A Mountain of Japanese Animation News Landed During the Holidays
The winter break provide a wealth of activities far superior than scanning the latest news: opening presents, indulging in holiday treats, and harnessing meditation skills to not arguing with relatives. It is wished you managed to enjoy all these things and more. However, the showbiz industry never sleeps, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Numerous thrilling announcements surfaced during the festive period, and should you missed any, here is a roundup of the most exciting bits.
One-Punch Man Its Third Season Will Continue (By 2027)
Without a doubt the biggest announcement, the notorious controversial season that was season 3 of One-Punch Man failed to stop further production. The show will be back with a second cour in 2027—such a distant date they might as well have called it season 4. Even more shocking, the studio J.C. Staff will remain leading the project. At least this time, director Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the outset, which is seen as 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 suggests that, by now, they must be trolling the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Set to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a standing for being an prestigious animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its productions but for the ethical practices of its employees—a rarity in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had not produced an anime based on a manga from Shonen Jump, arguably the most iconic magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became widespread acclaim when it first appeared in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a lengthy break due to the creator's health issues. When it came back with a reduced workload, the series proved it hadn't lost the fans' affection and goodwill, and now everyone is thrilled about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season Is Getting a Follow-Up In Production
Kingdom is the best-selling, long-running Shueisha manga that is aside from One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with it before, it's because it only just received an English localization, but the anime has been airing for years, and season 6 was a further excellent entry. As it happens that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in production, and it will almost certainly debut in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio known for the excellent quality of its work, 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 real historical figure of Fatima, an influential woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. From the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and fascinating visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my list of anticipated shows.
Tougen Anki Will Return With a Season Two
Immediately following the airing of the final episode of the first season, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be securing a second season. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki is based on the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm premiere date has not yet been announced.
