A Ton of Japanese Animation News Dropped Over the Festive Season

The winter break present a wealth of pastimes much better than catching up on the updates: opening presents, indulging in festive fare, and using patience techniques to refrain from arguing with loved ones. I hope you managed to do all these things and more. Nevertheless, the showbiz industry doesn't take a break, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy news items came out over the holidays, and if you didn't see some of them, here is a compilation of the juiciest bits.

One-Punch Man Season 3 Is Set to Continue (Come 2027)

Truly the most shocking revelation, the much-discussed troubled production that was the third season of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to deter more episodes. The show will be back with a second cour in 2027—a date so remote they easily could have dubbed it season 4. Even more shocking, the studio J.C. Staff will still be leading the project. On a positive note this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the outset, which might be a positive development. But, the key visual for the new episodes is the same image the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This makes me think that, by now, they could be teasing the fans.

The Ruri Dragon Series Will Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation

Kyoto Animation has built a name for being an prestigious animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the exceptional quality of its productions but for the fair treatment of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had never worked on an anime based on a manga from Shonen Jump, perhaps the most famous magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a excellent 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 returned with a more relaxed pace, the series proved it maintained the fans' support and enthusiasm, and now everyone is ecstatic about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.

The Kingdom Series Season 6 Has a Sequel Currently in Production

Kingdom is the best-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with it before, it's because it only just received an English release, but the anime has been going on for years, and season 6 was another stellar entry. It turns out that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in development, and it will very likely premiere in 2026.

Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series

A further studio famous for the excellent quality of its work, Science Saru has given us hit shows of the caliber 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, based on the true story of Fatima, an influential woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime called Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a distinctly fresh and captivating 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 watchlist.

The Tougen Anki Series Will Continue With a Season Two

Right after the airing of its twenty-fourth episode, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be receiving a second season. Inspired by the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific air date has not yet been announced.