A Heap of Japanese Animation News Dropped Over the Festive Season
The Christmas holidays offer a multitude of pursuits much better than scanning the updates: unwrapping gifts, getting stuffed on delicious food, and employing patience techniques to not yelling at relatives. I hope you were able to enjoy all these things and more. However, the showbiz industry doesn't go on vacation, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. A slew of noteworthy news items emerged during the holidays, and should you missed a few, here is a roundup of the juiciest bits.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Is Moving Forward (Come 2027)
Without a doubt the biggest revelation, the notorious disaster that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to halt more episodes. Season 3 will return with a subsequent part in 2027—a date so remote they easily could have labeled it season 4. Even more shocking, animation studio J.C. Staff will remain leading the project. On a positive note this time, director Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the outset, which might be a positive development. However, the promotional image for the new episodes is the same image the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This suggests that, at this point, they could be mocking the fans.
Ruri Dragon Will Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has built a standing for being an top-tier animation studio, making its mark not just for the superb artistry of its work but for the good working conditions of its employees—a rarity in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had not produced an anime based on a manga published in Shonen Jump, possibly the most famous magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became a huge following 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 hadn't lost the fans' affection and goodwill, and now everyone is ecstatic about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Season 6 Has a Sequel Currently in Production
Kingdom is the top-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only fairly recently obtained an English localization, but the anime has been running for some time, and its sixth season was a further outstanding entry. Apparently that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been announced as currently being made, and it will probably premiere in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series
A further studio known for the artistic merit of its productions, Science Saru has given us hit shows of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, more recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be handling the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, which is based on the actual historical person of Fatima, an powerful woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime called Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and fascinating visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my must-watch list.
Tougen Anki Will Continue 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. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm release date has yet to be revealed.
