A Heap of Japanese Animation Updates Arrived During the Holidays

The winter break offer a plethora of pursuits considerably more enjoyable than catching up on the updates: opening presents, feasting on festive fare, and harnessing patience techniques to avoid yelling at relatives. It is wished you managed to do all these things and more. That said, the entertainment world doesn't go on vacation, and this is notably true for the realm of anime. Numerous exciting news items emerged over the break, and just in case you overlooked a few, here is a summary of the juiciest bits.

The One-Punch Man Series Its Third Season Is Moving Forward (By 2027)

Truly the biggest revelation, the notorious disaster that was the third season of One-Punch Man wasn't enough to halt more episodes. The show will return with a subsequent part in 2027—so far away they might as well have dubbed it season 4. Adding to the surprise, animation studio J.C. Staff will still be in charge. At least this time, director Shinpei Nagai is attached to direct from the outset, which might be a good sign. However, the main art for the continuation is identical to the one used for season 3, just with characters Saitama and Garou facing different directions. This makes me think that, at this point, they could be mocking the fans.

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

Kyoto Animation has forged a reputation for being an prestigious animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the high caliber of its productions but for the good working conditions of its employees—a rarity in the industry. Surprisingly, until now, it had not adapted an anime adapted from a manga from 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 launched in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the creator's health issues. When it returned with a lighter schedule, the series proved it maintained the fans' affection and goodwill, and now fans are overjoyed about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.

Kingdom Its Sixth Season Is Getting a Follow-Up In Production

Kingdom is the highly popular, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is aside from One Piece. If you've haven't come across it before, it's because it only fairly recently obtained an English translation, but the anime has been running 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 in development, and it will probably debut in 2026.

Science Saru Is Adapting A Witch in Mongolia To Anime

Another studio famous for the artistic merit of its productions, Science Saru has given us critically acclaimed works of the quality of Space Dandy, Devilman Crybaby, and, more 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 powerful 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 truly original and captivating 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 Season Two

Shortly after the release of the final episode of the first season, it was announced that Tougen Anki will be receiving a second season. Adapted from the Japanese legend of Momotaro, Tougen Anki adapts the manga by Yura Urushibara. The second season of the anime will delve into the Nikko Kegon Falls Arc, but a concrete release date has not yet been announced.