A Ton of Japanese Animation Updates Landed During the Holidays

The Christmas holidays provide a multitude of pastimes much better than checking the updates: opening presents, feasting on holiday treats, and employing patience techniques to not arguing with family members. It is wished you managed to do all these things and more. Nevertheless, the world of entertainment doesn't go on vacation, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Many noteworthy announcements came out over the break, and should you overlooked some of them, here is a summary of the most exciting bits.

One-Punch Man Its Third Season Will Continue (In 2027)

Without a doubt the most surprising revelation, the much-discussed troubled production that was the third season of One-Punch Man failed to deter further production. Season 3 will come back with a second cour in 2027—a date so remote they could have labeled it season 4. More surprisingly, the studio J.C. Staff will still be at the helm. On a positive note this time, director Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the beginning, which might be a hopeful indicator. However, the promotional image for the continuation is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This makes me think that, by now, they are probably trolling the fans.

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

Kyoto Animation has built a standing for being an top-tier animation studio, making its mark not just for the superb artistry of its work but for the good working conditions of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had not adapted an anime stemming from a manga published in Shonen Jump, possibly the most famous magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will change that, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo achieved a huge following 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 proved it maintained the fans' appreciation and enthusiasm, and now everyone is overjoyed about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.

Kingdom Season 6 Will Get a Sequel Currently in Production

Kingdom is the top-selling, epic 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 translation, but the anime has been going on for years, and season 6 was yet another stellar entry. As it happens that was just the first half, because a "sequel" has been announced as currently being made, and it will very likely air in 2026.

Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia To Anime

One more studio known for the superior craftsmanship of its productions, Science Saru has brought us masterpieces of the quality 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, inspired by the real historical figure of Fatima, an influential woman and scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Judging from the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and intriguing visual style, which reminds me a bit of Ranking of Kings. Set to premiere in July 2026, this one will absolutely be on my list of anticipated shows.

Tougen Anki Will Return With a Second Season

Right after the airing of episode 24, it was confirmed that Tougen Anki will be receiving a second season. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki is based on the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a specific premiere date has not been disclosed yet.