A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Landed During the Festive Season

The Christmas holidays offer a plethora of activities far superior than checking the latest news: discovering surprises, indulging in festive fare, and employing patience techniques to avoid arguing with relatives. It is wished you were able to accomplish all these things and more. Nevertheless, the showbiz industry never sleeps, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. Numerous noteworthy developments surfaced over the break, and should you overlooked a few, here is a roundup of the biggest bits.

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

Perhaps the biggest piece of news, the widely-criticized troubled production that was the third season of One-Punch Man failed to halt further production. Season 3 will come back with a subsequent part in 2027—so far away they could have called it season 4. Even more shocking, animation studio J.C. Staff will continue to be in charge. On a positive note this time, director Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the start, which is seen as a good sign. But, the main art for the second cour is identical to the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This suggests that, by now, they are probably teasing the fans.

Ruri Dragon Will Be the Premiere Shonen Jump Anime Produced By Kyoto Animation

Kyoto Animation has forged a standing for being an elite animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the superb artistry of its output but for the fair treatment of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had not produced an anime based on a manga from Shonen Jump, possibly the most iconic magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a great choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved a huge following when it first appeared in 2022 after just a small number of issues, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the creator's health issues. When it returned with a lighter schedule, the series demonstrated it maintained the fans' affection and positive sentiment, and now fans are overjoyed about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.

Kingdom Its Sixth Season Has a Sequel Currently in Production

Kingdom is the best-selling, epic Shueisha manga that is other than One Piece. If you've never heard of it before, it's because it only just received an English release, but the anime has been going on for years, and its sixth season was yet another stellar entry. As it happens that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been confirmed as currently being made, and it will almost certainly premiere in 2026.

Science Saru Will Adapt A Witch in Mongolia To Anime

Another studio renowned for the artistic merit of its projects, Science Saru has delivered critically acclaimed works of the ilk of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, most recently, 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 prominent woman and intellectual in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Based on the trailer, the anime named Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a highly unique and intriguing visual style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Ranking of Kings. Debuting in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my list of anticipated shows.

Tougen Anki Will Continue With a Season Two

Immediately following the conclusion of its twenty-fourth episode, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be securing a follow-up. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The new season of the anime will cover the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific premiere date has not yet been announced.