Himitsu no AiPri: Ring-hen [Season 2 Episode 1]

Himitsu no AiPri: Ring-hen – Season 2 Episode 1 Review: A Fresh Start with New Adventures!

Spring 2025 marked the return of Himitsu no AiPri with its second season, Ring-hen, and fans couldn’t be more excited. The first episode kicks off with a bang, introducing new characters, fresh dynamics, and the same vibrant energy that made the first season a hit. If you’re a fan of idol anime with a sprinkle of school life and virtual world adventures, this episode is a must-watch.

A New Semester, New Faces

The episode opens with Himari and Mitsuki stepping into their second year at Paradise Private Academy. The school feels livelier than ever, thanks to the introduction of new underclassmen, each brimming with personality. Among them, Julia Igarashi stands out with her adorable character design and infectious energy. Fans on MyAnimeList were quick to praise her, with one user saying, “Julia is adorable. I love her character design.”

The chemistry between the returning cast and the newcomers is already promising. The interactions feel natural, and the episode does a great job of setting up future dynamics without feeling rushed.

The AiPri-Verse Expands

One of the highlights of Himitsu no AiPri has always been its unique blend of real-world school life and the fantastical AiPri-Verse. This season, the virtual world gets even more colorful with new AiPri characters making their debut. Fans are eager to see how these new additions will shake things up. As one commenter put it, “New season, new aipris! Let’s see how they’re gonna show us their ultimate performance.”

The episode teases a brand-new adventure, and the stakes feel higher than before. The animation during the AiPri sequences is as dazzling as ever, with vibrant colors and smooth choreography that make the performances pop.

Music and Performances

Music is the heart of Himitsu no AiPri, and this episode doesn’t disappoint. The opening theme sets the tone for the season, though opinions are split. Some fans, like one on MyAnimeList, felt the OP was decent but weren’t sold on the ending theme: “Decent OP. ED is a little bit meh, I guess.”

However, the in-episode performance of “Bond x Link” by Himari and Mitsuki was a standout moment. The song captures the essence of their friendship and growth, and the choreography is a visual treat. It’s clear that the production team put a lot of effort into making these musical moments memorable.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

The fanbase is buzzing with theories and excitement. Some are already speculating about the new characters’ roles, while others are just happy to see their favorite duo back in action. One fan even dropped lyrics from what seems to be a heartfelt song, hinting at deeper emotional arcs this season:
“I need somebody who can love me at my worst… Let me show you love, oh, I don’t pretend, yeah. I’ll be right here, baby, you know I’ll sink or swim.”

This poetic comment suggests that Ring-hen might explore more emotional and personal struggles alongside its usual upbeat tone.

Final Thoughts

Himitsu no AiPri: Ring-hen Season 2 Episode 1 is a strong start. It balances nostalgia with fresh elements, ensuring that both longtime fans and newcomers have something to enjoy. The animation is crisp, the music is catchy, and the new characters add a layer of intrigue.

If this episode is any indication, Ring-hen is shaping up to be a worthy successor to the first season. Whether you’re here for the performances, the friendships, or the virtual world shenanigans, this season promises to deliver.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A solid return with room to grow!

What did you think of the episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s geek out together!