A Heap of Japanese Animation News Arrived Over the Holidays
The Yuletide season present a plethora of pastimes far superior than checking the latest news: opening presents, indulging in festive fare, and harnessing deep breathing to not arguing with family members. It is wished you were able to enjoy all these things and more. That said, the world of entertainment never sleeps, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy announcements surfaced over the festive period, and if you didn't see some of them, here is a summary of the most exciting bits.
One-Punch Man Its Third Season Is Moving Forward (By 2027)
Perhaps the most surprising announcement, the notorious troubled production that was the third season of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to deter more episodes. The show will return with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—so far away they could have called it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will continue to be at the helm. On a positive note this time, director Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the beginning, which could be taken as a hopeful indicator. Yet, the main art for the new episodes is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This leads one to believe that, by now, they could be trolling the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Set to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a reputation for being an elite animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the superb artistry of its output but for the ethical practices of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had not adapted an anime stemming from a manga published in Shonen Jump, perhaps the best-known magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became massive popularity when it first appeared in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a extended pause due to the mangaka's health issues. When it came back with a lighter schedule, the series proved it hadn't lost the fans' affection and goodwill, and now the community is overjoyed about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season Will Get a Sequel Now in the Works
Kingdom is the highly popular, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only recently got an English localization, but the anime has been airing for years, and season 6 was a further outstanding entry. It turns out that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been announced as in development, and it will almost certainly premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
One more studio renowned for the excellent quality of its productions, Science Saru has brought us masterpieces of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, more recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be producing the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, which is based on the true story of Fatima, an prominent woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. From the trailer, the anime called Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a distinctly fresh and captivating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my watchlist.
Tougen Anki Will Return With a Season Two
Immediately following the airing of its twenty-fourth episode, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be securing a second season. Inspired by the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific release date has not been disclosed yet.
