A Mountain of Japanese Animation Updates Landed During the Festive Season
The Yuletide season present a wealth of pursuits much better than checking the updates: opening presents, indulging in holiday treats, and using patience techniques to not snapping at relatives. I hope you managed to do all these things and more. However, the entertainment world doesn't take a break, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. A slew of noteworthy news items emerged during the festive period, and if you overlooked a few, here is a summary of the juiciest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Is Set to Continue (By 2027)
Truly the most surprising revelation, the widely-criticized controversial season that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to halt more episodes. Season 3 will come back with a second cour in 2027—a date so remote they might as well have dubbed it season 4. More surprisingly, the studio J.C. Staff will continue to be in charge. At least this time, director Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the start, which is seen as a positive development. But, the main art 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 are probably trolling the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Poised to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a standing for being an top-tier animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the exceptional quality of its productions but for the fair treatment of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had not adapted an anime based on a manga published in Shonen Jump, perhaps the most iconic magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained massive popularity when it launched in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a extended pause due to the mangaka's health issues. When it returned with a reduced workload, the series proved it maintained the fans' affection and goodwill, and now the community is overjoyed about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season Is Getting a Follow-Up Currently in Production
Kingdom is the highly popular, epic Shueisha manga that is aside from One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only just received an English translation, but the anime has been going on for years, and season 6 was another outstanding entry. Apparently that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as currently being made, and it will very likely premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
One more studio famous for the artistic merit of its work, Science Saru has brought us masterpieces of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, most 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 influential woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and captivating visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my must-watch list.
Tougen Anki Will Return With a Second Season
Immediately following the release of the final episode of the first season, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be securing a follow-up. Inspired by 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 firm air date has not been disclosed yet.
