Oh, Noragami fans, my heart aches with you. It’s been nearly a decade since Noragami Aragoto graced our screens in 2015, leaving us dangling on a cliffhanger with Yato’s divine drama unresolved. I still remember binge-watching the first season on Crunchyroll, popcorn in hand, completely hooked on Yato’s scrappy charm and Hiyori’s soul-slipping struggles. The second season? Even better—those Bishamon arcs hit like a storm. But now, as we sit in 2025, the burning question remains: will Noragami Season 3 ever see the light of day? Let’s dive into the scraps of info we have, piece together the puzzle, and dare to dream about Yato’s next chapter.
The Long Silence: What We Know So Far
Let’s start with the cold, hard truth: there’s no official announcement for Noragami Season 3. I scoured the web, hoping for a glimmer of hope from Studio Bones, the official Noragami website, or even a cryptic tweet from their social media. Nothing. The silence is deafening, and it’s been this way since Aragoto wrapped up. The 10th-anniversary celebration in 2024, announced at Anime Expo, got our hopes sky-high—new visuals, a memorial Blu-ray box, and a Yato birthday illustration by Adachitoka! But when the countdown ended on August 10, 2024 (Yato Day, no less), it delivered no Season 3 news, just more merch and a side project. Fans flooded social media with disappointment, and I felt that gut-punch too.
So, what’s holding things back? Studio Bones, the animation powerhouse behind My Hero Academia and Bungou Stray Dogs, seems too busy chasing bigger fish. Noragami’s manga sales have also taken a hit—dropping from 200,000 to 45,000 per volume by 2022—which doesn’t scream “profitable” to studio execs. A two-year manga hiatus from 2017 to 2019 didn’t help either, stalling momentum. Add to that the harsh reality of the anime industry: profit often trumps passion. It’s infuriating to think Yato’s story might be sidelined because it’s not a cash cow like Demon Slayer.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Noragami remains a fan favorite, ranking 27th on MyAnimeList’s all-time popularity chart—a feat for a series that hasn’t aired in years. The manga, which wrapped up in 2024 with 27 volumes, has sold over 8 million copies, proving there’s still a loyal fanbase. And let’s not forget the source material—there’s enough manga content (volumes 10–27) for at least two more seasons of Yato, Hiyori, and Yukine’s adventures. The story’s there, waiting to be animated. So why hasn’t anyone pulled the trigger?
The Story Left Hanging: Where Season 3 Could Take Us
If you haven’t read the manga past Aragoto, tread lightly—spoilers lurk! The second season covered volumes 5–9, leaving Yato’s battle with his father and Hiyori’s soul dilemma unresolved. Season 3 would likely pick up with volume 10, diving into darker, more emotional territory. Yato’s ties to his father, the mysterious “Father” figure pulling strings, would take center stage. Hiyori’s struggle to balance her human life with her half-phantom existence would deepen, and Yukine’s growth as Yato’s shinki would bring more heart-wrenching moments.
The manga’s later arcs explore Yato’s past, his ties to Nora, and the gods’ complex hierarchy. Expect epic battles, divine betrayals, and maybe even a hint of romance between Yato and Hiyori (come on, we’re all rooting for it). The manga’s conclusion in 2024 ties up these threads beautifully, but as anime-only fans, we’re stuck craving closure. I can already imagine Studio Bones animating Yato’s flashy combat moves and Hiyori’s soul slipping into the Far Shore—give us those visuals, please!
The Rumors and False Hopes
Back in 2020, X posts lit up with claims that Noragami Season 3 was in development, with release dates tossed around like “Spring 2021” or “Fall 2021.” Some even claimed MAPPA was taking over from Bones. Spoiler alert: it was all fake news. These posts, often tied to April Fools’ pranks or unverified sources, spread like wildfire, only to crush fans’ hopes. I fell for one myself, refreshing Twitter for updates that never came. Lesson learned—don’t trust random X posts. If you see similar rumors floating around, check the official Noragami website or Studio Bones’ channels before getting your hopes up.
More recently, the 10th-anniversary hype sparked speculation, especially after Avex Pictures included Noragami in their Anime Expo 2024 lineup. Fans thought it was a tease for Season 3, but the lack of follow-through left us empty-handed. It’s a pattern with Noragami—every big event feels like it could be the moment, only to fizzle out. I’m begging you, Studio Bones, stop toying with our emotions.
Forecasting the Future: Will Season 3 Ever Happen?
Here’s where we get speculative, because that’s all we’ve got. The odds aren’t great, but they’re not zero. On the plus side, the manga’s completion in 2024 could be a catalyst—finished manga often get anime adaptations to boost sales, and Noragami’s 27 volumes offer plenty of material. The fanbase is still vocal, with petitions circulating online (search for them and sign if you’re as desperate as I am!). And revivals aren’t unheard of—look at Bleach, which returned after a decade.
On the downside, the declining manga sales and Studio Bones’ packed schedule (My Hero Academia isn’t going anywhere) make Noragami a risky bet. If Season 3 were greenlit today, production timelines suggest a release no earlier than late 2026 or 2027, given the two-year gap between Noragami’s first and second seasons. Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll or Funimation could also tip the scales—Noragami’s strong viewership online might convince a platform to fund a revival.
So, my prediction? I’d say there’s a 30% chance of Season 3 in the next few years. It’s a long shot, but the source material, fan love, and industry trends keep the spark alive. If it doesn’t happen by 2027, though, I fear Yato’s story might stay stranded in limbo forever.
What’s Left for Us Stray God Fans?
So, where does this leave us? Heartbroken, but not hopeless. Noragami’s first two seasons are streaming on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Amazon Prime Video (sorry, Netflix US fans, you’re out of luck). I rewatched Aragoto recently, and Yato’s quips still make me laugh, while Hiyori’s courage gives me chills. If you’re craving more, dive into the manga—Kodansha USA’s English omnibus editions start at volume 10 where the anime left off. It’s not the same as seeing Yato animated, but it’s a way to keep the story alive.
I’m furious at Studio Bones for leaving us hanging. How can they pour resources into other projects while Yato, Hiyori, and Yukine gather dust? There’s a goldmine of story waiting—epic battles, emotional stakes, and a chance to finish what they started. But I’m also clinging to hope. Maybe a streaming giant will swoop in. Maybe the manga’s end will spark a revival. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll see Yato’s goofy grin on our screens again.
Are We Still Believing in Miracles?
In the end, Noragami Season 3 feels like a prayer to a stray god—uncertain, but full of heart. The lack of an announcement stings, and the industry’s focus on profit over passion is a bitter pill. Yet, the manga’s depth, the fans’ passion, and the faint chance of a revival keep me holding on. I’m not ready to give up on Yato, and neither should you. Sign those petitions, rewatch the series, scream about it on social media—let’s make some noise! And if you hear any rumors, don’t just believe them—dig into the official sources like I did. Together, we’ll keep the divine spark alive. So, tell me, fellow otaku: are you still praying for Noragami’s miracle? I know I am.
