A Heap of Japanese Animation News Landed Over the Festive Season
The Christmas holidays present a wealth of activities far superior than checking the updates: opening presents, getting stuffed on delicious food, and using meditation skills to not yelling at loved ones. It is wished you managed to do all these things and more. That said, the world of entertainment never sleeps, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. Many thrilling developments surfaced over the break, and if you missed any, here is a compilation of the juiciest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Is Moving Forward (In 2027)
Without a doubt the most shocking piece of news, the widely-criticized controversial season that was the third season of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to deter the series' continuation. Season 3 will return with a second cour in 2027—such a distant date they easily could have dubbed it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will still be at the helm. Thankfully this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the start, which could be taken as a positive development. However, the key visual for the continuation is identical to the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This suggests that, nowadays, they could be mocking the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Is Poised to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a reputation for being an elite animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its output but for the fair treatment of its employees—a rarity in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had never worked on an anime adapted from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, possibly the best-known magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became massive popularity when it launched in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a lengthy break due to the author's health issues. When it returned with a reduced workload, the series showed it hadn't lost the fans' appreciation and enthusiasm, and now fans are thrilled about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up Currently in Production
Kingdom is the top-selling, long-running Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with 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 initial batch, because a "sequel" has been revealed as currently being made, and it will probably premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio famous for the artistic merit of its projects, Science Saru has delivered hit shows of the caliber of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, lastly, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be producing the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, based on the real historical figure of Fatima, an prominent woman and scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and intriguing visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my must-watch list.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Continue With a Season Two
Shortly after the release of the final episode of the first season, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be getting a second season. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The upcoming season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete air date has yet to be revealed.
