Smile Down the Runway is a Japanese anime series adapted from Kotoba Inoya’s manga of the same title. The narrative revolves around Chiyuki Fujito and Ikuto Tsumura, two teenagers aspiring to carve a niche in the challenging fashion industry despite facing personal hurdles.
Chiyuki, aspiring to become a model, grapples with being shorter than the standard height requirement. Meanwhile, Ikuto, dreaming of becoming a designer, faces financial struggles as he supports his family. Together, they confront numerous obstacles, approaching their ambitions with creativity and unwavering determination.
The initial season of the anime, which aired from January to March 2020, garnered positive reviews from both critics and fans. It was lauded for its realistic portrayal of the fashion world, compelling characters, and the captivating combination of animation and music.
Fans are eagerly anticipating a second season, but whether it will come to fruition remains uncertain. Here’s what we currently know about the Smile Down the Runway Season 2 Release Date:
Release Date of Smile Down the Runway Season 2
Currently, there is no official confirmation or announcement regarding the renewal or cancellation of Season 2 for Smile Down the Runway. However, the absence of such news doesn’t necessarily indicate the anime’s demise. Various factors could influence its future.
Considering the available content, demand, and potential for the anime’s continuation, it appears plausible that Smile Down the Runway Season 2 will eventually be produced.
The first season of the anime was announced in September 2019 and premiered in January 2020, indicating a four-month gap between announcement and release.
If the second season follows a similar timeline and an announcement is made in 2022, a potential release for Smile Down the Runway Season 2 could be expected in 2023. It’s important to note that this is speculative, and official confirmation is awaited to ascertain the anime’s fate.
Cast of Smile Down the Runway Season 2
The anime features a cast comprising both Japanese and English voice actors, all of whom excelled in bringing the characters to life. The primary cast of the anime includes:
- Natsuki Hanae as Ikuto Tsumura
- Yumiri Hanamori as Chiyuki Fujito
- Ai Kayano as Kokoro Hasegawa.
- Ryohei Kimura as Toh Ayano
- Fumiko Orikasa as Shizuku Naruoka
The anime’s supporting cast consists of:
- Yui Ishikawa as Honoka Tsumura
- Hibiku Yamamura as Aoi Tsumura
- Hikaru Akao as Ichika Tsumura
- Junichi Suwabe as Hajime Yanagida
- Houko Kuwashima as Yuriko Tsumura
- Keiko Han as Youko Takaoka
- Yui Makino as Seira
- Mayumi Asano as Mai Ayano
- Ayaka Fukuhara as Kaoru Kizaki
- Kohei Amasaki as Ryunosuke Eda
Expected Plot of Smile Down the Runway Season 2
The anime’s storyline revolves around Chiyuki and Ikuto, both aspiring to succeed in the fashion industry. Chiyuki dreams of becoming a model, but faces setbacks due to her height, falling short of the standard 175 cm.
Despite encountering rejection and criticism, even from her father, who urges her to abandon her dream, Chiyuki remains steadfast. She embarks on a journey to prove herself through participation in various fashion shows, forming a close partnership with Ikuto, who becomes not only her designer but also a supportive friend.
On the other hand, Ikuto aspires to be a designer but grapples with financial hardships, supporting his family after his father’s early demise and his mother’s illness. Juggling part-time jobs and household responsibilities, he finds little time and resources to pursue his passion.
However, a turning point arises when Ikuto seizes an opportunity to work as an assistant for Yanagida, a renowned fashion designer who recognizes his talent. This opens doors for him to participate in fashion contests, where he encounters fellow designers and models.
The anime delves into the personal and professional growth of Chiyuki and Ikuto, shedding light on their intricate relationships with other characters.
It offers a realistic portrayal of the fashion world, exploring themes such as intense competition, societal pressure, critical evaluations, and lofty expectations. Additionally, the narrative touches on the broader themes of passion, friendship, familial bonds, and the pursuit of self-expression.
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Official Trailer for Smile Down the Runway Season 2
The anime’s second season trailer is yet to be unveiled since there hasn’t been an official renewal or announcement. The first season’s trailer was released in December 2019 and can be viewed here.
In the event of the second season’s confirmation, we anticipate a trailer to drop a few months prior to the premiere, following the pattern set by the initial season.
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Where to Watch Smile Down the Runway
The inaugural season of the anime can be viewed on several streaming services like Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation.
Additionally, it is purchasable or available for rent on digital platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Google Play Movies. The anime offers both Japanese and English audio choices, along with subtitles in various languages.
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Smile Down the Runway’s IMDb Ratings
As per MyAnimeList, Smile Down the Runway boasts a rating of 7.61 out of 10 from over 50,000 votes. Additionally, it secured a place among the top 10 most popular anime of the winter 2020 season on Crunchyroll. Furthermore, the anime has earned an impressive IMDb rating of 7.4 out of 10.
Final Words
Smile Down the Runway is an anime series that delves into the aspirations and hurdles faced by two budding fashion enthusiasts, Chiyuki and Ikuto.
Critics and fans alike praised the first season, and anticipation is building for a second season slated for 2023. The series is accessible on various platforms and boasts a commendable IMDb rating. Smile Down the Runway stands out as a showcase of passion, creativity, and self-expression.
Feel free to share your thoughts on this anime in the comments. Additionally, don’t forget to explore our website for information on other engaging anime.
