A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Dropped During the Holidays
The Christmas holidays present a wealth of pursuits far superior than catching up on the latest news: opening presents, indulging in delicious food, and employing patience techniques to refrain from arguing with loved ones. It is wished you managed to accomplish all these things and more. Nevertheless, the showbiz industry never sleeps, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. A slew of exciting developments surfaced during the festive period, and just in case you didn't see some of them, here is a summary of the most exciting bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Is Set to Continue (In 2027)
Without a doubt the most surprising announcement, the much-discussed troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to deter more episodes. Season 3 will come back with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—so far away they could have labeled it season 4. More surprisingly, animation studio J.C. Staff will still be in charge. Thankfully this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the start, which might be a positive development. However, the promotional image for the new episodes is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This makes me think that, at this point, they must be trolling the fans.
Ruri Dragon Will Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a name for being an elite animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its output but for the ethical practices of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had not adapted an anime based on a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, perhaps the most famous magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained a huge following when it debuted in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the mangaka's health issues. When it returned with a more relaxed pace, the series demonstrated it maintained the fans' appreciation and enthusiasm, and now everyone is ecstatic about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Season 6 Has a Sequel In Production
Kingdom is the highly popular, epic Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with 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. Apparently that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been revealed as currently being made, and it will very likely debut in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio famous for the artistic merit of its projects, Science Saru has delivered critically acclaimed works of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, lastly, 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 actual historical person of Fatima, an prominent woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from 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. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my list of anticipated shows.
Tougen Anki Will Continue With a Second Season
Right after the conclusion of episode 24, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be securing a sequel. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki is based on the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm air date has yet to be revealed.
