A Ton of Japanese Animation News Landed Over the Holidays
The Yuletide season offer a multitude of pursuits far superior than scanning the headlines: unwrapping gifts, indulging in festive fare, and employing patience techniques to avoid yelling at relatives. Hopefully you were able to do all these things and more. However, the showbiz industry doesn't go on vacation, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. A slew of noteworthy announcements surfaced during the festive period, and just in case you missed a few, here is a roundup of the juiciest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Will Continue (By 2027)
Perhaps the biggest revelation, the notorious controversial season that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to stop further production. Season 3 will return with a second cour in 2027—so far away they could have called it season 4. Even more shocking, animation studio J.C. Staff will remain in charge. On a positive note this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the start, which is seen as a positive development. However, the main art for the new episodes is the same image the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This leads one to believe that, at this point, they are probably mocking the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Poised to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a standing for being an elite animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the superb artistry of its output but for the ethical practices of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had never worked on an anime stemming from a manga from Shonen Jump, arguably the most iconic magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a great 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 lengthy break due to the creator's health issues. When it resumed publication with a reduced workload, the series showed it still retained the fans' support and goodwill, and now fans are overjoyed about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Will Get a Sequel 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 recently got an English localization, but the anime has been going on for years, and its sixth season was yet another stellar entry. Apparently that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in production, and it will probably air in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
A further studio known for the superior craftsmanship of its work, Science Saru has given us masterpieces of the ilk 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, based on the real historical figure of Fatima, an influential woman and scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and fascinating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my list of anticipated shows.
Tougen Anki Will Return With a Season Two
Shortly after the conclusion of its twenty-fourth episode, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be receiving a sequel. 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 specific release date has yet to be revealed.
