The winter break present a multitude of pastimes much better than catching up on the updates: unwrapping gifts, feasting on delicious food, and using meditation skills to refrain from yelling at family members. I hope 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. Numerous exciting announcements surfaced during the break, and if you didn't see some of them, here is a compilation of the most exciting bits.
Truly the biggest piece of news, the much-discussed controversial season that was the third season of One-Punch Man proved insufficient to stop the series' continuation. Season 3 will return with a second cour in 2027—so far away they easily could have called it season 4. Adding to the surprise, the studio J.C. Staff will remain at the helm. At least this time, director Shinpei Nagai is on board to direct from the start, which could be taken as a positive development. Yet, the key visual for the new episodes is a mirror of the one used for season 3, just with protagonists Saitama and Garou looking opposite ways. This suggests that, at this point, they could be trolling the fans.
Kyoto Animation has built a reputation for being an elite animation studio, distinguishing itself not just for the superb artistry of its work but for the good working conditions of its employees—a sadly unusual standard in the industry. Curiously, until now, it had not produced an anime adapted from a manga serialized in Shonen Jump, arguably the most iconic magazine in the industry. Ruri Dragon will end that streak, and what a superb choice it is. The manga by Masaoki Shindo gained widespread acclaim when it first appeared in 2022 after just a few chapters, but then went into a two-year hiatus due to the mangaka's health issues. When it came back with a lighter schedule, the series showed it hadn't lost the fans' support and enthusiasm, and now the community is thrilled about the forthcoming KyoAni adaptation.
Kingdom is the best-selling, decades-spanning Shueisha manga that is not One Piece. If you've are unfamiliar with it before, it's because it only fairly recently obtained an English translation, but the anime has been running for some time, and its sixth season was a further outstanding 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 air in 2026.
Another studio known for the superior craftsmanship of its projects, Science Saru has delivered 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, inspired by the true story of Fatima, an influential woman and scholar in the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. From the trailer, the anime titled 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 absolutely be on my must-watch list.
Immediately following the airing of its twenty-fourth episode, it was revealed that Tougen Anki will be securing a second season. 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 firm premiere date has not been disclosed yet.
Elara is a seasoned writer and digital nomad who shares her adventures and expertise in lifestyle and technology.