A Mountain of Japanese Animation News Landed Over the Holidays
The Christmas holidays provide a wealth of pursuits much better than checking the updates: opening presents, getting stuffed on holiday treats, and employing patience techniques to refrain from yelling at relatives. It is wished you managed to do all these things and more. Nevertheless, the entertainment world never sleeps, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy news items surfaced over the festive period, and if you didn't see some of them, here is a roundup of the biggest bits.
One-Punch Man Its Third Season Will Continue (Come 2027)
Truly the most shocking revelation, the notorious disaster that was the third season of One-Punch Man failed to halt the series' continuation. Season 3 will come back with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—such a distant date they might as well have dubbed it season 4. Even more shocking, the studio J.C. Staff will still be in charge. On a positive note this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the beginning, which is seen as a positive development. Yet, the key visual for the continuation is the same image the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This suggests that, nowadays, they are probably mocking the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Set to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a reputation for being an prestigious animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the superb artistry of its productions 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 stemming from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, perhaps the most iconic magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved massive popularity when it first appeared in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a lengthy break due to the author's health issues. When it came back with a reduced workload, the series showed it maintained the fans' support and enthusiasm, and now fans are overjoyed about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up Currently in Production
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 fairly recently obtained an English release, but the anime has been going on for years, and its sixth season was another excellent entry. It turns out that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in production, and it will very likely premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
A further studio known for the superior craftsmanship of its work, Science Saru has delivered critically acclaimed works of the caliber of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, most recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be handling 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 called Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and fascinating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my must-watch list.
Tougen Anki Will Return With a Season Two
Immediately following the airing of the final episode of the first season, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be getting a sequel. Inspired by the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific release date has not yet been announced.
