Noragami Season 3: Release Updates & What We Know Now
Noragami Season 3 is not confirmed as of April 2025. Despite the manga concluding in 2024, Studio Bones has made no announcements about continuing the anime adaptation that last aired in 2015.
The Current Status of Noragami Season 3
The anime adaptation of Noragami has captured the hearts of many fans since its debut in January 2014. The series, based on the manga by Adachitoka, follows the story of Yato, a minor deity without a shrine who dreams of having millions of worshippers. The second season, titled Noragami Aragoto, aired in October 2015, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a third season for nearly a decade now.
Official Confirmation Status
As of April 5, 2025, there has been no official confirmation regarding Noragami Season 3. Studio Bones, the animation studio behind the first two seasons, has remained silent about any plans to continue the series. This lack of communication has left fans in a state of uncertainty, with many wondering if they’ll ever see the continuation of Yato, Hiyori, and Yukine’s story in animated form.
The 10th-anniversary celebration of the anime in 2024 brought a Blu-ray box set and YouTube streams of previous episodes but disappointingly did not include any announcements about a new season. This milestone would have been the perfect opportunity to announce a continuation if one was planned, making the silence even more telling.
Rumors and Speculation
Over the years, numerous rumors have circulated about Noragami Season 3. In 2020, there was widespread speculation that the third season would be released in 2021. However, these rumors proved to be false, as no official announcement was made by Studio Bones or any other reliable source.
It’s important for fans to verify information from official sources such as the animation studio’s website, the manga publisher’s announcements, or verified social media accounts of those involved with the production. Unofficial claims about release dates often lead to disappointment.
Why Noragami Season 3 Hasn’t Happened Yet
Several factors contribute to the long delay in producing a third season of Noragami, despite its popularity and the availability of source material.
Declining Sales and Profitability
One of the primary reasons for the delay appears to be financial. The Blu-ray sales for Noragami Aragoto (Season 2) were significantly lower than those for the first season. Season 1 sold approximately 4,400 copies, while Season 2 only managed to sell around 1,800 copies. This substantial drop in sales may have made producers hesitant to invest in another season.
In the anime industry, Blu-ray and DVD sales have traditionally been important metrics for determining a show’s success and whether it warrants continuation. With streaming becoming more prevalent, this model has changed somewhat, but sales figures still matter to production committees when making decisions about future seasons.
Manga Publication Hiatus
The Noragami manga experienced a hiatus between 2017 and 2019 due to health issues affecting one of the creators. This pause in the source material likely contributed to the delay in producing a new season of the anime. Production committees often prefer to have a significant buffer of published manga content before committing to new anime seasons.
The interruption in the manga’s publication schedule may have caused momentum to be lost both for the series itself and for any plans to continue the anime adaptation. By the time the manga resumed regular publication, Studio Bones may have already committed to other projects.
Studio Bones’ Other Commitments
Studio Bones, the animation studio responsible for Noragami, has been busy with numerous other successful projects in recent years. Their work on series like My Hero Academia, which has become a global phenomenon, has likely taken priority over reviving older properties like Noragami.
Animation studios have limited resources and must carefully choose which projects to pursue. When faced with the choice between continuing a series with declining sales or focusing on newer, more profitable properties, business considerations often dictate the latter option.
Source Material: Manga Status and Content
The Noragami manga provides ample material for additional seasons of the anime, which is one positive factor for those hoping to see Season 3 eventually materialize.
Manga Completion Status
The Noragami manga concluded in 2024 after running for approximately 14 years. It reached a total of 26 volumes, providing a complete story with a definitive ending. This completion could potentially work in favor of a new anime season, as producers now have the entire story available to plan adaptations without worrying about catching up to the source material.
Available Content for Adaptation
The first two seasons of the Noragami anime adapted approximately 9 volumes of the manga, ending around Chapter 38. This means there are roughly 16 volumes of content that remain unadapted, providing enough material for multiple additional seasons.
If a third season were to follow the pacing of previous seasons, it would likely cover Volumes 10-14, focusing on the storylines involving Yato’s father and the continued development of the main characters’ relationships. The wealth of remaining content means that, from a source material perspective, there are no obstacles to continuing the anime.
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Potential Plot for Noragami Season 3
If Noragami Season 3 were to be produced, it would likely pick up where Season 2 left off and delve deeper into several compelling storylines from the manga.
Yato’s Past and Father
Season 2 ended with the revelation that Fujisaki, a classmate of Hiyori, is actually Yato’s father and now possesses the brush that belonged to the god Ebisu. A third season would explore this relationship in depth, revealing more about Yato’s mysterious past and the true nature of his father’s plans.
The manga delves into how Yato struggles with his identity as a god of calamity and his desire to become a god of fortune instead. This internal conflict forms a central theme in the later volumes, as Yato attempts to break free from his father’s influence and forge his own path.
Character Development
The potential third season would also continue the development of the main trio: Yato, Hiyori, and Yukine. Their relationships grow more complex in the manga as they face new challenges and revelations.
Hiyori’s commitment to Yato is tested as she learns more about his past, while Yukine faces his own trials as Yato’s Regalia. The bond between these three characters continues to be the emotional core of the story, with significant developments that would make for compelling animated content.
Divine Politics and Conflicts
The later volumes of the manga expand on the politics and conflicts among the gods, with Yato becoming increasingly involved in divine affairs. The Heavenly Council and their attitudes toward both Yato and his father create tension and drive much of the plot forward.
Nora (or Hiiro), Yato’s former Regalia, also plays a significant role in these conflicts, with her loyalty to Yato’s father putting her at odds with the main characters. Her complex relationship with Yato would be a focal point of any potential third season.
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Fan Demand and Community Response
Despite the long wait, the Noragami fandom remains active and hopeful for a continuation of the anime series.
Ongoing Popularity
Noragami continues to maintain a dedicated fanbase years after the last season aired. The series has an impressive 7.9/10 rating on IMDb, indicating strong viewer appreciation. Online communities dedicated to the series remain active, with fans discussing the manga, sharing artwork, and speculating about the possibility of a third season.
This enduring popularity suggests that there would be an audience for a new season if it were to be produced. In the age of streaming, older anime series have sometimes found new life when producers recognize continued fan interest.
Social Media Campaigns
Fans have occasionally organized social media campaigns using hashtags like #NoragamiSeason3 to express their desire for the series to continue. While these efforts haven’t yet resulted in an official announcement, they demonstrate the passionate community that still supports the series.
In some cases, fan campaigns have successfully influenced production decisions for other anime series. However, these decisions ultimately come down to business considerations rather than fan enthusiasm alone.
Alternatives for Fans Awaiting Season 3
While waiting for news about a potential third season, fans of Noragami have several options to continue enjoying the story and similar content.
Reading the Manga
The most direct way to continue the Noragami story is to read the manga. Starting from Volume 10 would pick up approximately where the anime left off. The manga is available in both print and digital formats, with official English translations accessible through various retailers.
Reading the manga not only provides closure to the story but also offers additional details and character development that might not make it into an animated adaptation even if one is eventually produced.
Similar Anime Recommendations
For those looking for anime with similar themes or styles to Noragami, several series might appeal to the same audience:
- Mob Psycho 100: Features supernatural elements with a mix of action, comedy, and character growth
- Kekkai Sensen (Blood Blockade Battlefront): Urban fantasy with supernatural beings living alongside humans
- Bungou Stray Dogs: Supernatural abilities in a modern setting with action and character-driven stories
- Kyoukai no Kanata (Beyond the Boundary): Supernatural action with a focus on relationships between characters
These series share elements with Noragami such as supernatural themes, action sequences, and character-driven narratives that balance serious moments with humor.
The Future of Noragami Season 3
While the current outlook for Noragami Season 3 isn’t particularly promising, several factors could potentially influence its production in the future.
Potential Timeline
If Noragami Season 3 were to be announced in the near future, the earliest possible release date would likely be 2026 or later. Anime production typically takes at least a year from announcement to release, and there’s currently no indication that production has begun.
The completion of the manga might actually improve the chances for a new season, as it provides a complete story arc that could be adapted without concerns about catching up to ongoing source material. However, the significant gap since the last season aired makes a revival increasingly unlikely with each passing year.
Streaming Platform Influence
The rise of streaming platforms has changed the anime industry significantly. Services like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and others have sometimes funded continuations of series that traditional production committees had abandoned.
If a major streaming platform were to take interest in Noragami, recognizing its existing fanbase and the potential to attract new viewers with a complete adaptation, this could potentially lead to a revival of the anime. However, no such interest has been publicly expressed as of April 2025.
Industry Trends and Revivals
The anime industry has seen several surprising revivals in recent years, with series receiving new seasons after long hiatuses. Examples include The Devil is a Part-Timer! getting a second season after eight years and Bleach returning with the Thousand-Year Blood War arc after a decade-long break.
These precedents suggest that Noragami Season 3 isn’t entirely impossible, especially given the completed manga and existing fanbase. However, each revival case is unique, and the specific circumstances that led to those continuations may not apply to Noragami.
Frequently Asked Questions About Noragami Season 3
Why did Noragami stop after Season 2?
Noragami likely stopped after Season 2 due to a combination of factors including declining Blu-ray sales, the manga’s publication hiatus, and Studio Bones prioritizing other projects. The second season sold fewer copies than the first, which may have made producers hesitant to invest in another season.
Is there enough manga content for Noragami Season 3?
Yes, there is abundant manga content for multiple additional seasons of Noragami. The anime adapted roughly 9 volumes, while the complete manga consists of 26 volumes. This leaves approximately 16 volumes of unadapted material that could potentially fill several more seasons.
Did the Noragami manga finish?
Yes, the Noragami manga concluded in 2024 after running for approximately 14 years. It reached a total of 26 volumes, providing a complete story with a definitive ending for all the main characters and plotlines.
Where can I watch Noragami Seasons 1 and 2?
Noragami Seasons 1 and 2 are available on various streaming platforms depending on your region. Common platforms include Crunchyroll, Funimation (now part of Crunchyroll), and Hulu. Always check the current availability as streaming rights can change over time.
Who are the main characters in Noragami?
The main characters in Noragami include:
- Yato: A minor deity without a shrine who dreams of having millions of worshippers
- Hiyori Iki: A middle school student whose soul frequently slips out of her body after an accident
- Yukine: Yato’s Regalia (divine weapon) who is the spirit of a deceased human
- Kofuku: A god of poverty who is friends with Yato
- Bishamon: A powerful war god who initially holds a grudge against Yato
- Nora/Hiiro: Yato’s former Regalia who maintains ties to his father
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
