A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Landed Over the Holidays
The Yuletide season offer a plethora of activities much better than checking the headlines: opening presents, indulging in festive fare, and using deep breathing to refrain from arguing with family members. I hope you were able to enjoy all these things and more. However, the entertainment world doesn't go on vacation, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. A slew of noteworthy news items emerged over the festive period, and should you overlooked any, here is a roundup of the most exciting bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Will Continue (By 2027)
Without a doubt the most shocking revelation, the notorious disaster that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to stop more episodes. The show will be back with a subsequent part in 2027—a date so remote they might as well have called it season 4. Adding to the surprise, the studio J.C. Staff will remain in charge. Thankfully this time, director Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the start, which could be taken as a hopeful indicator. However, the promotional image for the second cour is identical to the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This leads one to believe that, at this point, they are probably teasing the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Will Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a reputation for being an elite animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its work but for the fair treatment of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had not adapted an anime adapted from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, perhaps the most famous magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved a huge following when it debuted in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a lengthy break due to the mangaka's health issues. When it returned with a lighter schedule, the series demonstrated it maintained the fans' support and positive sentiment, and now everyone is thrilled about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Its Sixth Season Is Getting a Follow-Up Currently in Production
Kingdom is the top-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only fairly recently obtained an English release, but the anime has been going on for years, and season 6 was another excellent entry. It turns out that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in development, and it will probably debut in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
One more studio famous for the superior craftsmanship of its projects, Science Saru has delivered critically acclaimed works of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, lastly, 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 scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime called Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and captivating visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my watchlist.
Tougen Anki Will Continue With a Second Season
Immediately following the release of its twenty-fourth episode, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be securing a follow-up. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm release date has yet to be revealed.
