A Ton of Japanese Animation Updates Arrived Over the Holidays
The Christmas holidays offer a wealth of pursuits considerably more enjoyable than catching up on the headlines: opening presents, indulging in holiday treats, and employing meditation skills to avoid arguing with relatives. I hope you were able to enjoy all these things and more. That said, the entertainment world doesn't take a break, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. Numerous thrilling developments surfaced during the holidays, and if you overlooked a few, here is a summary of the most exciting bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Is Moving Forward (Come 2027)
Perhaps the biggest revelation, the much-discussed troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man failed to stop further production. The show will come back with a second cour in 2027—such a distant date they could have dubbed it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will remain at the helm. Thankfully this time, director Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the beginning, which could be taken as a hopeful indicator. However, the promotional image for the continuation is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This makes me think that, by now, they must be trolling the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Poised to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has forged a name for being an top-tier animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the exceptional quality of its productions but for the good working conditions of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had not adapted an anime adapted from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, arguably the best-known magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved massive popularity when it debuted in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a lengthy break due to the creator's health issues. When it resumed publication with a more relaxed pace, the series demonstrated it maintained the fans' appreciation and enthusiasm, and now everyone is ecstatic about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Will Get a Sequel Now in the Works
Kingdom is the top-selling, long-running Shueisha manga that is aside from One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only recently got an English release, but the anime has been airing for some time, and season 6 was another stellar entry. Apparently that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been revealed as currently being made, and it will very likely premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio famous for the excellent quality of its work, Science Saru has brought us masterpieces of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, lastly, 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 real historical figure of Fatima, an influential woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a distinctly fresh and captivating visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my list of anticipated shows.
Tougen Anki Will Return With a Second Season
Shortly after the airing of episode 24, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be getting a sequel. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The upcoming season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific premiere date has not yet been announced.
