A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Arrived Over the Festive Season
The winter break present a multitude of pastimes considerably more enjoyable than scanning the latest news: discovering surprises, indulging in delicious food, and employing meditation skills to not yelling at loved ones. It is wished you managed to enjoy all these things and more. However, the world of entertainment doesn't go on vacation, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. A slew of thrilling announcements surfaced over the festive period, and should you overlooked any, here is a compilation of the most exciting bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Is Set to Continue (In 2027)
Truly the most surprising announcement, the widely-criticized disaster that was season 3 of One-Punch Man failed to deter more episodes. The show will be back with a subsequent part in 2027—such a distant date they easily could have labeled it season 4. Even more shocking, the studio J.C. Staff will still be leading the project. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the start, which could be taken as a positive development. Yet, the main art for the new episodes is the same image the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This makes me think that, at this point, they could be teasing the fans.
Ruri Dragon Will Be the First Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a standing for being an top-tier animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the high caliber of its output but for the ethical practices of its employees—a sadly unusual standard in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had not produced an anime adapted from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, perhaps the most famous magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained a huge following when it launched in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a lengthy break due to the mangaka's health issues. When it returned with a more relaxed pace, the series proved it still retained the fans' support and enthusiasm, and now the community is thrilled about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up Currently in Production
Kingdom is the best-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with it before, it's because it only fairly recently obtained an English release, but the anime has been airing for some time, and season 6 was a further outstanding entry. It turns out that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been announced as currently being made, and it will very likely air in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio renowned for the excellent quality of its productions, Science Saru has delivered critically acclaimed works of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, most recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be taking on the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, based on the true story of Fatima, an prominent woman and scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and captivating visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my list of anticipated shows.
Tougen Anki Will Return With a Season Two
Shortly after the release of the final episode of the first season, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be securing a second season. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific air date has yet to be revealed.