A Heap of Japanese Animation News Landed Over the Holidays
The Yuletide season offer a multitude of activities considerably more enjoyable than scanning the updates: opening presents, indulging in festive fare, and using patience techniques to refrain from snapping at loved ones. I hope you managed to enjoy all these things and more. Nevertheless, the entertainment world never sleeps, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Many thrilling announcements surfaced over the break, and should you missed a few, here is a summary of the most exciting bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Will Continue (In 2027)
Without a doubt the biggest revelation, the much-discussed controversial season that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to halt the series' continuation. The show will come back with a second cour in 2027—so far away they easily could have called it season 4. More surprisingly, animation studio J.C. Staff will continue to be leading the project. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the outset, which could be taken as a positive development. But, the key visual for the new episodes is the same image the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This leads one to believe that, by now, they are probably mocking the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Poised to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a standing for being an prestigious animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the high caliber of its productions but for the fair treatment of its employees—a sadly unusual standard in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had never worked on an anime adapted from a manga from Shonen Jump, arguably the most iconic magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became a huge following when it first appeared in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the author's health issues. When it returned with a reduced workload, the series showed it maintained the fans' affection and goodwill, and now fans are thrilled about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Will Get a Sequel Currently in Production
Kingdom is the highly popular, epic Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only recently got an English release, but the anime has been going on for years, and season 6 was another stellar entry. As it happens that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been announced as in development, and it will probably debut in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
One more studio known for the excellent quality of its productions, Science Saru has delivered critically acclaimed works of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, more recently, 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 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 highly unique and captivating visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my watchlist.
Tougen Anki Will Return With a Second Season
Shortly after the airing of episode 24, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be securing a follow-up. Based on 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 firm premiere date has not been disclosed yet.
