Weekly Anime news, update, and releases

[DaniloGold]

Here's a compiled anime & manga news roundup from the last month (January 2026) with details on each item — covering new anime announcements, trailers, releases, adaptations, and industry developments that have been generating buzz in the community:

1. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Begins Broadcast (Culling Game Arc)

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 officially premiered on January 8, 2026 (Japanese broadcast). The new arc, known as Culling Game, is one of the most anticipated parts of the series, featuring high-stakes battles and crucial story developments from Gege Akutami's original manga. A new visual and character footage were released alongside cast reveals, showcasing intense confrontations like Yuji and Yuta against new adversaries.

2. Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Debuts on Netflix

The anime film Cosmic Princess Kaguya!, a futuristic musical retelling of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, was released on Netflix on January 22, 2026. A limited theatrical run was also held in California the same week. Alongside the film, a manga adaptation began serialization on January 9, 2026, with the first volume set to come out in February, and a novelization and guidebook published on January 30, expanding the franchise's reach.

Why it matters: This release adds to anime's crossover into global streaming cinema, combining classic folklore with modern animation and music.

3. Wash It All Away Anime Premiere (Jan 5, 2026)

The anime adaptation of Mitsuru Hattori's Wash It All Away (Kirei ni Shite Moraemasu ka?) premiered on January 5, 2026 across multiple Japanese networks (Tokyo MX, AT-X, BS Asahi, and more). A key visual and trailer were revealed ahead of release, and the cast includes Sayumi Suzushiro, Shūichirō Umeda, and more. The series adapts a character-driven manga with elements of romance and drama.

4. Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy Anime Begins Streaming

The adult-oriented anime Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy — based on the manga by Hirafumi and Yagi Shinba — premiered on January 5, 2026 on platforms like AnimeFesta and OceanVeil (Tokyo MX, BS11). The series mixes romantic comedy with mature themes and continues to stream into January.

5. Ma To Seihei no Slave 2 Begins Early Streaming (Jan 8)

The second season of Ma To Seihei no Slave (Mato Seihei no Slave 2), an anime adaptation of the jump+ battle fantasy manga, started exclusive early streaming on ABEMA from January 8, 2026, with weekly episodes following. This continues the dystopian action story about a boy joined with a powerful female warrior to fight monsters.

6. Love Through a Prism (Purizumu Rondo) Hits Netflix with Manga Tie-In

Netflix released 20 episodes of the original net animation Love Through a Prism (Purizumu Rondo) in January 2026. The coming-of-age historical romance — created by Boys Over Flowers author Yoko Kamio — came with a simultaneous manga adaptation that began serialization on January 8, 2026 on Shueisha's digital platforms.

7. Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling Anime New Visual & January Premiere

The anime adaptation of Tensei Shitara Dragon no Tamago Datta: Saikyou Igai Mezasanee (Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling) unveiled a new key visual and confirmed a January 2026 TV premiere. Directed by Takamura Yuuta at GA-CREW/Felix Film and streamed on HIDIVE, the series follows a hatchling in a fantasy world aiming to become the strongest dragon.

Why it matters: Adds to the winter season's lineup of isekai/fantasy series, appealing to light-novel and adventure fans.

8. FX Fighter Kurumi-chan Anime Adaptation Announced (2026)

The forex-themed comedy manga FX Fighter Kurumi-chan is getting a 2026 TV anime adaptation, with a teaser visual and trailer released. Produced by Passione and directed by Yuki Ogawa, this series follows Kurumi Fukuga's misadventures trying to recover financial losses via forex trading. Aina Suzuki voices the titular character. The original manga's ninth volume is set for release on January 22, 2026 in Japan.

9. Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26 Short Story Anime Re-Releases Jan 16

The animated anthology Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26, adapting eight short stories by Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto, is being re-released in theaters starting January 16, 2026 in Japan in two parts. Initially screened in October 2025, the film series is also available on Prime Video. A special leaflet is being given to attendees.

10. Attack on Titan: The Final Chapter – The Last Attack New Ending Scene Reveals Mikasa's Future

A major fan-debated Attack on Titan mystery was resolved via the re-released theatrical compilation Attack on Titan: The Final Chapter – The Last Attack, which includes a new post-credits scene confirming that Mikasa Ackerman marries Jean and they raise a family, clarifying lingering questions left after the original anime/manga finale.

Bonus: 2026 Anime Industry & Future Projects

Sparks of Tomorrow

Netflix announced Sparks of Tomorrow, a steampunk-inspired series by Kyoto Animation, set in an alternative Kyoto dominated by steam technology. It will release July 2026 and is highly anticipated due to its creative team (creators of Violet Evergarden & A Silent Voice).

Baki-dou: El Samurái Invencible

A new Baki sequel, Baki-dou: El samurái invencible, was confirmed for February 26, 2026 on Netflix, featuring legendary samurai Musashi Miyamoto as the main threat.

These upcoming titles are shaping 2026's broader anime landscape, generating hype well before their premiere dates.

How January 2026 Shaped Up (Trends & Themes)

Strong winter season launches (Jujutsu Kaisen S3, Wash It All Away, Mato Seihei no Slave 2)
Netflix anime expansion (Love Through a Prism, Cosmic Princess Kaguya!)
Unique & niche adaptations (FX Fighter Kurumi-chan, anthology re-releases)
Big franchise developments (Attack on Titan closure scene)
New anime projects confirmed for 2026 (Sparks of Tomorrow, Baki-dou)