MARRIAGETOXIN was one of the featured anime series at Anime Expo 2026, where Bandai Namco Filmworks celebrated the success of its first season with two dedicated panels packed with cast appearances, production insights, and new merchandise announcements. The event not only gave fans a chance to hear directly from the creative team behind the marriage battle-action anime but also built anticipation for the already confirmed second season, which is scheduled to premiere in 2027.
The celebrations took place during the “MARRIAGETOXIN Road to the Best Marriage! at Anime Expo” panel and the Bandai Namco Filmworks Industry Panel. Director Motonobu Hori, voice actors Haruki Ishiya (Hikaru Gero) and Shion Wakayama (Mei Kinosaki), producer Tatsuya Saito from Bones Film, and chief producer Ryoya Arisawa all appeared on stage to discuss the anime’s adaptation, memorable moments from Season 1, and what fans can expect moving forward.
Creative team discusses balancing comedy, action, and chaos
The panel opened with an enthusiastic reception from Anime Expo attendees, prompting chief producer Ryoya Arisawa to react with a smile, saying:
“This is awesome!”
Director Motonobu Hori then reflected on adapting MARRIAGETOXIN from its original source material into an anime. He explained that one of the biggest creative challenges was preserving the unpredictable energy that defines the series while ensuring viewers could easily follow the story.
“We have to, at some level, make the story clear. But if we did that too much, it would become boring and dull. So, our struggle was to maintain the chaotic elements without over-explaining.”
That careful balance between action, comedy, and emotional storytelling has become one of the defining characteristics of the anime adaptation.
Cast explains why Hikaru Gero and Mei Kinosaki resonate with fans
Voice actor Haruki Ishiya shared his perspective on why protagonist Hikaru Gero has connected with audiences since the anime debuted. According to him, the series blends everyday emotions with an unusual world filled with assassins and eccentric personalities.
“There is chaos in the series, but I believe this series also shows the everyday and the unreal reality. Gero has dualities of being cool and uncool, which are part of what makes Gero’s character so appealing.”
Producer Tatsuya Saito also discussed the production team’s attention to detail, particularly when designing Mei Kinosaki and creating the anime’s ending sequence.
“We thought a lot about the closing sequence and Kinosaki’s design. Kinosaki’s appearance is very cute, and we wanted to be sure to preserve that.”
Favorite Season 1 moments highlight the series’ emotional depth
The panel also featured a conversation about each guest’s favorite moments from Season 1, offering insight into what they believe makes MARRIAGETOXIN stand out.
Shion Wakayama expressed hope that one memorable joke would become popular with international fans.
“We’re hoping Bird’s Ball catches on in the USA! But, more seriously, MARRIAGETOXIN shows a lot of characters with unique colors and personalities, and the Bird Master is a lovable foe!”
Haruki Ishiya highlighted Shiori Ureshino’s personal growth throughout the story.
“All of Gero’s potential partners are very independent, and at first, I thought, ‘Is Shiori Ureshino going to be okay?’ But through this episode, and particularly this scene, it really solidified that she grew into a very strong and independent person.”
Meanwhile, Hori selected a scene featuring Gero and the hamsters, emphasizing the emotional storytelling behind it.
“The hamsters are cooking here, so cute! And Ishiya’s heartfelt acting was another reason I chose this scene. We can emotionally connect with Gero’s character. When we experience some kind of trauma, some kind of difficulty in our current life, that comes from the way we were raised.”
Season 2 excitement grows alongside new collectible figures
Beyond the panel discussions, Bandai Namco Filmworks also revealed newly photographed S.H.Figuarts Hikaru Gero and S.H.Figuarts Mei Kinosaki figures from BANDAI SPIRITS. Both collectibles are now available for pre-order and are expected to launch across multiple regions, including the United States and Europe, in Spring 2027.
During the Bandai Namco Filmworks Industry Panel, the guests also discussed what excites them most about Season 2. All three agreed that the introduction of new characters and their interactions with Hikaru Gero and Mei Kinosaki will be one of the biggest highlights.
Director Hori even surprised attendees by showing a handmade cardboard cutout of Sirius. Wakayama praised both the director and the entire production staff, saying:
“I am so happy and can feel the love toward Mei Kinosaki. This anime wouldn’t be as great without the support of the whole team!”
MARRIAGETOXIN follows elite assassin Hikaru Gero, whose latest assignment is unlike any mission he has ever faced—finding a wife to continue his family line. His unlikely partner is Mei Kinosaki, a skilled marriage swindler who becomes his guide through the unfamiliar world of romance. Together, the pair form an unconventional team that mixes action, comedy, and heartfelt character development.
Fans can stream the complete first season of MARRIAGETOXIN on Crunchyroll, while Season 2 has already been confirmed for 2027.
