A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Arrived Over the Festive Season
The winter break offer a wealth of activities far superior than scanning the updates: opening presents, feasting on holiday treats, and using patience techniques to refrain from arguing with family members. I hope you managed to do all these things and more. Nevertheless, the showbiz industry doesn't go on vacation, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. Many thrilling announcements surfaced over the festive period, and if you missed a few, here is a summary of the juiciest bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Is Set to Continue (By 2027)
Without a doubt the most surprising announcement, the much-discussed controversial season that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to stop the series' continuation. The show will be 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 remain in charge. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the beginning, which could be taken as a good sign. Yet, the key visual for the second cour is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This leads one to believe that, by now, they are probably teasing the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Will Be the First Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a reputation for being an prestigious animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the high caliber of its output but for the ethical practices of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had not produced an anime based on a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, possibly the most famous magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved a huge following when it first appeared in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the creator's health issues. When it came back with a lighter schedule, the series demonstrated it hadn't lost the fans' support and goodwill, and now everyone is thrilled about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up Currently in Production
Kingdom is the highly popular, epic Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only fairly recently obtained an English translation, but the anime has been going on for years, and its sixth season was another excellent entry. It turns out that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been revealed as in production, and it will very likely premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
One more studio renowned for the excellent quality of its projects, Science Saru has brought us hit shows of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, more recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be producing the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, inspired by the real historical figure of Fatima, an influential 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 truly original and fascinating visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my must-watch list.
Tougen Anki Will Continue With a Second Season
Shortly after the airing of episode 24, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be getting a sequel. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki is based on the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific air date has not yet been announced.
