A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Dropped Over the Festive Season
The Yuletide season provide a wealth of activities considerably more enjoyable than scanning the updates: discovering surprises, getting stuffed on festive fare, and employing patience techniques to refrain from snapping at family members. It is wished you managed to enjoy all these things and more. Nevertheless, the entertainment world doesn't go on vacation, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Numerous thrilling announcements came out over the festive period, and just in case you missed any, here is a compilation of the biggest bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Is Set to Continue (Come 2027)
Perhaps the most surprising revelation, the widely-criticized troubled production that was the third season of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to halt further production. The show will be back with a subsequent part in 2027—such a distant date they could have called it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will still be at the helm. On a positive note this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the beginning, which is seen as a good sign. Yet, the main art for the continuation is the same image the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This leads one to believe that, by now, they are probably trolling the fans.
The Ruri Dragon Series Will Be the First Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a name for being an top-tier animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the superb artistry of its productions but for the good working conditions of its employees—a sadly unusual standard in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had not produced an anime adapted from a manga from Shonen Jump, perhaps the most iconic magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained widespread acclaim when it debuted in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a extended pause due to the author's health issues. When it resumed publication with a lighter schedule, the series demonstrated it maintained the fans' affection and positive sentiment, and now everyone is overjoyed about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Has a Sequel In Production
Kingdom is the best-selling, long-running Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only just received an English release, but the anime has been going on for some time, and season 6 was a further excellent entry. Apparently that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been revealed as in development, and it will almost certainly premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio renowned for the excellent quality of its productions, Science Saru has delivered hit shows of the quality 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, which is based on the actual historical person 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 intriguing visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my list of anticipated shows.
The Tougen Anki Series Is Set to Continue With a Season Two
Shortly after the conclusion of the final episode of the first season, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be getting a follow-up. 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 specific air date has not yet been announced.
