Kaguya-sama: Love Is War Announces New Year's Eve Special 'The Stairway to Adulthood' with Explosive First Trailer

The highly anticipated continuation of the Kaguya-sama: Love Is War franchise has been officially confirmed with the announcement of a new television special titled The Stairway to Adulthood. This year-end broadcast is scheduled to premiere on December 31, 2025, at 10:00 p.m. JST. The special will air across major Japanese networks, including Tokyo MX, BS11, and Tochigi TV.

The news was accompanied by the release of an official trailer, providing viewers with a preview of the special's narrative direction and musical elements. The footage confirms that A-1 Pictures, the studio responsible for the previous installments of the series, is returning to handle the production. This ensures the continuation of the established visual quality and comedic timing that the adaptation is known for.

The special's subtitle, The Stairway to Adulthood, hints at the narrative focus. As the members of the Shuchiin Academy student council approach graduation, this installment is expected to concentrate on significant developments in the relationship between Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane. The story will explore themes of personal growth and more mature emotional territory, moving beyond the intellectual battles that defined their earlier interactions.

Solidifying the franchise's distinct musical identity, veteran singer Masayuki Suzuki is once again contributing the opening theme. This marks his fifth consecutive involvement with the Kaguya-sama anime. The new track is titled “Abunai Kioku” (Dangerous Memory).

For this latest opening theme, Suzuki is collaborating with voice actress Aoi Koga, who provides the voice for Kaguya Shinomiya. This musical pairing ensures that the special’s presentation will be instantly recognizable and deeply resonant with established fans. Positioned strategically as a major New Year’s Eve broadcast, the special serves both as a celebratory event for long-time supporters of Aka Akasaka’s manga adaptation and a crucial narrative milestone.

The trailer effectively balances the expected character-driven comedy and intellectual dynamics between Kaguya and Miyuki with glimpses of the deeper, more introspective journey implied by the premise. Following this announcement, the anime’s official channels are anticipated to release further promotional materials, including details regarding international simulcast availability and the official release of the new theme single featuring Suzuki and Koga. Anticipation remains high for this landmark 2025 finale.