A Ton of Japanese Animation Updates Arrived During the Festive Season
The Christmas holidays provide a multitude of pursuits far superior than checking the updates: unwrapping gifts, feasting on delicious food, and harnessing deep breathing to refrain from yelling at family members. It is wished you were able to accomplish all these things and more. Nevertheless, the showbiz industry doesn't take a break, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Numerous exciting news items surfaced during the holidays, and just in case you missed a few, here is a summary of the juiciest bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Is Set to Continue (In 2027)
Perhaps the biggest announcement, the notorious troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to stop more episodes. The show will come back with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—a date so remote they easily 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, director Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the outset, which might be a hopeful indicator. But, the main art for the new episodes is the same image 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 teasing the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Poised to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a standing for being an prestigious animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the superb artistry of its output but for the ethical practices of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had never worked on an anime based on a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, perhaps the best-known magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved widespread acclaim when it first appeared in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a extended pause due to the mangaka's health issues. When it came back with a reduced workload, the series demonstrated it still retained the fans' affection and goodwill, and now fans are ecstatic about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Its Sixth Season Is Getting a Follow-Up In Production
Kingdom is the highly popular, epic Shueisha manga that is aside from One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only recently got an English release, but the anime has been running for years, and season 6 was yet another outstanding entry. As it happens that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been announced as currently being made, and it will probably premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio known for the artistic merit of its projects, 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 handling 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 fascinating visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my must-watch list.
Tougen Anki Is Set to Continue With a Season Two
Immediately following the release of the final episode of the first season, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be getting a second season. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific release date has yet to be revealed.
