Winter 2020 saw the release of the anime adaptation of Kyō Shirodaira's novel and manga, In/Spectre (known in Japan as Kyokō Suiri), a supernatural mystery with romantic elements. The story follows Kuro Sakuragawa after he is approached at a hospital by a girl named Kotoko Iwanaga, who is an intermediary between the human and supernatural worlds.
The anime was meant to have its second installment come out later this year during the Fall season; however, those plans are not to be. The new air date for the In/Spectre anime has been set for the following Winter.
The official website for the anime revealed the delay on May 2, slating a new airing date for January 2023. The studio in charge remains Brain's Base from the first season, and Keiji Gotō returns to direct the second season as well. The chief animation director for In/Spectre season 2 will also be the same as the first, with Kentarō Matsumoto assuming the role again. The reasons behind the delay are not yet known, as the official announcement cites "various reasons" for the delay; however, the production committee will likely release the relevant details through official channels when they have been decided.
In/Spectre follows the story of Kuro Sakuragawa in the wake of the end of a romantic relationship, when he's approached at the hospital by Kotoko Iwanaga, who claims to be in love with him. She also claims to be the bridge between the human and supernatural worlds, existing as the "Goddess of Wisdom". Kuro is skeptical at first, but when they engage in battle against an actual yōkai, he gets a glimpse into her perspective of their world, as he happens to be a special-grade yōkai himself. He then helps Kotoko in her various adventures keeping the peace between worlds as Goddess of Wisdom.
The first season of In/Spectre ran for 12 episodes from January to March 2020. It was available on Crunchyroll as a co-production with Japanese company NAS, with an English dub also being made available on the platform. Like with the first season, Crunchyroll will also stream In/Spectre season 2 when it is released in January 2023. Fans will be relieved to know that the delay will not be for too long, and the inclusion of an updated release window will ease any doubts about the series' continuation.