A Ton of Japanese Animation News Landed Over the Holidays
The Yuletide season present a multitude of pursuits considerably more enjoyable than scanning the headlines: opening presents, getting stuffed on festive fare, and using deep breathing to refrain from yelling at loved ones. It is wished you managed to accomplish all these things and more. Nevertheless, the showbiz industry never sleeps, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. A slew of thrilling announcements emerged during the holidays, and should you missed any, here is a summary of the biggest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Will Continue (By 2027)
Without a doubt the most surprising announcement, the much-discussed controversial season that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to halt more episodes. Season 3 will come back with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—such a distant date they easily could have labeled it season 4. More surprisingly, animation studio J.C. Staff will still be at the helm. At least this time, director Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the start, which is seen as a hopeful indicator. But, the key visual for the continuation 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 could be mocking the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Will 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 exceptional quality of its work but for the good working conditions of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had never worked on an anime adapted from a manga from Shonen Jump, arguably the most famous magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved widespread acclaim when it debuted in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the author's health issues. When it returned with a lighter schedule, the series showed it maintained the fans' support and enthusiasm, and now fans are thrilled about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Will Get a Sequel Currently in Production
Kingdom is the best-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is aside from One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with it before, it's because it only fairly recently obtained an English translation, but the anime has been going on for some time, and its sixth season was yet another stellar entry. It turns out that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been announced as in production, and it will probably air in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
A further studio famous for the superior craftsmanship of its productions, Science Saru has brought us critically acclaimed works of the caliber 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, which is based on the real historical figure of Fatima, an prominent woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime called Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and captivating visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my watchlist.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Continue With a Second Season
Immediately following the release of its twenty-fourth episode, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be getting a second season. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The upcoming season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete premiere date has not yet been announced.