A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Arrived Over the Holidays

The winter break provide a multitude of pastimes far superior than checking the latest news: discovering surprises, feasting on festive fare, and employing patience techniques to avoid arguing with loved ones. It is wished you managed to do all these things and more. That said, the world of entertainment doesn't go on vacation, and this is particularly true for the realm of anime. Numerous thrilling developments surfaced over the holidays, and if you overlooked a few, here is a roundup of the most exciting bits.

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

Without a doubt the most surprising announcement, the notorious disaster that was the third season of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to stop more episodes. The show will come back with a subsequent part in 2027—so far away they easily could have labeled it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will continue to be leading the project. Thankfully this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the outset, which might be a hopeful indicator. But, the main art for the second cour is the same image the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou oriented differently. This makes me think that, by now, they are probably mocking the fans.

Ruri Dragon Is Poised to Be the First Shonen Jump Anime From 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 adapted an anime stemming from a manga from Shonen Jump, possibly the most famous magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will break that tradition, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained widespread acclaim when it debuted in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a lengthy break due to the mangaka's health issues. When it resumed publication with a more relaxed pace, the series proved it hadn't lost the fans' affection and enthusiasm, and now the community is ecstatic about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.

The Kingdom Series Season 6 Is Getting a Follow-Up Currently in Production

Kingdom is the top-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only fairly recently obtained an English localization, but the anime has been airing for years, and season 6 was yet another outstanding entry. As it happens that was just the initial batch, because a "sequel" has been revealed as in production, and it will very likely premiere in 2026.

Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia To Anime

Another studio famous for the artistic merit of its work, 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, based on the actual historical person of Fatima, an influential woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a distinctly fresh and captivating visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my must-watch list.

Tougen Anki Will Return With a Season Two

Right after the conclusion of episode 24, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be getting a second season. Adapted from 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 specific release date has not been disclosed yet.