A Heap of Japanese Animation News Landed During the Festive Season
The Yuletide season provide a multitude of pursuits considerably more enjoyable than scanning the latest news: opening presents, indulging in festive fare, and using deep breathing to avoid snapping at family members. It is wished you were able to enjoy all these things and more. Nevertheless, the entertainment world doesn't take a break, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. A slew of exciting developments surfaced over the holidays, and just in case you overlooked some of them, here is a compilation of the most exciting bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Is Moving Forward (By 2027)
Without a doubt the most surprising announcement, the notorious controversial season that was season 3 of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to halt more episodes. Season 3 will be back with a second cour in 2027—a date so remote they easily could have dubbed it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will still be leading the project. At least this time, director Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the start, which could be taken as a positive development. But, the main art for the continuation is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This suggests that, nowadays, they must be teasing the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Is Set to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a reputation for being an elite animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its productions but for the good working conditions of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had never worked on an anime stemming from a manga from Shonen Jump, possibly 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 massive popularity when it first appeared in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a lengthy break due to the creator's health issues. When it came back with a reduced workload, the series showed it still retained the fans' support and goodwill, and now the community is overjoyed about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Its Sixth Season Is Getting a Follow-Up Now in the Works
Kingdom is the best-selling, long-running Shueisha manga that is aside from One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only just received an English release, but the anime has been going on for a while, and season 6 was another stellar entry. As it happens that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been revealed as in production, and it will probably premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
One more studio known for the artistic merit of its work, Science Saru has brought us masterpieces of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, most recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be taking on the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, which is based on the real historical figure of Fatima, an influential woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and intriguing visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my must-watch list.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Return With a Season Two
Right after the release of episode 24, it was confirmed 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 new season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm release date has yet to be revealed.
