A Mountain of Japanese Animation News Arrived Over the Holidays
The Yuletide season provide a wealth of pastimes considerably more enjoyable than catching up on the updates: opening presents, getting stuffed on delicious food, and using patience techniques to refrain from snapping at relatives. It is wished you were able to accomplish all these things and more. However, the world of entertainment doesn't take a break, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. A slew of thrilling news items surfaced during the festive period, and if you didn't see a few, here is a summary of the juiciest bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Will Continue (By 2027)
Perhaps the biggest revelation, the notorious troubled production that was the third season of One-Punch Man failed to stop more episodes. Season 3 will come back with a second cour in 2027—so far away they might as well have labeled it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will remain at the helm. At least this time, director Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the start, which might be a good sign. Yet, the main art 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 must be teasing the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Set to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a name for being an prestigious animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the superb artistry 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 based on a manga published in Shonen Jump, arguably the best-known magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became widespread acclaim when it debuted in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the mangaka's health issues. When it came back with a reduced workload, the series proved it hadn't lost the fans' affection and goodwill, and now everyone is ecstatic about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season Is Getting a Follow-Up Currently in Production
Kingdom is the best-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with it before, it's because it only recently got an English translation, but the anime has been going on for some time, and season 6 was yet another stellar entry. It turns out that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been revealed as in production, and it will very likely debut in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio known for the artistic merit of its productions, Science Saru has given us critically acclaimed works of the caliber 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, based on the true story of Fatima, an prominent woman and scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. From the trailer, the anime named 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 without a doubt be on my list of anticipated shows.
Tougen Anki Will Continue With a Second Season
Shortly after the release of its twenty-fourth episode, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be receiving a follow-up. Adapted from 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 specific premiere date has not been disclosed yet.
