Mayonaka Heart Tune Ep.12 - Second Season Announced! More Rikka and Iko!

Episode 12 of Mayonaka Heart Tune completes the story with another Rikka-centered episode. This was different from what we were expecting last week, but there is a very positive reason for it: they announced that the series will receive a second season in the near future. While there are still no details regarding the air date, we can assume it will be at least two seasons away given the current timing, with fall 2026 or winter 2027 being good candidates.

This final episode goes further into the Rikka storyline by introducing a new antagonist: Rikka’s former manager, who is now managing a rival group that appeared out of the blue in this episode. They will serve as the target Rikka must overcome to gain confidence in herself and become a full fledged artist.

I liked these stills as it showed the past between Rikka and her friend, but still felt like they were trying to save on budget.

Rikka was still more or less what we know right now even though she looked younger. Maybe it's the clothing as it doesn't really fit her much.

Rikka also manages to reconcile with her middle school friend, Aiko that was her music partner back then, and it seems we will be seeing more of her in the future as a supporting character. Every girl seems to have a rival or a supporting character introduced during their respective story arcs.

Iko has the other VTuber, who was hinted to be a fellow student at the end of her arc. Nene has her senior from the theater club, and Rikka has both her antagonistic former manager and Aiko. Only Uzuki does not seem to have a counterpart yet, but I suspect that will be developed in the second season.

Overall, I really enjoyed all the heroines in this story, with Iko and her quirky, cat-like personality ending up as my favorite. The adaptation was plagued with animation quality issues that I hope will be addressed in the second season. It is a shame to have such a strong cast and story only to have the animation fall short.

The main Apollo plot remains the most engaging element for me because it maintains the tension of the romantic race. Yamabuki still clearly remembers his time with Apollo fondly, and depending on what is revealed, it may change the course of their friendship in the future. "Who is Apollo?" is the question we'll be asking a lot in the second season.

Are they studying for school or for the song? Because Rikka seems troubled and I didn't expect her to be bad at school...

Uzuki's final picture was the most impactful for me among the four heroines. Could be the focus lens filter applied I guess?

I will definitely watch and provide weekly coverage for the new season once it arrives. In the meantime, I am still wondering if I should start reading the manga to see what happens beyond the anime adaptation. I will think it over and might make a post or two if I decide to go through with it.