A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Landed Over the Festive Season
The winter break present a wealth of pursuits considerably more enjoyable than checking the latest news: opening presents, feasting on festive fare, and using patience techniques to not arguing with family members. I hope you succeeded in enjoy all these things and more. However, the showbiz industry doesn't take a break, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Many thrilling developments surfaced over the festive period, and if you missed any, here is a compilation of the most exciting bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Is Moving Forward (In 2027)
Without a doubt the most shocking revelation, the much-discussed troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to stop the series' continuation. Season 3 will return with a subsequent part in 2027—such a distant date they could have labeled it season 4. Even more shocking, the studio J.C. Staff will continue to be in charge. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the beginning, which might be a hopeful indicator. Yet, the key visual for the new episodes is the same image the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This makes me think that, at this point, they could be teasing the fans.
Ruri Dragon Will Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a standing for being an top-tier animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the superb artistry of its productions but for the ethical practices of its employees—a rarity in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had never worked on an anime stemming from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, arguably the most iconic magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved widespread acclaim when it launched 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 came back with a lighter schedule, the series showed it still retained the fans' support and enthusiasm, and now fans are overjoyed about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up Now in the Works
Kingdom is the top-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with it before, it's because it only fairly recently obtained an English localization, but the anime has been airing for some time, and its sixth season was a further stellar entry. Apparently that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in production, and it will probably debut in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
Another studio renowned for the superior craftsmanship of its work, Science Saru has brought us critically acclaimed works of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, more recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be producing the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, based on the true story of Fatima, an powerful woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. From the trailer, the anime called Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and fascinating visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my watchlist.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Return With a Season Two
Immediately following the conclusion of the final episode of the first season, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be getting a sequel. Inspired by the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete release date has not yet been announced.
