Classroom of the Elite Season 4: Meet the New First-Year Students (Year 2 Arc)

Season 4 of Classroom of the Elite is on the horizon, and it’s bringing a whole new level of intrigue, competition, and chaos with it. If you’ve been following the story closely, you’ll know that Ayanokōji has spent the last two years in a subtle battle for power, manipulating people from the shadows. But now, with the introduction of new first-year students, the stakes are higher than ever.

As we dive into the Year 2 arc, which is set to air in April 2026, let’s break down the key players and why this upcoming season is going to be a game-changer. New alliances, old enemies, and the constant threat to Kiyotaka Ayanokōji’s survival create an intense, unpredictable environment. Here’s everything you need to know about the new characters who will challenge everything Ayanokōji has built so far.

The New Faces: First-Year Students Who Will Shake Things Up

Season 4 introduces a batch of first-year students that will make your head spin. Let’s take a closer look at each of them, as they bring fresh chaos and mysteries to the already unpredictable world of Classroom of the Elite.

1. Tsubasa Nanase (Class 1-D)

At first glance, Tsubasa Nanase seems like the model student. Polite, well-mannered, and seemingly kind-hearted. But let’s be real — this is Classroom of the Elite. There’s always more beneath the surface. Nanase’s role is to keep Hōsen, the physically dominant student, in check, but her true motivation is far darker. She holds a personal grudge against Ayanokōji, believing that he is responsible for a tragedy involving someone close to her.

Voice Actor: Minako Sato.

Why She Matters: Her sense of justice clashes with the school’s brutal meritocracy, making her a wildcard in the power struggle.

2. Kazuomi Hōsen (Class 1-D)

If Ryūen was the dictator of the first year, Hōsen is the literal beast of Year 2. Standing tall and imposing, Hōsen is a violent powerhouse who isn’t afraid to use his physical strength to get what he wants. Ryūen may have ruled with manipulation, but Hōsen takes a different route: raw intimidation. His main goal early in the season is clear — to get Ayanokōji expelled, all for the enticing 20 million point reward.

Voice Actor: Hiroya Egashira.

Why He Matters: Hōsen will be one of the first true physical threats to Ayanokōji, forcing him to confront his enemies head-on.

3. Ichika Amasawa (Class 1-A)

Without a doubt, Ichika Amasawa is one of the most exciting new characters. She’s playful, seductive, and extremely intelligent. But more importantly, she seems to have a deeper knowledge of the White Room and its dark secrets, possibly more than anyone else in the series. Her motives are shrouded in mystery — is she an ally, or does she have her own agenda?

Voice Actor: Momoko Seto.

Why She Matters: Her obsession with Ayanokōji and her chaotic nature make her an unpredictable element that could tip the balance of power.

4. Takuya Yagami (Class 1-B)

At first, Takuya Yagami seems like the kind, soft-spoken type. But as COTE fans know all too well, appearances are often deceiving. Yagami has a deep connection to Kikyō Kushida and uses his knowledge of her past to manipulate her. His subtle, psychological manipulation will play a huge role in the battle for control of the school.

Voice Actor: Shinnosuke Tokudome.

Why He Matters: Yagami’s connection to Kushida and his quiet demeanor hide a dangerous manipulator.

5. Riku Utsunomiya and Sakurako Tsubaki (Class 1-C)

Not all first-year students are bombastic. Riku Utsunomiya is a tall, serious student with a strong sense of duty, especially when it comes to protecting his class from the chaos around them. Meanwhile, Sakurako Tsubaki is a quiet mastermind who controls Riku’s actions, plotting the best strategies to stay alive in a school where only the strong survive.

Voice Actors: Shogo Sakata (Riku), Iori Saeki (Sakurako).

Why They Matter: They represent the “defensive” side of the first-year classes, acting as tactical thinkers who will carefully navigate the battlefield.

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Why These First-Years Change Everything

The introduction of the first-year students is the perfect way to turn up the heat in Season 4. Here’s why these new characters will make or break the story:

• The 20 Million Point Bounty: The new acting director, Tsukishiro, has placed a massive bounty on Ayanokōji’s head: 20 million points for his expulsion. This is a game-changing twist that shifts the entire power dynamic.
• The Battle Royale Atmosphere: It’s not just about classroom rankings anymore. The first-year students aren’t only competing with each other; they are actively hunting down Ayanokōji. This creates dangerous new alliances, forcing even the likes of Hōhorikita and Ryūen to work together against a common enemy.
• The White Room Mystery: The White Room is at the heart of many of Ayanokōji’s secrets. As more characters like Ichika seem to have deep ties to this secretive institution, the mysteries will only grow more intense, with more players involved in the dark past that shapes the present.

The Production: A Promising Return

Fans have been waiting for the return of Classroom of the Elite, and Studio Lerche is bringing the heat with this new season. The premiere date is set for April 1, 2026, and it will kick off with a 90-minute special, ensuring that the first impressions won’t be rushed. With the increased complexity of the Year 2 arc, the season promises to be just as intelligent, intense, and unpredictable as ever.

Conclusion: The War Heats Up

Season 4 of Classroom of the Elite marks a massive shift in the series. No longer is Ayanokōji the lone strategist; now, he’s the target. With first-year students hunting him down and a dangerous bounty on his head, the stakes have never been higher. As new players enter the fray, alliances will shift, old rivals will return, and the game of power will become more deadly than ever. Buckle up — the Year 2 arc is about to change everything.