A Heap of Japanese Animation News Landed Over the Holidays
The Yuletide season present a multitude of pursuits far superior than checking the headlines: discovering surprises, getting stuffed on delicious food, and using deep breathing to not arguing with family members. I hope you were able to accomplish all these things and more. However, the entertainment world doesn't take a break, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. A slew of noteworthy announcements emerged during the festive period, and if you overlooked some of them, here is a summary of the most exciting bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Is Set to Continue (Come 2027)
Truly the biggest revelation, the much-discussed disaster that was the third season of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to halt more episodes. Season 3 will return with a subsequent part in 2027—so far away they might as well have called it season 4. Adding to the surprise, the studio J.C. Staff will continue to be in charge. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the outset, which could be taken as a good sign. Yet, the promotional image for the new episodes is identical to the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This suggests that, nowadays, they are probably mocking the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Will Be the First Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a standing for being an prestigious animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the superb artistry of its work but for the ethical practices of its employees—a rarity in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had not adapted an anime stemming from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, arguably the most famous magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained a huge following when it debuted in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a extended pause due to the creator's health issues. When it came back with a more relaxed pace, the series showed it hadn't lost the fans' affection and positive sentiment, and now fans are thrilled about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season Is Getting a Follow-Up Currently in Production
Kingdom is the best-selling, long-running Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only just received an English translation, but the anime has been airing for some time, and its sixth season was yet another outstanding entry. Apparently that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as currently being made, and it will probably premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
A further studio famous for the excellent quality of its productions, Science Saru has given 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, based on the real historical figure of Fatima, an prominent woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. From the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and captivating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Debuting 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 the final episode of the first season, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be receiving a sequel. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The upcoming season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm release date has not yet been announced.
