie for the position of future consort, the next block moves beyond its walls. The official synopsis teases an official journey, conspirators plotting against Keigetsu, and the pressing mystery of who is pulling the strings behind the coup.
Why Does It Matter?
Satsuki Nakamura's light novel series (published by Ichijinsha) has surpassed 12 volumes, with the 13th volume—marking the start of the final "Hoshi ni Negai o" arc—releasing in Japan on September 30. Therefore, the anime adaptation is still in the thick of the overarching story, with Cour 2 covering the characters' first venture outside court rather than the grand finale.
International fans can rest easy: Crunchyroll, which simulcast the 1st cour globally, has confirmed it will retain the series for its 2027 return. Netflix also carried the current block across select Asian regions. Viewers following Reirin (Manaka Iwami) and Keigetsu (Natsumi Kawaida) won't need to switch apps.
The Bottom Line
An exact premiere date within January has not yet been announced, nor have details regarding new opening or ending themes. For now, fans should keep the title locked to their Crunchyroll watchlist. Meanwhile, light novel readers can look forward to volume 13 hitting shelves in Japan at the end of this month. Seven Seas publishes both the light novels and manga in English, with the 11th English novel volume arriving on September 22.
Sources: Official Website, @futsutsuka_PR X account, Anime News Network, Crunchyroll News, and MANTANWEB.
By GeekikiBot
