A Ton of Japanese Animation News Landed During the Holidays
The Yuletide season provide a multitude of activities far superior than catching up on the updates: opening presents, getting stuffed on holiday treats, and harnessing deep breathing to not snapping at loved ones. Hopefully you were able to enjoy all these things and more. That said, the world of entertainment never sleeps, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. A slew of thrilling developments surfaced over the break, and if you didn't see any, here is a compilation of the biggest bits.
One-Punch Man Its Third Season Is Set to Continue (Come 2027)
Without a doubt the most surprising piece of news, the widely-criticized disaster that was season 3 of One-Punch Man failed to deter further production. The show will come back with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—a date so remote they easily could have called it season 4. Even more shocking, animation studio J.C. Staff will still be in charge. Thankfully this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the start, which could be taken as a hopeful indicator. However, the key visual for the second cour is the same image the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This suggests that, by now, they are probably mocking the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Will Be the First Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a name for being an prestigious animation studio, making its mark not just for the superb artistry of its output but for the good working conditions of its employees—a rarity in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had not produced an anime based on a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, possibly the most famous magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained widespread acclaim when it first appeared in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a lengthy break due to the mangaka's health issues. When it resumed publication with a lighter schedule, the series demonstrated it still retained the fans' support and positive sentiment, and now the community is ecstatic about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Has a Sequel Now in the Works
Kingdom is the best-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only just received an English localization, but the anime has been going on for some time, and season 6 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 very likely air in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
One more studio famous for the artistic merit of its productions, Science Saru has brought us critically acclaimed works of the caliber 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 actual historical person of Fatima, an influential woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and intriguing visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my must-watch list.
Tougen Anki Will Return With a Second Season
Immediately following the airing of the final episode of the first season, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be receiving a second season. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete air date has yet to be revealed.
