'Yuri!!! on Ice' season 2 release date: writer Mitsurō Kubo comments on sequel production next year

With "Yuri!!! on Ice" having a couple of episodes left before it wraps up its English dubbed version airing via Funimation, talks of a second season have already begun circulating online. One particular comment from Mitsurō Kubo has been fueling the fire hinting that the follow-up might arrive as early as next year.

It is no secret that the debut iteration of the figure skating-centric show has accumulated a legion of fans of its own. Given this, a "Yuri!!! on Ice" season 2 only sounds like a no-brainer especially with the amount of clamor the narrative has garnered from its local Japanese demographics to its international following base. So when show writer Kubo made some pretty optimistic comments about the possibility of the sequel, the internet lit up with anticipation.

In a now prevalent interview excerpt rounding social platform, Tumblr, the manga writer was quoted about starting her work "Yuri!!! on Ice" as soon as the year turns. This poses the possibility that new content from the anime will soon don the airwaves in 2017, that is, if there will be no snag in a seemingly flawless production.

"For the rest of this year I'll be pouring all my energy into "Yuri!!! on ICE," but I do plan on cheering for the matches on tv and online!! I have a lot of plans in the works with the director for next year... including the wish to create a sequel," Kubo excitedly shared. "So I'm doing my best and working hard for that reason!!"

What makes "Yuri!!! on Ice" very special is the fact that it is an original story directly translated through the small screens. Unlike most anime series, the show's premise and overall story arc are not mined from an existing comic book or manga. Therefore, the freshness of its story and the element of surprise add to its appeal to the masses. The story revolves around main protagonist Yuri whose story feels more grounded as it treads the ups and downs of life. After suffering a massive failure in his endeavor to become a Grand Prix champion, he comes home to Kyushu ready to hang the skates. Only to be found by his idol, famous Russian figure skater Viktor Nikiforov, who in turn offered to coach him.

It is important to note that while Kubo was quoted on her comments, no official confirmation on "Yuri!!! on Ice" has been made.