A Ton of Japanese Animation Updates Landed During the Holidays
The winter break provide a plethora of pursuits much better than scanning the latest news: opening presents, getting stuffed on festive fare, and employing patience techniques to not yelling at loved ones. Hopefully you managed to do all these things and more. However, the showbiz industry never sleeps, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy news items surfaced over the break, and if you overlooked any, here is a roundup of the most exciting bits.
One-Punch Man Its Third Season Is Moving Forward (Come 2027)
Perhaps the most surprising piece of news, the notorious disaster that was season 3 of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to deter further production. Season 3 will return with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—a date so remote they easily could have dubbed it season 4. Even more shocking, animation studio J.C. Staff will remain in charge. At least this time, director Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the beginning, which is seen as a good sign. However, the key visual for the new episodes is the same image the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This makes me think that, nowadays, they must be mocking the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Is Set to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a standing for being an prestigious animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its work but for the fair treatment of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had never worked on an anime based on a manga from Shonen Jump, arguably the most iconic magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved massive popularity when it debuted in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the mangaka's health issues. When it returned with a more relaxed pace, the series showed it maintained the fans' affection and enthusiasm, and now the community is thrilled about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season Is Getting a Follow-Up In Production
Kingdom is the best-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with it before, it's because it only just received an English release, but the anime has been going on for some time, and season 6 was a further excellent entry. It turns out that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in development, and it will almost certainly debut in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
Another studio famous for the superior craftsmanship of its work, Science Saru has given us masterpieces of the caliber of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, lastly, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be producing the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, inspired by the true story of Fatima, an powerful woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. From the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and captivating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my watchlist.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Continue With a Second Season
Shortly after the conclusion of its twenty-fourth episode, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be getting a sequel. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete air date has yet to be revealed.
