A Ton of Japanese Animation Updates Dropped Over the Holidays

The Christmas holidays offer a multitude of pursuits considerably more enjoyable than catching up on the updates: opening presents, getting stuffed on delicious food, and harnessing meditation skills to refrain from snapping at relatives. I hope you were able to do all these things and more. However, the showbiz industry doesn't take a break, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Many thrilling news items emerged during the break, and if you overlooked a few, here is a roundup of the most exciting bits.

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

Truly the biggest announcement, the much-discussed troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to halt further production. The show will come back with a subsequent part in 2027—so far away they might as well have called it season 4. More surprisingly, animation studio J.C. Staff will remain in charge. At least this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the outset, which could be taken as a good sign. But, the main art for the second cour is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This suggests that, by now, they must be mocking the fans.

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

Kyoto Animation has built a name for being an prestigious animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its work but for the ethical practices of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had not adapted an anime based on a manga from Shonen Jump, arguably the most iconic magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a superb 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 extended pause due to the author's health issues. When it came back with a more relaxed pace, the series demonstrated it still retained the fans' affection and goodwill, and now fans are thrilled about the impending KyoAni adaptation.

The Kingdom Series Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up Now in the Works

Kingdom is the best-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only just received an English translation, but the anime has been airing for a while, and season 6 was a further outstanding entry. It turns out that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been announced as in production, and it will very likely premiere in 2026.

Science Saru Is Bringing A Witch in Mongolia Into an Anime Series

Another studio renowned for the artistic merit of its productions, Science Saru has given us critically acclaimed works of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, lastly, 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 actual historical person 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 distinctly fresh and intriguing visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my must-watch list.

Tougen Anki Is Set to Continue With a Season Two

Immediately following the release of episode 24, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be receiving a sequel. Inspired by the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki is based on the manga by Yura Urushibara. The upcoming season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete premiere date has yet to be revealed.