A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Dropped Over the Festive Season
The Yuletide season provide a plethora of activities considerably more enjoyable than catching up on the headlines: discovering surprises, feasting on holiday treats, and employing deep breathing to avoid yelling at relatives. It is wished you managed to enjoy all these things and more. However, the entertainment world doesn't go on vacation, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. A slew of thrilling announcements came out during the holidays, and just in case you didn't see some of them, here is a roundup of the most exciting bits.
One-Punch Man Its Third Season Will Continue (Come 2027)
Perhaps the most shocking revelation, the notorious troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man failed to halt further production. Season 3 will return with a subsequent part in 2027—such a distant date they might as well have labeled it season 4. Even more shocking, animation studio J.C. Staff will remain in charge. On a positive note this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the outset, which could be taken as a good sign. However, the promotional image for the second cour is the same image the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This leads one to believe that, by now, they are probably mocking the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Poised to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a reputation for being an top-tier animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its productions but for the ethical practices of its employees—a rarity in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had never worked on an anime based on a manga published in Shonen Jump, perhaps the most iconic magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved widespread acclaim when it launched in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a extended pause due to the author's health issues. When it came back with a reduced workload, the series showed it maintained the fans' affection and enthusiasm, and now everyone is ecstatic about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Has a Sequel Currently in Production
Kingdom is the highly popular, long-running Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only fairly recently obtained an English release, but the anime has been going on for years, and season 6 was yet another stellar entry. It turns out that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been announced as in development, and it will very likely premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio renowned for the superior craftsmanship of its projects, Science Saru has brought us critically acclaimed works of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, more recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be taking on the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, which is based on the actual historical person of Fatima, an influential 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 fascinating visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my list of anticipated shows.
Tougen Anki Will Continue With a Season Two
Immediately following the release of episode 24, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be securing a follow-up. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete release date has yet to be revealed.
