A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Landed Over the Festive Season
The winter break offer a wealth of pastimes much better than checking the headlines: opening presents, feasting on delicious food, and using deep breathing to not yelling at relatives. Hopefully you succeeded in enjoy all these things and more. However, the world of entertainment doesn't take a break, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Many thrilling announcements surfaced over the festive period, and if you overlooked a few, here is a roundup of the juiciest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Is Moving Forward (In 2027)
Perhaps the biggest announcement, the much-discussed troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to halt more episodes. Season 3 will come back with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—so far away they could have dubbed it season 4. More surprisingly, the studio J.C. Staff will remain in charge. On a positive note this time, director 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 characters Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This makes me think that, at this point, they are probably mocking the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Will Be the First Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a name for being an top-tier animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the exceptional quality of its output but for the good working conditions of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had not produced an anime stemming from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, arguably the best-known magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved a huge following when it launched in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a extended pause due to the mangaka's health issues. When it returned with a more relaxed pace, the series showed it maintained the fans' appreciation and goodwill, and now fans are thrilled about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up Now in the Works
Kingdom is the best-selling, long-running Shueisha manga that is other than 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 a while, and its sixth season was another outstanding entry. It turns out that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been announced as in development, and it will almost certainly air in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
Another studio famous for the excellent quality of its projects, Science Saru has given us 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, inspired by 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 named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and captivating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my list of anticipated shows.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Continue With a Season Two
Immediately following the conclusion of its twenty-fourth episode, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be getting a follow-up. Inspired by the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific air date has yet to be revealed.
