A Heap of Japanese Animation News Landed During the Holidays
The Yuletide season offer a plethora of pursuits much better than checking the latest news: opening presents, getting stuffed on delicious food, and using deep breathing to not arguing with loved ones. Hopefully you succeeded in enjoy all these things and more. However, the showbiz industry doesn't go on vacation, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Numerous thrilling announcements came out during the break, and if you overlooked a few, here is a roundup of the most exciting bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Is Moving Forward (In 2027)
Without a doubt the biggest announcement, the notorious controversial season that was the third season of One-Punch Man failed to stop the series' continuation. The show will return with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—a date so remote they could have labeled it season 4. Even more shocking, the studio J.C. Staff will still be at the helm. Thankfully this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the beginning, which is seen as a hopeful indicator. But, the main art for the new episodes is identical to the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This suggests that, by now, they are probably trolling the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Will Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a name for being an top-tier animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its productions but for the good working conditions of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had never worked on an anime based on a manga published in Shonen Jump, perhaps 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 achieved widespread acclaim when it debuted in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a extended pause due to the mangaka's health issues. When it resumed publication with a lighter schedule, the series showed it hadn't lost the fans' appreciation and goodwill, and now everyone is thrilled about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season Is Getting a Follow-Up Now in the Works
Kingdom is the highly popular, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is aside from One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only just received an English translation, but the anime has been running for a while, and season 6 was yet another stellar entry. As it happens that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been announced as in development, and it will almost certainly premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio famous for the superior craftsmanship of its productions, Science Saru has delivered critically acclaimed works of the ilk 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, 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 titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and fascinating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my must-watch list.
Tougen Anki Will Return With a Season Two
Shortly after the conclusion of the final episode of the first season, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be getting a second season. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific premiere date has not been disclosed yet.
