A Ton of Japanese Animation News Landed Over the Festive Season

The Christmas holidays provide a multitude of pursuits considerably more enjoyable than checking the updates: discovering surprises, getting stuffed on delicious food, and harnessing patience techniques to avoid yelling at loved ones. I hope you managed to do all these things and more. That said, the entertainment world doesn't take a break, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Many thrilling news items surfaced over the holidays, and should you missed some of them, here is a compilation of the biggest bits.

One-Punch Man Its Third Season Is Moving Forward (By 2027)

Truly the biggest revelation, the widely-criticized troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to stop more episodes. Season 3 will come back with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—so far away they easily could have dubbed it season 4. More surprisingly, animation studio J.C. Staff will still be in charge. On a positive note this time, director Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the outset, which might be a positive development. Yet, the promotional image for the new episodes is the same image the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This makes me think that, by now, they must be mocking the fans.

The Ruri Dragon Series Is Poised to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation

Kyoto Animation has forged a name for being an top-tier animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its output but for the good working conditions of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had never worked on an anime adapted from a manga from Shonen Jump, arguably the best-known magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became a huge following when it launched in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a lengthy break due to the author's health issues. When it came back with a lighter schedule, the series demonstrated it still retained the fans' support and enthusiasm, and now fans are ecstatic about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.

Kingdom Season 6 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 recently got an English translation, but the anime has been going on for a while, and season 6 was a further excellent entry. It turns out that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as currently being made, and it will probably debut in 2026.

Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia To Anime

A further studio known for the excellent quality of its work, Science Saru has brought us hit shows of the ilk 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 true story of Fatima, an powerful woman and scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. From the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and fascinating visual style, which evokes 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 airing of the final episode of the first season, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be getting a second season. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The upcoming season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm release date has not been disclosed yet.