A Ton of Japanese Animation Updates Arrived During the Holidays
The winter break provide a wealth of pastimes considerably more enjoyable than checking the updates: opening presents, feasting on festive fare, and employing deep breathing to refrain from snapping at relatives. I hope you were able to accomplish all these things and more. That said, the entertainment world doesn't go on vacation, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. A slew of thrilling news items emerged over the break, and if you missed some of them, here is a roundup of the most exciting bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Is Moving Forward (In 2027)
Truly the most surprising piece of news, the notorious disaster that was the third season of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to stop more episodes. Season 3 will come back with a subsequent part in 2027—so far away they might as well have dubbed it season 4. Even more shocking, animation studio J.C. Staff will remain at the helm. Thankfully this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the start, which could be taken as a good sign. But, the key visual for the continuation is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This leads one to believe that, by now, they must be trolling the fans.
Ruri Dragon Will Be the First Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a standing for being an top-tier animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its work but for the ethical practices of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had not produced an anime stemming from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, arguably the most famous magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became widespread acclaim when it debuted in 2022 after just a few chapters, 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 maintained the fans' appreciation and goodwill, and now the community is thrilled about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season Is Getting a Follow-Up Now in the Works
Kingdom is the top-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with it before, it's because it only just received an English translation, but the anime has been going on for years, and season 6 was another outstanding entry. It turns out that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in production, and it will very likely air in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio renowned for the superior craftsmanship of its productions, Science Saru has given us hit shows of the ilk of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, most recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be producing 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 distinctly fresh and captivating visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my watchlist.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Continue With a Second Season
Shortly after the conclusion of its twenty-fourth episode, it was revealed 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 upcoming season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific premiere date has yet to be revealed.
