The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4 anime revealed the second main trailer, along with a new key visual and July 9 premiere date. Studio Kinema Citrus is back to handle the animation of the sequel, with Hitoshi Haga. The upcoming season was previously listed with a total of 12 episodes.
The new information was revealed on June 15 at the The LIVE of the Shield Hero live event in Japan. Attending were main cast members Kaito Ishikawa (Naofumi), Asami Seto (Raphtalia), Rina Hidaka (Filo), Natsuko Hara (Rishia), Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (Ren, Sword Hero), and Makoto Takahashi (Motoyasu, Spear Hero), as well as the theme songs’ performers MADKID and Chiai Fujikawa.
The opening theme song for the new season is “Resolution” by MADKID, while the ending theme song is “Once in Eternity” by Chiai Fujikawa. The opening was previewed in the first trailer, while you can watch the new one below. It heavily focuses on Fohl, who will clearly play a major role in the new season.
The new visual is teased with “Their origins lead him.”
Director Hitoshi Haga is supported by the assistant director Takanori Yamamoto. The series composition is handled by Keigo Koyanagi, while Kevin Penkin, Alfredo Sirica, and Natalie Jeffreys are in charge of the music. Character designs are created by Franziska van Wulfen, Sana Komatsu, and Masahiro Suwa. The full staff was previously revealed.
Background & Additional Information
The anime adaptation of The Rising of the Shield Hero is based on the light novel series by Aneko Yusagi, published by MF Books/KADOKAWA. The first season, which premiered in 2019 and ran for a totalidade of 25 episodes, was animated by Kinema Citrus. The story follows Naofumi Iwatani, an average young man who is summoned to a fantasy world as the Shield Hero. After being betrayed and abandoned, he goes on a journey of redemption, forming a loyal team with Raphtalia and Filo.
Season 2, which aired in 2022, saw a shift in animation production, as Kinema Citrus teamed up with DR Movie. This season focused on adapting the Spirit Tortoise Arc, where Naofumi’s status as the most crucial of the four summoned heroes was confirmed.
In Season 3, which aired from October to December 2023, Kinema Citrus returned as the sole animation studio. Directed by Hitoshi Haga, the season followed Naofumi as he worked to rebuild his domain and unveiled Raphtalia’s royal heritage, setting up a clash with Q’ten Lo.
Looking ahead to Season 4, the story is looking to pick up right where Season 3 ended, with Naofumi and his party preparing for the fight against Q’ten Lo. With Raphtalia revealed to be of royal blood, her homeland sent assassins to eliminate her, forcing Naofumi into action.
Source: KADOKAWA Official YouTube
© Aneko Yusagi, Seira Minami / KADOKAWA / Shield Hero S4 Project
