If you thought The Cat and the Dragon was just another cozy fantasy anime, think again. Earlier today on September 19th, the series officially announced its second season for 2027 right at the end of its first season finale broadcast, leaving viewers completely caught off guard.
This was not some slow leak or vague teaser. It appeared front and center during the final episode closing credits. For anyone watching alongside the cast illustrations that popped up on screen, the timing made it impossible to miss.
What We Know About Season 2
Crunchyroll has already confirmed they will stream the second season globally giving international fans access almost immediately. Original light novel author Amara released celebratory illustrations alongside co-character designers Chiaki Kurakazu and Rie Nishino, each sharing unique artwork across social media.
The first season aired under the Japanese title Neko to Ryu starting July 4th on Tokyo MX before rolling out on BS NTV, Yomiuri TV, Nagasaki Culture Broadcasting, and AT-X. It premiered a week earlier exclusively on d Anime Store and ABEMA services in Japan. If you missed the announcement like many fans did, catch up on what other recent anime news broke this week including The Elusive Samurai Season 2 trailer breaking the internet.
A Remarkable Journey From Web Novel to Global Hit
The source material traces back to September 2013 when Amara first published the story as a web novel on Shosetsuka ni Narou. Nearly three years later Takarajimasha adapted it into a hardcover light novel featuring stunning illustrations by Mai Okuma. That first volume arrived in April 2016, and by November 2025, the ninth light novel volume shipped worldwide.
Cumulative circulation numbers exceed 1.4 million copies making it one of the most quietly successful long-running fantasy series to emerge from Japans user-generated content ecosystem.
Creative Team Returns Fully for Round Two
Director Jin-Koo Oh, known for work on Tonbo!, helmed the first season through OLM studio bringing a distinctive visual style blending everyday warmth with sweeping magical realism. Series scriptwriter Mitsutaka Hirota whose credits include Edens Zero crafted the narrative pacing that kept audiences glued to every episode.
Music deserves special mention here. Singer suis from the critically acclaimed band yorushika delivered the opening theme Nekohi which became an instant fan favorite. Vocalist Lia bands Shallm provided the ending theme Tadaima no Basho adding emotional depth to every conclusion.
Music composition came from Takahiro Obata known for The Promised Neverland while sound direction was handled by Noriyoshi Konuma from The Dangers in My Heart.
The Manga Adaptation Is Still Going Strong
Manga artist Izumi Sasaki launched the manga adaptation on Kono Manga ga Sugoi! web in September 2017 and it began serialization on Manga Box in April 2020. The 13th compiled book volume recently shipped on July 24th keeping the story going even as the anime builds toward its next chapter.
For newcomers who have not discovered Neko to Ryu yet, there has never been a better time. The first season delivers exactly what makes the best fantasy anime so rewarding, and knowing that a second season is coming makes this moment truly special.
What Do You Think?
Are you excited about The Cat and the Dragon heading back to screens in 2027? Did the surprise announcement catch you off guard too? Which arc from the light novels are you most hoping to see animated next? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below we love hearing from fellow fans.
