A Ton of Japanese Animation News Landed During the Holidays
The Yuletide season provide a multitude of activities far superior than checking the latest news: unwrapping gifts, getting stuffed on delicious food, and employing deep breathing to not yelling at family members. Hopefully you were able to accomplish all these things and more. However, the world of entertainment doesn't take a break, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Many exciting news items emerged over the break, and just in case you missed any, here is a roundup of the most exciting bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Will Continue (Come 2027)
Perhaps the biggest announcement, the much-discussed disaster that was the third season of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to deter further production. Season 3 will return with a subsequent part in 2027—such a distant date they could have labeled it season 4. Even more shocking, the studio J.C. Staff will remain at the helm. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the beginning, which is seen as a positive development. However, the key visual for the second cour is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This makes me think that, by now, they must be teasing the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Poised to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a reputation for being an elite 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. Unexpectedly, until now, it had never worked on an anime based on a manga published in Shonen Jump, possibly the most iconic magazine in the industry. 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 two-year hiatus due to the author's health issues. When it came back with a lighter schedule, the series showed it hadn't lost the fans' support and enthusiasm, and now the community is overjoyed about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Its Sixth Season Is Getting a Follow-Up Currently in Production
Kingdom is the best-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is other than 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 going on for years, and season 6 was yet another stellar entry. It turns out that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in development, and it will almost certainly air in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
One more studio known for the excellent quality of its work, Science Saru has delivered critically acclaimed works of the caliber 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, based on the real historical figure of Fatima, an powerful woman and scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and intriguing visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my must-watch list.
The Tougen Anki Series Is Set to Continue With a Season Two
Right after the conclusion of episode 24, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be receiving a sequel. Inspired by the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete premiere date has yet to be revealed.