A Mountain of Japanese Animation News Arrived Over the Festive Season
The Christmas holidays offer a plethora of pastimes considerably more enjoyable than checking the updates: opening presents, feasting on delicious food, and using patience techniques to avoid arguing with loved ones. I hope you were able to do all these things and more. Nevertheless, the showbiz industry doesn't go on vacation, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. A slew of exciting developments surfaced during the festive period, and just in case you overlooked any, here is a compilation of the most exciting bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Will Continue (In 2027)
Without a doubt the most shocking announcement, the much-discussed troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to stop further production. The show will be back with a subsequent part in 2027—such a distant date they might as well have dubbed it season 4. Adding to the surprise, the studio J.C. Staff will remain in charge. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the outset, which could be taken as a positive development. However, the promotional image for the continuation is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This leads one to believe that, nowadays, they are probably mocking the fans.
Ruri Dragon Will Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a name for being an top-tier animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its productions but for the ethical practices of its employees—a sadly unusual standard in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had never worked on an anime adapted from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, arguably the best-known magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained 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 author's health issues. When it returned with a lighter schedule, the series proved it hadn't lost the fans' appreciation and enthusiasm, and now the community is overjoyed about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Its Sixth Season Has a Sequel In Production
Kingdom is the best-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is not 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 running for some time, and its sixth season was yet another stellar entry. Apparently that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been revealed as currently being made, and it will probably air in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
One more studio famous for the superior craftsmanship of its productions, Science Saru has brought us hit shows of the ilk of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, more recently, 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 actual historical person of Fatima, an influential woman and thinker 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 reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my watchlist.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Continue With a Second Season
Shortly after the conclusion of the final episode of the first season, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be securing a follow-up. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific air date has yet to be revealed.
