On Monday, January 22nd, 2024, the entertainment company Kadokawa shared that they will be producing a fourth season of the popular anime series “The Rising of the Shield Hero.” Along with this announcement, they also released the first promotional image for the upcoming season.
While rather plain, this initial visual hints at dramatic, world-changing events to come in the new season. It depicts what looks to be a dragon soaring through the sky, suggesting climactic battles or impactful story developments ahead for the characters.
Kadokawa’s statement revealing plans for season four did not specify which voice actors or production staff would be returning from prior seasons. However, various members of the show’s cast and crew posted online celebrating the news that a fourth installment would be created.
"The Rising of the Shield Hero" Season 4 has been announced!! pic.twitter.com/A1YW8xMBYR
— Anime Trending (@AniTrendz) January 22, 2024
The lack of details leaves fans to speculate about what exactly will happen next and who will be involved behind the scenes in bringing the fourth season to life. But the confirmation of more episodes on the way has already excited and intrigued the anime’s dedicated viewership.
The Rising of the Shield Hero Fans Await Concrete Details Amid Director and Cast Celebrations
Notable among those celebrating the season four announcement was the previous director of “The Rising of Shield Hero” anime. In addition, several main voice actors from past seasons shared their excitement online as well. This implies that the director and key cast members will likely reprise their roles for the new episodes.
However, Kadokawa’s initial season four reveal did not give any indication about a release timeframe, even broadly. There were no details on what year the new season might premiere.
Given the relatively swift pace that the anime’s prior installments have been produced though, speculation is that more concrete launch details will emerge at some point in late 2024.
Fans are left guessing for now if season four will arrive in very late 2024 or sometime in 2025. But they can presumably expect more news before next year is over confirming the animation team, cast members, and tentative air date.
Until then, the community is abuzz piecing together theories and anticipation over continuing the adventures of their favorite Shield Hero based on the limited dragon visual released so far.
Strong Indicators Point to Familiar Faces for The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4
Although Kadokawa did not formally name any cast members or production staff for the newly announced fourth season of “The Rising of Shield Hero,” strong clues were provided through celebratory online posts.
Most notably, Hitoshi Haga, who directed specific episodes in season one and served as overall director for season three, shared a congratulatory message about the next installment. This strongly suggests Haga will reprise directorial duties for the fourth season.
Additionally, numerous voice actors from prior seasons posted positively about the renewal news: Kaito Ishikawa, Asami Seto, Rina Hidaka, Natsuko Hara, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Makoto Takahashi, Yoshitaka Yamaya, Sarah Emi Birdcutt, Ami Koshimizu, Kohei Amasaki and Maria Naganawa. Their public displays of enthusiasm imply these performers will return to voice their respective characters in season four.
So while no formal confirmation yet on production crew or cast, the online activity from the previous director and vocal talent indicates a high likelihood of their continued involvement.
Fans can reasonably expect the director and voice actors celebrating recently to be back to bring season four of this popular fantasy anime series to life.
Familiar Voices, Exciting Returns
The voice actors showing excitement about season four are tied to the main characters in “The Rising of Shield Hero” anime. Specifically, Kaito Ishikawa voices the protagonist Naofumi Iwatani. Asami Seto performs the role of Raphtalia.
Rina Hidaka plays the filolial queen Filo. Other performers include Natsuko Hara as Rishia Ivyred, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Ren Amaki, Makoto Takahashi as Motoyasu Kitamura, and Yoshitaka Yamaya as Itsuki Kawasumi.
Additional cast members expressing enthusiasm were those behind supporting roles like Myne, Nadia, Fohl, Atla, and S’yne.
To recap the adaptation timeline so far, “The Rising of Shield Hero” made its anime debut in January 2019 with a two-episode premiere. The first season ran for 25 total episodes.
This was followed up less than two years later with a 13-episode second season in 2021. Most recently, a 12-episode third season began airing in October 2023.
The quick succession of new seasons yearly and these key cast members celebrating the latest renewal news indicates a strong likelihood of their continued voice-acting involvement as the series progresses into a fourth season.
Dedicated fans recognize the voices behind these characters and look forward to hearing them reprise their roles.
