A Ton of Japanese Animation News Arrived Over the Festive Season

The winter break offer a plethora of activities much better than checking the headlines: unwrapping gifts, feasting on festive fare, and employing meditation skills to refrain from arguing with family members. I hope you were able to accomplish all these things and more. However, the showbiz industry doesn't take a break, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Numerous thrilling developments came out during the festive period, and if you didn't see a few, here is a roundup of the juiciest bits.

One-Punch Man Its Third Season Is Set to Continue (Come 2027)

Without a doubt the most surprising revelation, the widely-criticized troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man failed to stop more episodes. Season 3 will be back with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—such a distant date they easily could have labeled it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will remain in charge. Thankfully this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the beginning, which is seen as a good sign. Yet, 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 makes me think that, by now, they must be teasing the fans.

The Ruri Dragon Series Will Be the First Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation

Kyoto Animation has built a standing for being an prestigious animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the superb artistry of its productions but for the ethical practices of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had not produced an anime based on a manga from Shonen Jump, arguably the most famous magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a excellent choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved a huge following when it first appeared in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the creator's health issues. When it resumed publication with a more relaxed pace, the series showed it still retained the fans' appreciation and positive sentiment, and now the community is ecstatic about the impending KyoAni adaptation.

The Kingdom Series Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up Currently in Production

Kingdom is the highly popular, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only recently got an English release, but the anime has been running for some time, and season 6 was another stellar entry. Apparently that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been announced as currently being made, and it will probably air in 2026.

Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia To Anime

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, more 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 actual historical person of Fatima, an influential woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and captivating visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my watchlist.

Tougen Anki Will Continue With a Second Season

Right after the conclusion of episode 24, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be receiving a follow-up. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete release date has yet to be revealed.