Finally! The wait for season 4 is almost over. I'm a big fan of Classroom of the Elite and I can't wait for this. The new first-years look interesting—the character designs are nice and it looks like they will add some more spice to the show. With Ayanokoji and the gang moving up to second-year status, the introduction of fresh faces promises to shake up the dynamics we've come to know.

The TV anime "Classroom of the Elite Season 4: Second Year Arc - First Semester" (Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e) has officially announced its premiere date of April 2026, alongside a massive information drop including new cast members, staff changes, a stunning key visual, and the first promotional video.

The six new first-year students joining Classroom of the Elite Season 4

Six New First-Year Students Join the Cast

The production has unveiled the voice cast for six crucial first-year students who will play significant roles in the upcoming season:

• Tsubasa Nanase - voiced by Minako Sato

• Kazuomi Hosen - voiced by Hiroya Egashira

• Ichika Amazawa - voiced by Momoko Seto

• Takuya Yagami - voiced by Shinnosuke Tokudome

• Sakurako Tsubaki - voiced by Iori Saeki

• Riku Utsunomiya - voiced by Shogo Sakata

Based on the character visuals released, these newcomers bring diverse personalities and designs that suggest they'll each have important roles to play as Ayanokoji navigates his second year at Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School.

Stunning Key Visual Features New and Returning Characters

Key visual for Classroom of the Elite Season 4: Second Year Arc showcasing the main cast on the stairs

The newly released key visual beautifully captures the transition into the second-year arc, prominently featuring three of the new first-year students who will be central to the story: Nanase, Tsubaki, and Amazawa. They're positioned alongside now-second-year students Ayanokoji and Horikita, symbolizing the shifting power dynamics and new challenges ahead.

The composition suggests these particular first-years will be key players in whatever schemes and conflicts await in the coming semester—and knowing Classroom of the Elite, there will be plenty of both.

First PV Showcases New Character Voices

The first promotional video gives fans their first chance to hear the new first-year characters in action, offering glimpses of their personalities and how they'll interact with the established cast. The PV sets the tone for what promises to be another season of intense psychological battles and strategic maneuvering.

The first PV of the TV anime “『Welcome to the class where ability is paramount 』4th Season 2nd grade 1st semester”

Staff Changes for Season 4

The production has announced some key staff changes for the fourth season:

• Director: Noriyuki Noyoshi (new)

• Series Composition: Yasushi Shigenobu

• Script: Yasushi Shigenobu and Kyoko Katsuji

• Animation Production: Lerche (continuing)

While Lerche continues to handle animation production, maintaining visual consistency with previous seasons, the new directorial leadership could bring fresh perspectives to the adaptation.

Valentine's Day Event Announced

Fans in Tokyo will have something special to look forward to even before the anime airs. From February 6-23, 2026, an event titled "Classroom of the Elite Festa Valentine 2026 Which Would You Choose: Angel or Devil?" will be held at Marui Yurakucho in Tokyo.

The event features a special illustration drawn by original character designer Tomose Shunsaku with the theme of "Angels and Demons," adding an intriguing romantic angle to the typically strategy-focused series. The timing perfectly builds hype leading into the April premiere.

Returning Cast

The main cast returns to reprise their roles:

• Kiyotaka Ayanokoji - Shoya Chiba

• Suzune Horikita - Akari Kito

• Megumi Karuizawa - Ayana Taketatsu

• Kikyo Kushida - Yurika Kubo

• Sho Ryuen - Masaaki Mizumi

• Honami Ichinose - Nao Higashiyama

• Arisu Sakayanagi - Rina Hidaka

About Classroom of the Elite

Classroom of the Elite follows Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, a seemingly ordinary student at Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School—a prestigious institution where students are ranked entirely by merit and ability. However, Ayanokoji hides extraordinary intelligence and capabilities, preferring to manipulate events from the shadows rather than seeking direct recognition.

The series has captivated audiences with its psychological warfare, strategic battles between classes, and complex character relationships. As the story progresses into the second-year arc, the stakes grow higher and Ayanokoji's true nature becomes increasingly difficult to conceal.

The introduction of new first-year students while our protagonists move up creates exciting possibilities for mentorship dynamics, new rivalries, and fresh challenges. Which of the new first-years are you most interested in? Do you think any of them will see through Ayanokoji's facade? Share your theories in the comments below!