A Mountain of Japanese Animation Updates Arrived During the Holidays

The winter break provide a wealth of pursuits much better than checking the latest news: unwrapping gifts, feasting on festive fare, and employing patience techniques to not snapping at loved ones. Hopefully you succeeded in enjoy all these things and more. However, the showbiz industry doesn't take a break, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy news items surfaced over the holidays, and should you didn't see a few, here is a compilation of the most exciting bits.

The One-Punch Man Series Season 3 Is Moving Forward (By 2027)

Without a doubt the most shocking piece of news, the widely-criticized troubled production that was the third season of One-Punch Man failed to halt more episodes. Season 3 will return with a second cour 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. On a positive note this time, director Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the beginning, which could be taken as a hopeful indicator. However, the promotional image for the new episodes is identical to the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This makes me think that, at this point, they are probably trolling the fans.

Ruri Dragon Is Set to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime From Kyoto Animation

Kyoto Animation has built a reputation 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 sadly unusual standard in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had not adapted an anime adapted from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, possibly the best-known magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained massive popularity when it debuted in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the author's health issues. When it resumed publication with a more relaxed pace, the series demonstrated it maintained the fans' support and positive sentiment, and now everyone is overjoyed about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.

The Kingdom Series Its Sixth Season Will Get a Sequel Currently in Production

Kingdom is the top-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only just received an English translation, but the anime has been going on for years, and season 6 was a further excellent entry. It turns out that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as currently being made, and it will very likely premiere in 2026.

Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia To Anime

Another studio known for the artistic merit of its projects, Science Saru has given us hit shows of the caliber 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, which is based on the true story of Fatima, an powerful 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 highly unique and fascinating visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my must-watch list.

Tougen Anki Will Continue With a Second Season

Immediately following the release of its twenty-fourth episode, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be securing a sequel. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific air date has yet to be revealed.