A Mountain of Japanese Animation Updates Dropped Over the Festive Season
The Yuletide season offer a wealth of pastimes considerably more enjoyable than catching up on the headlines: discovering surprises, indulging in festive fare, and harnessing deep breathing to refrain from yelling at family members. It is wished you succeeded in enjoy all these things and more. However, the showbiz industry doesn't go on vacation, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. A slew of noteworthy announcements came out during the break, and if you missed a few, here is a compilation of the juiciest bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Is Moving Forward (By 2027)
Truly the most surprising announcement, the much-discussed troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man failed to halt more episodes. Season 3 will return with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—a date so remote they easily could have called it season 4. Even more shocking, the studio J.C. Staff will still be leading the project. On a positive note this time, director Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the start, which could be taken as a good sign. However, the main art for the second cour is the same image the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This suggests that, at this point, they could be mocking 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 top-tier animation studio, distinguishing itself 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 adapted from a manga published in Shonen Jump, perhaps 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 achieved widespread acclaim when it launched in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a extended pause due to the author's health issues. When it came back with a more relaxed pace, the series showed it still retained the fans' affection and enthusiasm, and now fans are ecstatic about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Season 6 Will Get a Sequel Currently in Production
Kingdom is the best-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is aside from 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 running 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 currently being made, and it will very likely debut in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
One more studio known for the superior craftsmanship of its productions, Science Saru has delivered hit shows 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 real historical figure of Fatima, an prominent woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a distinctly fresh and intriguing visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my must-watch list.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Continue With a Season Two
Right after the conclusion of the final episode of the first season, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be getting a second season. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The upcoming season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm premiere date has not been disclosed yet.
