A Mountain of Japanese Animation News Landed During the Holidays
The Yuletide season provide a wealth of pastimes far superior than catching up on the updates: unwrapping gifts, feasting on delicious food, and harnessing meditation skills to avoid snapping at family members. It is wished you were able to enjoy all these things and more. However, the world of entertainment doesn't go on vacation, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Numerous exciting announcements came out during the holidays, and if you missed any, here is a roundup of the biggest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Is Moving Forward (Come 2027)
Perhaps the biggest revelation, the notorious disaster that was season 3 of One-Punch Man failed to stop further production. Season 3 will come back with a second cour in 2027—a date so remote they might as well have labeled it season 4. Even more shocking, the studio J.C. Staff will still be leading the project. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the start, which could be taken as a hopeful indicator. Yet, the promotional image for the continuation is the same image the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This leads one to believe that, nowadays, they are probably trolling the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Poised to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a standing for being an elite animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the high caliber of its work but for the fair treatment of its employees—a sadly unusual standard in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had not adapted an anime based on a manga from Shonen Jump, possibly the most iconic magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved a huge following when it launched in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a lengthy break due to the author's health issues. When it returned with a lighter schedule, the series showed it hadn't lost the fans' support and positive sentiment, and now the community is ecstatic about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Season 6 Will Get a Sequel Now in the Works
Kingdom is the best-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is aside from One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only recently got an English translation, but the anime has been airing for years, and its sixth season was another outstanding entry. Apparently that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been announced as currently being made, and it will almost certainly premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
One more studio famous for the artistic merit of its productions, Science Saru has brought us critically acclaimed works of the ilk of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, lastly, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be handling the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, inspired by the actual historical person of Fatima, an prominent woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and intriguing visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my watchlist.
Tougen Anki Is Set to Continue With a Second Season
Shortly after the conclusion of the final episode of the first season, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be receiving a second season. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm premiere date has not yet been announced.
