Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai Season 2: A Comeback That Feels Like a Secret

Let’s cut to the chase: If you were obsessed with Bunny Girl Senpai back in 2018, when Mai Sakurajima’s bunny suit selfies were everywhere and “puberty syndrome” was the weirdest new term in your anime vocab, Season 2’s arrival should feel like a reunion with an old friend. But scroll through social media or check MyAnimeList forums, and you’ll notice something off—where’s the hype? Why does this long-awaited sequel feel like it’s flying under the radar?

First, let’s get the basics straight. Season 2 (officially titled Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus) dropped on July 5, 2025, picking up the “University Arc” from the light novels (Volumes 10-13, for the LN crew). CloverWorks is back animating, which is a relief—their soft, intimate style was half the reason Season 1 felt so cozy. But here’s the catch: Between 2018 and now, there were three movies. Three. And if you skipped them? You’re gonna be lost. Like, “Why is Mai acting weird?” lost. Like, “Who’s this new girl with the backpack?” lost.

The problem, as fans on MyAnimeList are screaming, is that those movies were impossible to watch legally if you weren’t in Japan or lucky enough to catch a rare theater screening. “I’d love to watch Season 2, but I haven’t seen the last two movies,” one user admits. “Gotta do that first.” Another adds, “In the US, you either sail the high seas or pay $45+ for a Blu-ray of an hour-long movie. No thanks.” Crunchyroll owns the rights but hasn’t put the movies on streaming—seriously, guys? It’s 2025. We stream everything.

Then there’s the time gap. Seven years is an eternity in anime. Think about it: In 2018, Demon Slayer hadn’t even blown up yet. Now, every season is stacked with sequels to shows that became huge during COVID—My Dress-Up Darling Season 2, Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity (the new rom-com everyone’s tweeting about). Bunny Girl Senpai feels like a relic from a pre-pandemic world, and casual fans have moved on. “2018 might as well be 1940 today,” one user jokes. “People forget quickly when there’s so much new stuff.”

But let’s talk about the fans who are hyped—because they’re the ones who matter. The diehards who binged all three movies (legally or not) and rewatched Season 1 to prep. “It’s one of my top most anticipated shows this summer,” a user gushes. “I don’t care if no one else is talking about it—I’m just happy we’re getting more.” These are the people who get why Bunny Girl Senpai works: it’s not just a rom-com with a bunny suit gimmick. It’s a show about feeling invisible, about the quiet pain of being a teenager (or young adult) who thinks no one sees them. The “puberty syndrome” stuff? It’s just a supernatural wrapper for real issues—anxiety, loneliness, the fear of growing up.

And let’s be real: Season 2 still has that magic. The first episode dives right into university life, where Sakuta and Mai are navigating long-distance (sort of) and new insecurities. The dialogue is snappy, the chemistry between the leads is still off the charts, and CloverWorks’ animation hasn’t missed a beat—those close-ups of Mai’s smile? Chef’s kiss. But here’s the thing: if you didn’t watch the movies, you’ll miss key moments. Like, why Sakuta is so protective of Kaede now, or the emotional weight behind his scenes with Shoko. The show doesn’t hold your hand, which is great for loyal fans but alienating for anyone who took a break.

The biggest risk here? That low viewership kills future sequels. “What if not enough people watch it, and we never get more?” a fan worries. It’s a valid fear—anime is a business, after all. But maybe that’s okay? Maybe Bunny Girl Senpai is better as a cult hit now, a show you recommend to your best friend who gets it, instead of a mainstream sensation. It’s like finding a hidden gem in a sea of overhyped action shows.

So, should you watch Season 2? If you’re a veteran? Absolutely. Clear your schedule, rewatch the movies (yes, even the second one—trust me), and savor every moment. If you’re new? Start with Season 1. It’s still on Crunchyroll, and it’s worth the hype. Just don’t expect to join a huge online conversation about it. This season feels like a secret, shared only between the fans who stuck around. And honestly? That’s kind of perfect. Bunny Girl Senpai was always about feeling seen—now it’s the show that feels seen only by us.

Final thought: If you do watch it, tweet about it. Post a meme. Let the world know this comeback is worth talking about. Because some secrets are too good to keep.