A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Dropped During the Holidays
The Christmas holidays present a plethora of pursuits considerably more enjoyable than checking the latest news: opening presents, indulging in festive fare, and using patience techniques to refrain from yelling at loved ones. It is wished you managed to do all these things and more. However, the entertainment world doesn't take a break, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy developments emerged over the break, and if you missed some of them, here is a compilation of the juiciest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Is Set to Continue (In 2027)
Perhaps the biggest announcement, the much-discussed disaster that was the third season of One-Punch Man failed to deter more episodes. Season 3 will return with a subsequent part in 2027—such a distant date they could have labeled it season 4. More surprisingly, animation studio J.C. Staff will continue to be in charge. On a positive note this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the outset, which might be 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 facing different directions. This suggests that, by now, they are probably trolling the fans.
Ruri Dragon Will Be the First Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a name 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 rarity in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had never worked on an anime stemming from a manga published in Shonen Jump, perhaps the most iconic magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became a huge following when it debuted in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a extended pause due to the creator's health issues. When it came back with a reduced workload, the series demonstrated it still retained the fans' appreciation and goodwill, and now everyone is thrilled about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up Currently in Production
Kingdom is the highly popular, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with it before, it's because it only recently got an English translation, but the anime has been going on for some time, and its sixth season was another stellar entry. Apparently that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been revealed as currently being made, and it will probably debut in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
Another studio famous for the superior craftsmanship of its work, Science Saru has given 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 prominent woman and scholar 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 captivating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my list of anticipated shows.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Return With a Season Two
Shortly after the release of episode 24, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be getting a follow-up. Inspired by 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 concrete premiere date has yet to be revealed.
