A Heap of Japanese Animation News Arrived During the Holidays

The Yuletide season present a multitude of pastimes considerably more enjoyable than catching up on the headlines: opening presents, feasting on holiday treats, and employing patience techniques to avoid snapping at loved ones. It is wished you succeeded in accomplish all these things and more. Nevertheless, the showbiz industry never sleeps, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Many noteworthy announcements surfaced during the holidays, and if you missed some of them, here is a compilation of the juiciest bits.

One-Punch Man Season 3 Will Continue (Come 2027)

Without a doubt the biggest revelation, the widely-criticized troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to deter the series' continuation. 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 at the helm. On a positive note this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the outset, which could be taken as a hopeful indicator. However, the promotional image for the new episodes is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This makes me think that, by now, they must be mocking the fans.

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

Kyoto Animation has established a name for being an prestigious animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the superb artistry of its work but for the good working conditions of its employees—a sadly unusual standard in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had not produced an anime based on a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, perhaps the most iconic magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved widespread acclaim 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 reduced workload, the series proved it maintained the fans' support and enthusiasm, and now fans are overjoyed about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.

Kingdom Season 6 Has a Sequel 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 recently got an English localization, but the anime has been running for some time, and its sixth season was a further excellent entry. Apparently that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been announced as in production, and it will almost certainly air in 2026.

Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series

One more studio renowned for the excellent quality of its projects, Science Saru has delivered hit shows of the ilk of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, most recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be handling 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 intriguing visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my must-watch list.

Tougen Anki Will Return With a Season Two

Right after the airing of its twenty-fourth episode, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be getting a sequel. Adapted from 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 yet to be revealed.