A Mountain of Japanese Animation Updates Dropped Over the Festive Season
The Christmas holidays provide a multitude of pastimes much better than checking the latest news: opening presents, getting stuffed on holiday treats, and harnessing meditation skills to refrain from yelling at relatives. I hope you succeeded in do all these things and more. Nevertheless, the world of entertainment never sleeps, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. A slew of exciting announcements emerged during the break, and if you missed some of them, here is a summary of the juiciest bits.
One-Punch Man Its Third Season Will Continue (By 2027)
Perhaps the biggest announcement, the notorious disaster that was the third season of One-Punch Man failed to halt more episodes. The show will come back with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—such a distant date they might as well have dubbed it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will remain leading the project. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the start, which could be taken as a good sign. But, the main art for the continuation is identical to the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This leads one to believe that, by now, they must be trolling the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Poised to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a standing for being an elite animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the exceptional quality of its output 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 stemming from a manga from Shonen Jump, perhaps the most famous magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became a huge following when it debuted in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a lengthy break due to the creator's health issues. When it resumed publication with a lighter schedule, the series showed it maintained the fans' support and goodwill, and now everyone is overjoyed about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Its Sixth Season Has a Sequel Now in the Works
Kingdom is the best-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is not 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 airing for a while, and its sixth season was yet another outstanding entry. Apparently that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been announced as in development, and it will almost certainly debut in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
Another studio renowned for the artistic merit of its productions, Science Saru has brought us hit shows of the ilk 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 actual historical person of Fatima, an powerful woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. From the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and fascinating visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my watchlist.
Tougen Anki Will Return With a Season Two
Shortly after the conclusion of the final episode of the first season, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be getting a second season. Inspired by the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete release date has yet to be revealed.
