A Ton of Japanese Animation News Landed Over the Holidays
The winter break offer a plethora of pursuits far superior than scanning the updates: unwrapping gifts, feasting on holiday treats, and harnessing patience techniques to not arguing with loved ones. It is wished you were able to do all these things and more. Nevertheless, the world of entertainment doesn't go on vacation, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. A slew of exciting news items surfaced over the festive period, and should you didn't see a few, here is a roundup of the most exciting bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Is Moving Forward (In 2027)
Perhaps the biggest piece of news, the widely-criticized controversial season that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to stop further production. Season 3 will come back with a second cour in 2027—such a distant date they might as well have dubbed it season 4. Even more shocking, animation studio J.C. Staff will still be in charge. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the start, which is seen as a good sign. Yet, the promotional image for the continuation is the same image the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This leads one to believe that, nowadays, they must be mocking the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Set to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a standing for being an top-tier 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. Unexpectedly, until now, it had not adapted an anime stemming from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, arguably the most famous magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved widespread acclaim when it launched in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the mangaka's health issues. When it resumed publication with a lighter schedule, the series proved it hadn't lost the fans' support and positive sentiment, and now fans are ecstatic about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up Now in the Works
Kingdom is the top-selling, long-running 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 some time, and season 6 was yet another stellar entry. As it happens that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as currently being made, and it will very likely air in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
Another studio renowned 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 producing the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, based on the real historical figure of Fatima, an powerful woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and captivating visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my watchlist.
Tougen Anki Is Set to Continue With a Second Season
Immediately following the conclusion of its twenty-fourth episode, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be securing a second season. Inspired by the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm release date has not yet been announced.
