A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Dropped During the Holidays
The Christmas holidays offer a plethora of pursuits far superior than checking the headlines: unwrapping gifts, indulging in festive fare, and employing meditation skills to refrain from snapping at family members. I hope you were able to accomplish all these things and more. That said, the entertainment world doesn't take a break, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. A slew of thrilling news items emerged over the holidays, and should you didn't see any, here is a roundup of the juiciest bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Will Continue (Come 2027)
Perhaps the most shocking piece of news, the much-discussed disaster that was season 3 of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to halt more episodes. The show will be back with a subsequent part in 2027—such a distant date they could have called it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will continue to be at the helm. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the beginning, which is seen as a positive development. But, the main art for the continuation is the same image the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This makes me think that, nowadays, they must be teasing the fans.
Ruri Dragon Will Be the First Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a standing for being an top-tier animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its output but for the ethical practices of its employees—a sadly unusual standard in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had never worked on an anime adapted from a manga from Shonen Jump, perhaps the most famous magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became widespread acclaim when it launched in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the author's health issues. When it resumed publication with a more relaxed pace, the series proved it hadn't lost the fans' support and enthusiasm, and now everyone is thrilled about the impending 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 are unfamiliar with 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 stellar entry. It turns out that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been revealed as in development, and it will probably air in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
One more studio famous for the excellent quality of its projects, Science Saru has given us masterpieces of the ilk of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, more recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be taking on the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, based on the real historical figure of Fatima, an powerful woman and scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime called Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and captivating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my watchlist.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Return With a Second Season
Immediately following the conclusion of episode 24, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be receiving a follow-up. Inspired by the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The upcoming season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm premiere date has not yet been announced.
