A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Arrived Over the Holidays
The Christmas holidays present a wealth of activities considerably more enjoyable than scanning the headlines: unwrapping gifts, indulging in festive fare, and employing patience techniques to not arguing with relatives. I hope you managed to enjoy all these things and more. Nevertheless, the showbiz industry doesn't go on vacation, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. Numerous exciting news items came out during the festive period, and if you overlooked a few, here is a compilation of the biggest bits.
One-Punch Man Its Third Season Is Set to Continue (Come 2027)
Truly the biggest revelation, the much-discussed troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to deter the series' continuation. The show will come back with a subsequent part in 2027—such a distant date they easily could have called it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will continue to be in charge. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the outset, which might be a hopeful indicator. However, the promotional image for the second cour is the same image the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This makes me think that, nowadays, they are probably mocking the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Set to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a reputation for being an prestigious animation studio, making its mark not just for the exceptional quality of its work but for the fair treatment of its employees—a sadly unusual standard in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had not adapted an anime based on a manga published in Shonen Jump, perhaps the most iconic magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved massive popularity when it launched in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a lengthy break due to the author's health issues. When it came back with a lighter schedule, the series proved it maintained the fans' support and goodwill, and now everyone is thrilled about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Has a Sequel Currently in Production
Kingdom is the best-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only just received an English localization, but the anime has been going on for a while, and its sixth season was a further outstanding entry. It turns out that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been announced as currently being made, and it will very likely air in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
A further 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, lastly, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be handling the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, based on the true story of Fatima, an influential woman and scholar 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 without a doubt be on my list of anticipated shows.
The Tougen Anki Series Is Set to Continue With a Second Season
Right after the release of episode 24, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be receiving a second season. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki is based on the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific air date has not yet been announced.