A Ton of Japanese Animation News Arrived Over the Festive Season
The Yuletide season offer a plethora of pursuits much better than catching up on the headlines: discovering surprises, getting stuffed on holiday treats, and using deep breathing to avoid yelling at relatives. It is wished you succeeded in enjoy 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. Numerous thrilling news items emerged during the break, and just in case you missed any, here is a compilation of the most exciting bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Will Continue (By 2027)
Perhaps the biggest piece of news, the notorious disaster that was the third season of One-Punch Man failed to deter further production. Season 3 will come back with a second cour in 2027—such a distant date they easily could have labeled it season 4. Even more shocking, the studio J.C. Staff will still be in charge. Thankfully this time, director Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the outset, which might be a positive development. But, the main art 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, by now, they could be teasing the fans.
Ruri Dragon Will Be the First Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a name for being an elite animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the high caliber of its work but for the ethical practices of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had not adapted an anime stemming from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, arguably the most iconic magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became widespread acclaim when it debuted in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a lengthy break due to the creator's health issues. When it resumed publication with a reduced workload, the series showed it maintained the fans' affection and goodwill, and now the community is overjoyed about the forthcoming 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 never heard of it before, it's because it only fairly recently obtained an English translation, but the anime has been going on for years, and season 6 was another stellar entry. As it happens that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been announced as in development, and it will probably debut in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
Another studio famous for the superior craftsmanship of its productions, Science Saru has delivered critically acclaimed works of the caliber of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, lastly, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be taking on the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, based on the true story of Fatima, an prominent woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and intriguing visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my list of anticipated shows.
Tougen Anki Is Set to Continue With a Second Season
Immediately following the airing of episode 24, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be securing a second season. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm air date has yet to be revealed.
