Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary [Season 1 Episode 2]

Title: Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary Episode 2: The Kindergarten Horror That Feels Like a Warm Hug

Let’s cut to the chase: if you thought Episode 1 of Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary was just a cute “troublemaker kid” story with a spooky twist, Episode 2 cranks that energy up to 11. Produced by East Fish Studio and part of the Winter 2026 lineup, this series is quickly proving it’s not your average slice-of-life kindergarten anime—and fans on MyAnimeList are losing their minds over it.

First off, let’s recap the vibe for anyone who missed the memo: Kaya is the kind of 5-year-old who’d steal your crayons, hide your snack, and then… accidentally exorcise a ghost haunting the sandbox. Yeah, that’s the show. Episode 2 dives deeper into her “hidden abilities” (read: supernatural powers she doesn’t even realize she has) when Ms. Chie—her well-meaning but perpetually stressed teacher—catches her talking to a “new friend” who’s actually a grumpy spirit stuck in the classroom’s broken music box. Cue chaos: Kaya tries to “fix” the ghost by sharing her apple slice, Ms. Chie panics thinking Kaya’s lost her marbles, and the ghost? Well, let’s just say it goes from “scary poltergeist” to “grateful snack-lover” real quick.

What makes this episode work so well? It’s the balance of “wait, that’s creepy” and “aww, that’s adorable.” One minute you’re watching Kaya wave her stuffed rabbit at a shadowy figure in the closet, the next you’re laughing as she scolds the ghost for “being mean to the blocks.” Fans on MAL are calling it “Mieruko-chan meets Peppa Pig”—and honestly, that’s the perfect way to put it. As one user put it: “It’s like if Miko from Mieruko-chan was a toddler who thought ghosts were just new playmates.”

But let’s talk about the real star here: Kaya herself. She’s not a “chosen one” or a stoic hero—she’s just a kid. Her powers are less “ancient curse” and more “oops, I made the ghost disappear by giving it a hug.” That innocence is what makes the horror elements hit different. When a spirit looms over her naptime mat, Kaya doesn’t scream—she pats its head and says, “Your hair is fuzzy!” It’s equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, and fans are obsessed. One comment summed it up: “Kaya is the chaotic good we all need in 2026.”

Of course, no anime is without its nitpicks. Some viewers are side-eyeing the “why doesn’t everyone know about ghosts?” plot hole. As one user pointed out: “If spirits are this common in kindergarten, how is no one else noticing?” Fair question—but let’s be real, when you’re a teacher dealing with 10 kids who still eat glue, do you really have time to question why the blocks keep stacking themselves? The show leans into the absurdity, and honestly, that’s part of the charm.

Visually, East Fish Studio nails the tone. The kindergarten is bright and colorful—pastel walls, cartoon animals on the walls—so when a ghost with glowing red eyes pops up, the contrast is jarring (in the best way). Kaya’s design is pure toddler perfection: chubby cheeks, pigtails that stick up, and a permanent scowl that melts into a grin when she’s excited. Even the ghosts are weirdly cute—think “spooky but huggable” instead of “I’m gonna haunt your dreams.”

Episode 2 also gives Ms. Chie more depth. She starts off as the “worried teacher” stereotype, but by the end, she’s hiding behind Kaya’s rabbit while Kaya confronts a ghost—proving she’s just as much of a kid at heart. Their dynamic is the core of the show: Ms. Chie tries to be the adult, Kaya does whatever she wants, and together they accidentally save the day. It’s sweet, it’s funny, and it’s exactly what we need right now.

So, who’s this episode for? If you love horror that doesn’t make you sleep with the lights on, or slice-of-life that’s not just “characters drinking tea,” this is your jam. It’s the kind of anime you can watch after a long day and leave with a smile. As one fan put it: “I went in expecting a cute kid show, left with a new favorite supernatural hero. Kaya-chan isn’t scary—she’s awesome.”

Final thought: Episode 2 ends with a teaser of a bigger ghost haunting the kindergarten’s playground, and if the first two episodes are any indication, we’re in for a wild ride. Kaya’s gonna hug it, Ms. Chie’s gonna panic, and we’re all gonna be here for every minute of it.

Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary Episode 2 isn’t just a good anime episode—it’s a mood. It’s silly, it’s spooky, and it’s full of heart. Do yourself a favor: grab a snack, sit down, and let Kaya-chan show you that even ghosts can be friends… if you share your apple slice.

Rating: 8/10 — More ghosts, more Kaya chaos, more please.