A Mountain of Japanese Animation Updates Arrived Over the Festive Season

The winter break offer a plethora of activities far superior than scanning the headlines: opening presents, indulging in delicious food, and using patience techniques to not snapping at family members. Hopefully you managed to accomplish all these things and more. However, the entertainment world doesn't take a break, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy announcements surfaced over the holidays, and should you didn't see some of them, here is a roundup of the most exciting bits.

One-Punch Man Season 3 Is Set to Continue (In 2027)

Without a doubt the most shocking announcement, the widely-criticized troubled production that was season 3 of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to deter further production. The show will come back with a second cour in 2027—so far away they easily could have dubbed it season 4. Adding to the surprise, the studio J.C. Staff will remain in charge. Thankfully this time, director Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the start, which is seen as a positive development. But, the key visual for the continuation is identical to the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This leads one to believe that, nowadays, they must be mocking the fans.

Ruri Dragon Is Set to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation

Kyoto Animation has built a name for being an top-tier animation studio, setting itself apart not just for the high caliber of its work 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, perhaps the most iconic magazine in the field. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became massive popularity when it debuted in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a extended pause due to the creator's health issues. When it resumed publication with a lighter schedule, the series demonstrated it maintained the fans' support and enthusiasm, and now fans are overjoyed about the impending KyoAni adaptation.

Kingdom Its Sixth Season Will Get a Sequel In Production

Kingdom is the best-selling, long-running Shueisha manga that is aside from 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 airing for some time, and season 6 was yet another outstanding entry. Apparently that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been announced as in production, and it will almost certainly debut in 2026.

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

One more studio famous for the excellent quality of its projects, Science Saru has given us masterpieces of the ilk 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 prominent woman and scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime called Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and captivating visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my must-watch list.

The Tougen Anki Series Will Continue With a Second Season

Immediately following the release of the final episode of the first season, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be getting a follow-up. Inspired by the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki is based on the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm premiere date has yet to be revealed.