A Mountain of Japanese Animation Updates Landed During the Festive Season

The Yuletide season provide a wealth of activities far superior than catching up on the headlines: opening presents, feasting on holiday treats, and harnessing patience techniques to not arguing with family members. Hopefully you were able to do all these things and more. That said, the entertainment world never sleeps, and this is especially true for the realm of anime. A slew of noteworthy news items emerged during the holidays, and just in case you overlooked some of them, here is a compilation of the biggest bits.

One-Punch Man Season 3 Will Continue (In 2027)

Perhaps the biggest piece of news, the widely-criticized controversial season that was season 3 of One-Punch Man failed to deter the series' continuation. Season 3 will be back with a subsequent part in 2027—such a distant date they easily could have labeled it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will continue to be at the helm. On a positive note this time, helmer Shinpei Nagai is set to direct from the start, which might be a positive development. Yet, the key visual for the continuation is the same image the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This makes me think that, by now, they are probably 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 prestigious animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the exceptional quality of its productions but for the ethical practices of its employees—a uncommon practice in the industry. Unexpectedly, until now, it had not produced an anime adapted from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, perhaps the best-known magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo became a huge following when it launched in 2022 after just a small number of issues, 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 demonstrated it still retained the fans' support and enthusiasm, and now everyone is overjoyed about the upcoming KyoAni adaptation.

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

Kingdom is the best-selling, long-running Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only just received an English translation, but the anime has been going on for years, and season 6 was another excellent entry. It turns out that was just the first cour, because a "sequel" has been revealed as in development, and it will very likely debut in 2026.

Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia To Anime

Another studio known for the excellent quality of its productions, Science Saru has brought us hit shows 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 real historical figure of Fatima, an influential woman and thinker in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. From the trailer, the anime titled Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia will have a truly original and intriguing visual style, which evokes Ranking of Kings. Scheduled to launch in July 2026, this one will definitely be on my list of anticipated shows.

The Tougen Anki Series Is Set to Continue With a Second Season

Immediately following the airing of its twenty-fourth episode, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be receiving a sequel. Based on the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki brings to life the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will adapt the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a firm premiere date has yet to be revealed.