A Heap of Japanese Animation News Landed During the Holidays

The Yuletide season provide a multitude of activities far superior than checking the latest news: unwrapping gifts, indulging in festive fare, and using meditation skills to not arguing with loved ones. It is wished you succeeded in enjoy all these things and more. However, the entertainment world doesn't take a break, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Numerous thrilling announcements emerged over the festive period, and should you missed some of them, here is a compilation of the most exciting bits.

The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Will Continue (Come 2027)

Without a doubt the biggest announcement, the much-discussed disaster that was the third season of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to halt more episodes. The show will return with a follow-up batch of episodes in 2027—so far away they could have called it season 4. Even more shocking, animation studio J.C. Staff will continue to be at the helm. On a positive note this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the start, which is seen as a positive development. Yet, the main art for the continuation is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This suggests that, nowadays, they must be trolling the fans.

The Ruri Dragon Series Is Poised to Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime By Kyoto Animation

Kyoto Animation has established a standing for being an top-tier animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the exceptional quality of its output but for the ethical practices of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had not produced an anime based on a manga published in Shonen Jump, arguably the most iconic magazine in the business. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained widespread acclaim when it first appeared in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the mangaka's health issues. When it came back with a more relaxed pace, the series proved it maintained the fans' affection and goodwill, and now fans are thrilled about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.

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

Kingdom is the highly popular, long-running Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with it before, it's because it only recently got an English release, but the anime has been running for years, and its sixth season was yet another excellent entry. Apparently that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been revealed as in development, and it will almost certainly debut in 2026.

Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia To Anime

One more studio famous for the artistic merit of its productions, Science Saru has brought us critically acclaimed works of the ilk of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, most recently, Dandadan. This time, the studio will be taking on the adaptation of Tomato Soup's manga A Witch's Life in Mongol, 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 named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and captivating visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will without a doubt be on my list of anticipated shows.

The Tougen Anki Series Will Return With a Season Two

Right after the airing of the final episode of the first season, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be receiving a follow-up. Adapted from 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 not yet been announced.