A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Arrived During the Festive Season
The winter break provide a plethora of pastimes much better than checking the updates: opening presents, indulging in delicious food, and employing meditation skills to avoid yelling at loved ones. It is wished you were able to enjoy all these things and more. That said, the entertainment world doesn't go on vacation, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. A slew of exciting news items came out over the holidays, and just in case you overlooked some of them, here is a summary of the juiciest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Is Moving Forward (Come 2027)
Truly the biggest revelation, the much-discussed disaster that was season 3 of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to deter further production. The show will be back with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—so far away they could have labeled it season 4. Adding to the surprise, the studio J.C. Staff will remain in charge. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the beginning, which could be taken as a positive development. But, the main art for the continuation is the same image the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This suggests that, by now, they must be mocking the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Will Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a standing for being an elite animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the superb artistry of its work but for the good working conditions of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had not adapted an anime adapted from a manga from Shonen Jump, arguably the most iconic magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained massive popularity when it launched 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 returned with a lighter schedule, the series demonstrated it still retained the fans' support and goodwill, and now the community is overjoyed about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up Now in the Works
Kingdom is the top-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is aside from One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only fairly recently obtained an English translation, but the anime has been airing for years, and season 6 was a further stellar entry. It turns out that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been revealed as in production, and it will almost certainly debut in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
Another studio known for the superior craftsmanship of its work, Science Saru has given us hit shows of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, more recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be taking on 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 thinker 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 without a doubt be on my watchlist.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Return With a Second Season
Shortly after the release of the final episode of the first season, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be securing a second season. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific air date has yet to be revealed.
