A Heap of Japanese Animation News Landed Over the Festive Season
The Yuletide season provide a plethora of pursuits considerably more enjoyable than scanning the headlines: unwrapping gifts, getting stuffed on holiday treats, and employing patience techniques to not snapping at family members. It is wished you managed to do all these things and more. However, the entertainment world never sleeps, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Many exciting announcements came out over the break, and just in case you didn't see a few, here is a roundup of the juiciest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Is Set to Continue (In 2027)
Truly the most shocking piece of news, the much-discussed controversial season that was the third season of One-Punch Man failed to halt more episodes. The show will come back with a subsequent part in 2027—a date so remote they might as well have called it season 4. Even more shocking, animation studio J.C. Staff will continue to be at the helm. Thankfully this time, director Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the beginning, which might be a positive development. But, the promotional image for the continuation is identical to the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This makes me think that, by now, they are probably teasing the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Is Poised to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a standing for being an prestigious animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the exceptional quality of its work but for the fair treatment of its employees—a sadly unusual standard in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had not adapted an anime stemming from a manga published in Shonen Jump, arguably the most famous 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 handful of installments, but then went into a lengthy break due to the mangaka's health issues. When it returned with a lighter schedule, the series demonstrated it maintained the fans' appreciation and enthusiasm, and now the community is thrilled about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Its Sixth Season Will Get a Sequel In Production
Kingdom is the top-selling, epic 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 release, but the anime has been airing for some time, and season 6 was a further excellent entry. Apparently that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in production, and it will very likely debut in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
A further studio known for the excellent quality of its productions, Science Saru has delivered critically acclaimed works of the ilk 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, inspired by the real historical figure of Fatima, an powerful woman and scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime called Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and fascinating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my watchlist.
Tougen Anki Will Return With a Second Season
Shortly after the conclusion of its twenty-fourth episode, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be securing a sequel. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm release date has not yet been announced.
