A Ton of Japanese Animation Updates Dropped Over the Festive Season
The winter break present a wealth of pastimes considerably more enjoyable than scanning the latest news: opening presents, feasting on holiday treats, and using deep breathing to avoid yelling at relatives. It is wished you succeeded in enjoy all these things and more. That said, the world of entertainment doesn't go on vacation, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Many thrilling news items surfaced over the break, and should you didn't see some of them, here is a compilation of the biggest bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Will Continue (Come 2027)
Perhaps the biggest announcement, the much-discussed troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man failed to halt more episodes. Season 3 will come back with a second cour in 2027—such a distant date they might as well have called 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 might be a positive development. But, the main art for the continuation is identical to the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This makes me think that, by now, they are probably trolling the fans.
Ruri Dragon Will Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a reputation for being an top-tier animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the exceptional quality of its productions but for the fair treatment of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had never worked on an anime stemming from a manga from Shonen Jump, perhaps the most iconic magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained a huge following when it launched in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a lengthy break due to the creator's health issues. When it came back with a reduced workload, the series proved it hadn't lost the fans' support and goodwill, and now fans are overjoyed about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season Will Get a Sequel Now in the Works
Kingdom is the best-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only just received an English release, but the anime has been going on for a while, and season 6 was yet another excellent entry. Apparently that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been revealed as currently being made, and it will probably air in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
One more studio known for the excellent quality of its productions, 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 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 thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and intriguing 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
Right after the airing of its twenty-fourth episode, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be receiving a follow-up. Adapted from 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 air date has not been disclosed yet.
