A Mountain of Japanese Animation Updates Dropped During the Holidays
The winter break offer a multitude of activities considerably more enjoyable than checking the updates: opening presents, feasting on festive fare, and harnessing patience techniques to not snapping at loved ones. Hopefully you were able to do all these things and more. Nevertheless, the showbiz industry never sleeps, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy news items came out during the festive period, and just in case you didn't see some of them, here is a compilation of the biggest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Is Set to Continue (Come 2027)
Perhaps the most surprising announcement, the much-discussed troubled production that was the third season of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to deter more episodes. The show will be back with a subsequent part in 2027—such a distant date they easily could have called it season 4. Even more shocking, animation studio J.C. Staff will continue to be in charge. At least this time, director Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the start, which is seen as a good sign. But, the main art for the second cour is the same image the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This leads one to believe that, nowadays, they are probably trolling the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Set to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a name for being an prestigious animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its productions but for the ethical practices of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had not adapted an anime based on a manga published in Shonen Jump, arguably the best-known magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved massive popularity when it first appeared in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a extended pause due to the creator's health issues. When it resumed publication with a lighter schedule, the series showed it still retained the fans' support and goodwill, and now fans are ecstatic about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom 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 never heard of it before, it's because it only fairly recently obtained an English translation, but the anime has been going on for years, and season 6 was a further outstanding entry. It turns out that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been revealed as currently being made, and it will very likely premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
One more studio renowned for the artistic merit of its projects, Science Saru has given us masterpieces of the ilk of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, most 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 true story 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 truly original and intriguing visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of 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
Immediately following the conclusion of episode 24, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be securing a follow-up. Inspired by 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 premiere date has not yet been announced.
