A Ton of Japanese Animation News Arrived During the Holidays
The Yuletide season provide a plethora of activities far superior than scanning the updates: discovering surprises, getting stuffed on delicious food, and harnessing patience techniques to refrain from yelling at family members. I hope you succeeded in enjoy all these things and more. However, the showbiz industry doesn't go on vacation, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy announcements surfaced over the holidays, and if you didn't see any, here is a summary of the most exciting bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Will Continue (By 2027)
Truly the most surprising revelation, the widely-criticized disaster that was season 3 of One-Punch Man failed to stop further production. Season 3 will come back with a second cour in 2027—so far away they easily could have dubbed it season 4. Adding to the surprise, the studio J.C. Staff will still be leading the project. On a positive note this time, director Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the beginning, which might be a hopeful indicator. But, the key visual for the continuation is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This suggests that, at this point, they are probably mocking the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Poised to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a standing for being an elite animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the exceptional quality of its work but for the ethical practices of its employees—a rarity in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had not produced an anime based on a manga published in Shonen Jump, possibly the most iconic magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a excellent 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 two-year hiatus due to the mangaka's health issues. When it returned with a lighter schedule, the series proved it hadn't lost the fans' appreciation and enthusiasm, and now the community is ecstatic about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Its Sixth Season Has a Sequel Now in the Works
Kingdom is the top-selling, long-running 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 localization, but the anime has been going on for years, and its sixth season was yet another outstanding entry. It turns out that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in production, and it will probably premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
Another studio famous for the excellent quality of its productions, Science Saru has given us masterpieces 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 actual historical person of Fatima, an powerful woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and fascinating visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my watchlist.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Continue With a Season Two
Right after the release of episode 24, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be getting a second season. 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 air date has not yet been announced.
