A Ton of Japanese Animation News Landed Over the Holidays
The Christmas holidays offer a wealth of activities much better than checking the headlines: discovering surprises, getting stuffed on festive fare, and harnessing meditation skills to not snapping at relatives. I hope you were able to enjoy all these things and more. However, the showbiz industry never sleeps, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy news items emerged during the break, and just in case you overlooked a few, here is a summary of the most exciting bits.
The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Is Moving Forward (Come 2027)
Perhaps the most shocking piece of news, the widely-criticized disaster that was the third season of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to stop more episodes. Season 3 will be back with a second cour in 2027—such a distant date they could have called it season 4. Even more shocking, animation studio J.C. Staff will remain at the helm. On a positive note this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the beginning, which might be a hopeful indicator. However, the key visual for the new episodes is identical to the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This makes me think that, nowadays, they are probably mocking the fans.
Ruri Dragon Is Set to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation
Kyoto Animation has established a reputation for being an elite animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the superb artistry of its productions but for the good working conditions of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had not produced an anime adapted from a manga from Shonen Jump, possibly the most famous magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved widespread acclaim when it first appeared in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a lengthy break due to the mangaka's health issues. When it came back with a reduced workload, the series showed it hadn't lost the fans' appreciation and goodwill, and now fans are thrilled about the impending KyoAni adaptation.
The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season 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 recently got an English translation, but the anime has been going on for some time, and season 6 was another stellar entry. As it happens that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as in development, and it will very likely debut in 2026.
Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia To Anime
Another studio known for the artistic merit of its work, Science Saru has delivered masterpieces of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, lastly, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be producing the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, inspired by the true story of Fatima, an influential woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime called Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a distinctly fresh and intriguing visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my must-watch list.
The Tougen Anki Series Will Return With a Second Season
Shortly after the airing of episode 24, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be receiving a sequel. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm air date has not been disclosed yet.