This article is about the light novel series. For the anime, see Classroom of the Elite (TV series).
Classroom of the Elite
Ja kanjiようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ
Ja romajiYōkoso Jitsuryoku Shijōshugi no Kyōshitsu e
GenrePsychological thriller[1]
Classroom of the Elite
light novel
AuthorShōgo Kinugasa
IllustratorShunsaku Tomose
PublisherMedia Factory
ImprintMF Bunko J
FirstMay 25, 2015
LastSeptember 25, 2019
Volumes11[a]
Classroom of the Elite
manga
AuthorShōgo Kinugasa
IllustratorYuyu Ichino
PublisherMedia Factory
MagazineMonthly Comic Alive
FirstJanuary 27, 2016
Volumes12
Classroom of the Elite: Horikita
manga
AuthorShōgo Kinugasa
IllustratorSakagaki
PublisherMedia Factory
MagazineMonthly Comic Alive
FirstJune 27, 2017
LastMay 26, 2018
Volumes2
Classroom of the Elite: Year 2
light novel
AuthorShōgo Kinugasa
IllustratorShunsaku Tomose
PublisherMedia Factory
ImprintMF Bunko J
FirstJanuary 24, 2020
LastNovember 25, 2024
Volumes12[b]
Classroom of the Elite: Year 2
manga
AuthorShōgo Kinugasa
IllustratorShia Sasane
PublisherMedia Factory
MagazineMonthly Comic Alive
FirstDecember 25, 2021
LastDecember 26, 2024
Volumes4
Classroom of the Elite: Year 3
light novel
AuthorShōgo Kinugasa
IllustratorShunsaku Tomose
PublisherMedia Factory
ImprintMF Bunko J
FirstMarch 24, 2025
Volumes4
Classroom of the Elite: Year 2 2nd Stage
manga
AuthorShōgo Kinugasa
IllustratorHachi Komada
PublisherMedia Factory
MagazineMonthly Comic Alive
FirstJanuary 27, 2025
Volumes2

Classroom of the Elite (ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ, Yōkoso Jitsuryoku Shijōshugi no Kyōshitsu e, lit. 'Welcome to the Classroom of Real Ability Supremacism'), abbreviated as Yōjitsu (よう実) in Japan, is a Japanese light novel series written by Shōgo Kinugasa, with illustrations by Shunsaku Tomose. The series is published under Media Factory's MF Bunko J imprint, with Classroom of the Elite: Year 1 published from May 2015 to September 2019; followed by its sequel Classroom of the Elite: Year 2 (ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ 2年生編, Yōkoso Jitsuryoku Shijōshugi no Kyōshitsu e Ninensei-hen, lit. 'Welcome to the Classroom of Real Ability Supremacism Second-Year Students Edition') published from January 2020 to November 2024, as well as the follow-up Classroom of the Elite: Year 3 (ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ 3年生編, Yōkoso Jitsuryoku Shijōshugi no Kyōshitsu e Sannensei-hen, lit. 'Welcome to the Classroom of Real Ability Supremacism Third-Year Students Edition'), which began publishing in March 2025.

Set in the prestigious elite national high school 'Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing School' established by the Japanese government, the story is about students assigned to four classes in the hierarchical order of 'A' 'B' 'C' and 'D', who are in constant competition over their three years of schooling to decide which gets to ultimately graduate in 'Class A', whose graduating members are said to be promised automatic acceptance in any desired career path or further education.

A manga adaptation by Yuyu Ichino began its serialization in Media Factory's Monthly Comic Alive on January 27, 2016. A manga adaptation of the sequel light novel series illustrated by Shia Sasane began serialization in the same magazine in December 2021. An anime television series adaptation produced by Lerche aired from July to September 2017, with the second season aired in July to September 2022, and the third season aired from January to March 2024. The fourth season premiered in April 2026.

The series has received widespread critical acclaim and has sold over 10.8 million copies in circulation, as one of the best-selling light novels.

Plot

See also: List of Classroom of the Elite characters

The Japanese government has established the Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing School, dedicated to instruct and foster the generation of people that will support the country in the future. The students are given a high degree of freedom in order to closely mimic real life. The story follows the perspective of Kiyotaka Ayanokōji, a quiet and modest boy, who is bad at making friends and would rather keep his distance, but possesses unrivaled intelligence and incredible physical ability. He is a student of Class 'D', which is where the school dumps its inferior students, widely considered "defective". After meeting Suzune Horikita and Kikyō Kushida, two other students in his class, the situation begins to change, and he gets involved in many affairs and his thought of an ideal normal high school life is disrupted.

Media

Light novels

Classroom of the Elite

Written by Shōgo Kinugasa and illustrated by Shunsaku Tomose, the series is published by Media Factory, which published eleven volumes, along with three short story volumes from May 25, 2015, to September 25, 2019, under the MF Bunko J imprint.[2] Seven Seas Entertainment has licensed the series.[3] On February 17, 2021, Seven Seas announced it released a new version of volume seven, due to the localization decisions in the original omitting several paragraphs.[4]

Classroom of the Elite: Year 2

A sequel light novel series titled Classroom of the Elite: Year 2 (ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ 2年生編, Yōkoso Jitsuryoku Shijōshugi no Kyōshitsu e Ninensei-hen, lit. "Welcome to the Classroom of Merito-Supremacism: Second-Year Students Edition") was published under the MF Bunko J imprint from January 2020 to November 2024,[5] which concluded with twelve main volumes and three short story volumes.[6] Seven Seas Entertainment has also licensed Year 2.[7]

Classroom of the Elite: Year 3

A sequel light novel series titled Classroom of the Elite: Year 3 (ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ 3年生編, Yōkoso Jitsuryoku Shijōshugi no Kyōshitsu e Sannensei-hen, lit. 'Welcome to the Classroom of Real Ability Supremacism Third-Year Students Edition') has been published under the MF Bunko J imprint since March 2025.[8] Seven Seas Entertainment has also licensed Year 3.

Manga

Classroom of the Elite

A manga adaptation illustrated by Yuyu Ichino began serialization in Media Factory's Monthly Comic Alive magazine on January 27, 2016, and has been collected in twelve tankōbon volumes as of February 22, 2022. Seven Seas Entertainment has also licensed the manga, with the first volume released in February 2022.[9]

Classroom of the Elite: Horikita

A spin-off manga illustrated by Sakagaki and featuring Suzune Horikita was serialized in Monthly Comic Alive from June 2017 to May 2018, with its chapters collected in two tankōbon volumes.[10] At Anime Expo 2022, Seven Seas Entertainment announced that they licensed the spin-off for English publication.[11]

Classroom of the Elite: Year 2

A manga adaptation of the sequel light novel series illustrated by Shia Sasane was serialized in the Monthly Comic Alive magazine from December 25, 2021, to December 26, 2024.[12][13] It was collected in four tankōbon volumes, and released from June 22, 2022, to January 22, 2025.

Classroom of the Elite: Year 2 2nd Stage

A sequel manga to the manga adaptation of the Year 2 light novels illustrated by Hachi Komada began serialization in the Monthly Comic Alive magazine on January 27, 2025.[13] The first tankōbon volume was released on August 21, 2025.

Anime

Main article: Classroom of the Elite (TV series)

An anime television series adaptation aired from July 12 to September 27, 2017, on AT-X and other networks.[14][15] Seiji Kishi and Hiroyuki Hashimoto directed the series at Lerche, Aoi Akashiro handled the series composition, Kazuaki Morita designed the characters, and Ryo Takahashi composed the music.[16][17] The opening theme song is "Caste Room", performed by ZAQ, while the ending theme song is "Beautiful Soldier", performed by Minami.[15][18] Crunchyroll streamed the series[19] and Funimation streamed the English dub.[20] iQIYI added the series onto its platform, Q3, and the Thai dub in 2022.[21]

On February 21, 2022, it was announced that a sequel was in production,[22] which was later revealed to have two seasons, with Lerche returning as the studio. The second season is directed by Yoshihito Nishōji, with Kishi and Hashimoto serving as chief directors, Hayato Kazano replacing Akashiro as screenwriter, and Morita returning as character designer. Masaru Yokoyama and Kana Hashiguchi replaced Takahashi, and served as music composers. The second season aired from July 4 to September 26, 2022. The opening theme song is "Dance in the Game", performed by ZAQ, while the ending theme song is "Hito Shibai" (人芝居), performed by Mai Fuchigami.[17][23] The third season was originally scheduled for 2023,[17] but was delayed, and eventually aired from January 3 to March 27, 2024.[24][25] The third season's opening theme song is "Minor Piece", performed by ZAQ, while the ending theme song is "Konsei Dai Kakumei" (今世大革命, "The Great Revolution of this World"), performed by Yui Ninomiya.[26]

A fourth season, covering the first semester of the Year 2 sequel light novel series, was announced during the "MF Bunko J Natsu no Gakuensai 2024" livestream event on September 1, 2024.[27] It is produced by Lerche and directed by Noriyuki Nomata, with the rest of the staff and cast reprising their roles. The fourth season premiered on April 1, 2026.[28] The fourth season's opening theme song is "MONSTER", performed by Eir Aoi, while the ending theme song is "Liar Veil" (ライアーヴェール), performed by ZAQ.[29]

Notes

  1. ^ Fourteen light novels in total have been released including three short story collections.
  2. ^ Fifteen light novels in total have been released including three short story collections.

References

  1. ^ Fobian, Peter (July 27, 2017). "Social Experiments and Psychological Thrills in Classroom of the Elite". Crunchyroll News. Archived July 23, 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 29, 2019.
  2. ^ "MF文庫J『ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ』公式サイト" (in Japanese). youkosozitsuryoku.com. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  3. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (July 8, 2018). "Seven Seas Adds Railgun, Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, Orphen Spinoff Manga; 3 Light Novel Series". Anime News Network. Archived August 1, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  4. ^ Morrissy, Kim (February 17, 2021). "Seven Seas Addresses Mushoku Tensei, Classroom of the Elite Light Novel Localization Changes (Updated)". Anime News Network. Archived February 17, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  5. ^ "MF文庫J『ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ 2年生編』" (in Japanese). youkosozitsuryoku-2nd.com. Archived October 7, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  6. ^ "KADOKAWA Corporation" (in Japanese). Media Factory. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  7. ^ "Same School, Second Year: Seven Seas Licenses CLASSROOM OF THE ELITE: YEAR 2 Light Novel Series". Seven Seas Entertainment. 22 September 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  8. ^ "MF文庫J『ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ 3年生編』" (in Japanese). youkosozitsuryoku-3rd.com. Archived March 6, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  9. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (June 29, 2021). "Seven Seas Licenses Classroom of the Elite, My Next Life as a Villainess Side Story Manga". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  10. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (May 27, 2018). "Classroom of the Elite Spinoff Manga Focusing on Suzune Ends". Anime News Network. Archived February 4, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  11. ^ Hazra, Adriana (July 2, 2022). "Seven Seas Licenses Raven of the Inner Palace, The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife, 10 More Titles". Anime News Network. Archived July 2, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  12. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (December 4, 2021). "Classroom of the Elite: Year 2 Novels Get Manga on December 25". Anime News Network. Archived July 6, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
  13. ^ Tai, Anita (December 26, 2024). "1st Classroom of the Elite: Year 2 Manga Ends, Gets '2nd Stage' Sequel Manga With New Artist". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  14. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (May 1, 2017). "Yōkoso Jitsuryoku Shijō Shugi no Kyōshitsu e Light Novel Series Gets TV Anime in July". Anime News Network. Archived December 6, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  15. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (June 12, 2017). "Yōkoso Jitsuryoku Shijō Shugi no Kyōshitsu e Anime Reveals Ending Theme Artist, July 12 Debut". Anime News Network. Archived January 1, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  16. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (May 8, 2017). "Yōkoso Jitsuryoku Shijō Shugi no Kyōshitsu e TV Anime Reveals Staff". Anime News Network. Archived May 13, 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  17. ^ Loo, Egan (March 6, 2022). "Classroom of the Elite TV Anime's Video Announces 2 More Seasons in July 2022 & 2023". Anime News Network. Archived March 6, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
  18. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (June 24, 2017). "Classroom of the Elite Anime's Promo Video Previews ZAQ's Theme Song (Updated)". Anime News Network. Archived June 24, 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 24, 2017.
  19. ^ Ressler, Karen (June 27, 2017). "Crunchyroll to Stream A Centaur's Life, Classroom of the Elite, Restaurant to Another World, Saiyuki Reload Blast Anime". Anime News Network. Archived November 9, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
  20. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (July 2, 2017). "Funimation Reveals Summer Simuldub Lineup". Anime News Network. Archived November 9, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  21. ^ iQIYI (4 July 2022). "CLASSROOM OF THE ELITE S2 EPISODE 1". iQIYI. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  22. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (February 21, 2022). "Classroom of the Elite TV Anime Gets Sequel". Anime News Network. Archived February 21, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  23. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (May 30, 2022). "Classroom of the Elite Anime's 2nd Season Premieres on July 4". Anime News Network. Archived June 19, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
  24. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (June 22, 2023). "Classroom of the Elite Anime Season 3 Delayed to January 2024". Anime News Network. Archived June 23, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  25. ^ Loo, Egan (November 24, 2023). "Classroom of the Elite Anime's 3rd Season Slated for January 3". Anime News Network. Archived November 24, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  26. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 15, 2023). "Classroom of the Elite Anime's 3rd Season's Video Reveals Theme Song Artists". Anime News Network. Archived December 15, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  27. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (September 1, 2024). "Classroom of the Elite Anime Gets 4th Season Covering 1st Semester of 2nd Year". Anime News Network. Archived September 1, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  28. ^ Tai, Anita (November 16, 2025). "Classroom of the Elite Season 4 Anime Unveils April Premiere, Trailer, Key Visual, Cast". Anime News Network. Retrieved November 16, 2025.
  29. ^ Cayanan, Joanna (February 23, 2026). "Classroom of the Elite Season 4's 2nd Video Reveals Song Artists, 90-Minute April 1 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved February 23, 2026.