A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Arrived Over the Holidays
The Christmas holidays offer a multitude of pastimes far superior than checking the headlines: unwrapping gifts, indulging in holiday treats, and employing deep breathing to refrain from yelling at loved ones. Hopefully you were able to enjoy all these things and more. Nevertheless, the entertainment world doesn't take a break, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Many thrilling developments emerged during the festive period, and just in case you missed a few, here is a summary of the biggest bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Is Moving Forward (By 2027)
Truly the most surprising piece of news, the much-discussed troubled production that was the third season of One-Punch Man failed to deter more episodes. Season 3 will come back with a subsequent part in 2027—such a distant date they might as well have called it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will remain in charge. Thankfully this time, director Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the start, which could be taken as a hopeful indicator. But, the promotional image for the second cour is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This leads one to believe that, nowadays, they must be trolling the fans.
Ruri Dragon Will Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a standing for being an elite animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the exceptional quality of its work but for the fair treatment of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had never worked on an anime based on a manga from Shonen Jump, possibly the best-known magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved massive popularity when it first appeared in 2022 after just a handful of installments, but then went into a extended pause due to the creator's health issues. When it returned with a reduced workload, the series proved it still retained the fans' appreciation and goodwill, and now fans are overjoyed about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom Season 6 Has a Sequel Now in the Works
Kingdom is the top-selling, long-running Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only just received an English release, but the anime has been running for some time, and season 6 was another excellent entry. It turns out that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as currently being made, and it will almost certainly debut in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
Another studio known for the excellent quality of its productions, Science Saru has given us masterpieces of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, more recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be producing the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, inspired by the true story of Fatima, an prominent woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and captivating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my must-watch list.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Return With a Second Season
Right after the airing of the final episode of the first season, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be securing a follow-up. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete release date has not yet been announced.
