All the Anime Coming Out in January 2026

The Winter 2026 anime season arrives with a robust selection of brand-new adaptations and highly anticipated returning sequels. Fans of various genres, including dark fantasy, romantic comedy, and high-octane sports, will find plenty of content to explore across different streaming platforms. From the continuation of global hits to the debut of niche light novel adaptations, this month marks a significant period for the industry. This comprehensive guide covers every major series scheduled to premiere throughout the month of January.

‘Fate/strange Fake’ (2024)

Produced by A-1 Pictures, this series officially begins its broadcast run on January 3, 2026. Directors Shun Enokido and Takahito Sakazume lead the production, which explores a false Holy Grail War set in the United States. The narrative follows various Masters and Servants as they engage in a conflict filled with anomalies and unexpected legendary figures. This project expands the massive ‘Fate’ franchise by adapting the light novel series written by Ryōgo Narita.

‘Sentenced to Be a Hero’ (2026)

‘Sentenced to Be a Hero’ is scheduled to premiere on January 3, 2026, under the direction of Hiroyuki Takashima at Studio Kai. The story follows a group of criminals forced into the role of heroes as part of their punishment for past transgressions. These reluctant saviors must battle dangerous entities while navigating the strict constraints of their penal battalion. The dark fantasy setting provides a unique twist on traditional heroic tropes by focusing on redemption through high-stakes combat.

‘Hana-Kimi’ (2026)

Based on the classic shōjo manga ‘Hanazakari no Kimitachi e’, this new anime adaptation debuts on January 4, 2026. Signal.MD is handling the animation with Natsuki Takemura serving as the director for the project. The plot centers on a young girl who disguises herself as a boy to enroll in an all-male boarding school to support her idol. This series revisits the beloved romantic comedy dynamics that made the original source material a global success among fans of the genre.

‘Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy’ (2026)

‘Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy’ is set to release on January 4, 2026, with Pyuta Konno directing at Studio Hōkiboshi. The series explores themes of romance and personal growth within a specialized narrative framework. As a production from Studio Hōkiboshi, it is expected to follow the stylistic choices typical of their seasonal drama offerings. The story aims to capture the emotional complexities of its central characters through its unique visual presentation.

‘Jack-of-All-Trades, Party of None’ (2026)

This adaptation premieres on January 4, 2026, and is produced by animation studio42 with Hiroyuki Kanbe at the helm. The story follows a versatile adventurer who is kicked out of a hero’s party for being a “jack of all trades” rather than a specialist. He soon discovers that his broad skill set is far more valuable than his former teammates realized as he begins his own journey. The series highlights the importance of versatility and self-worth in a fantasy world dominated by rigid class systems.

‘Journal with Witch’ (2026)

‘Journal with Witch’, known in Japan as ‘Ikoku Nikki’, starts its broadcast on January 4, 2026. Directed by Miyuki Oshiro at studio Shuka, the anime depicts the daily lives of an introverted novelist and her niece who begins living with her. The narrative focuses on the delicate development of their relationship following a family tragedy. This “slice of life” drama is praised for its mature handling of grief, communication, and the evolution of shared domestic spaces.

‘Kunon the Sorcerer Can See’ (2026)

Platinum Vision brings ‘Kunon the Sorcerer Can See’ to screens on January 4, 2026, under the direction of Hideaki Ōba. The protagonist is a blind boy born into a noble family who uses water magic to create a new form of “sight” for himself. As he masters his unique magical abilities, he begins to perceive the world in ways others cannot. The story emphasizes Kunon’s ingenuity and his relentless pursuit of knowledge within a magical academic setting.

‘MF Ghost’ (2023–)

The high-speed racing action continues with the third season of ‘MF Ghost’, which premieres on January 4, 2026. Produced by Felix Film and directed by Tomohito Naka, the new season follows Kanata Rivington as he climbs the ranks of the MFG racing circuit. Set in the same universe as ‘Initial D’, the series focuses on internal combustion engine cars competing in a world of self-driving electric vehicles. The upcoming episodes are expected to cover intense new races on challenging Japanese mountain passes.

‘Tamon’s B-Side’ (2026)

‘Tamon’s B-Side’ is scheduled to debut on January 4, 2026, with animation provided by J.C.Staff and direction by Chika Nagaoka. The plot follows a fan of a popular idol who discovers that her favorite performer has a completely different, gloomier personality behind the scenes. She ends up working as his housekeeper, leading to a comedic and heartwarming exploration of his true self. The anime adapts the popular manga ‘Tamon-kun Ima Dotchi!?’ and explores the dichotomy between public personas and private lives.

‘The Daily Life of a Part-time Torturer’ (2026)

Starting January 4, 2026, ‘The Daily Life of a Part-time Torturer’ offers a comedic take on dark fantasy themes. Directed by Fumitoshi Oizaki at studio Diomedéa, the series focuses on the mundane aspects of working a supernatural job. Despite the intimidating title, the show leans heavily into situational humor and character interactions within a fantasy workplace. The protagonist must balance the absurd requirements of his part-time position with his personal life.

‘Golden Kamuy’ (2018–)

The epic journey through Hokkaido enters its final stages with the fifth season of ‘Golden Kamuy’, releasing on January 5, 2026. Produced by Brain’s Base and directed by Shizutaka Sugahara, this season continues Saichi Sugimoto and Asirpa’s hunt for the hidden Ainu gold. The plot thickens as various factions clash and the mysteries of the tattooed skins are finally unraveled. This adaptation remains celebrated for its historical detail, cultural representation, and intense action sequences.

‘My Hero Academia: Vigilantes’ (2025–)

‘My Hero Academia: Vigilantes’ returns for its second season on January 5, 2026, under the production of Bones Film and director Kenichi Suzuki. As a prequel spin-off to the main series, it follows the “illegal” heroes who operate without government licenses. The new episodes continue to explore the darker corners of a superhuman society before the rise of Izuku Midoriya. Fans can expect more world-building and appearances from younger versions of established pro heroes.

‘Wash It All Away’ (2026)

Directed by Kenta Ōnishi at Okuruto Noboru, ‘Wash It All Away’ is set to premiere on January 5, 2026. The series follows the manager of a laundry shop and her interactions with the local community in a charming coastal town. Based on the manga ‘Kirei ni Shite Moraemasu ka’, the story provides a relaxing look at the technicalities of cleaning and the stories behind the clothes. It aims to offer a “healing” experience for viewers through its gentle pacing and focus on everyday connections.

‘I’ll Live a Long Life to Dote on My Favorite Stepbrother!’ (2026)

This series, which translates to ‘I Will Live a Long Life to Adore My Favorite Step-Brother’, debuts on January 6, 2026. The project is a collaboration between Imagica Infos and Imageworks Studio, with Yūsuke Morishita serving as director. The story revolves around a protagonist who is reincarnated into a world where she can support her favorite character from a previous life. The narrative blends elements of isekai and romantic drama as she navigates her new family dynamics.

‘Isekai Office Worker: The Other World’s Books Depend on the Bean Counter’ (2026)

Studio Deen presents ‘The Other World’s Books Depend on the Bean Counter’ starting January 6, 2026, under director Shinji Ishihara. The plot follows a corporate accountant who is accidentally summoned to a fantasy world alongside a “Chosen Saint.” Rather than becoming a hero, he applies his rigorous accounting skills to fix the chaotic finances of the kingdom’s magical department. This series offers a unique perspective on isekai by focusing on logistics, bureaucracy, and romantic tension.

‘There Was a Cute Girl in the Hero’s Party, So I Tried Confessing to Her’ (2026)

This light novel adaptation premieres on January 6, 2026, produced by Gekkou with Yasutaka Yamamoto as chief director. The story follows a protagonist who joins a heroic quest not for glory, but to pursue a romantic interest within the party. His attempts at confession often lead to comedic misunderstandings amidst dangerous monster encounters. The series parodies traditional fantasy adventure tropes while maintaining a core focus on its central romance.

‘Tune In to the Midnight Heart’ (2026)

‘Tune In to the Midnight Heart’ is scheduled for a January 6, 2026, release with Masayuki Takahashi directing at Gekkou. The story centers on a high school boy searching for a mysterious radio host he fell in love with after hearing her voice. He joins his school’s broadcasting club and meets four girls, one of whom might be the person he is looking for. The anime focuses on the themes of mystery, high school club life, and the power of audio communication.

‘Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers’ (2026)

A new entry in the ‘Samurai Troopers’ legacy, ‘Yoroi Shinden Samurai Troopers’ (Part 1), premieres on January 6, 2026. Produced by Sunrise and directed by Yōichi Fujita, this project marks a return to the armored warrior aesthetic that defined the original series. The plot introduces a new generation of warriors tasked with defending the world from supernatural threats using mystical armor. This revival aims to combine classic themes with modern animation techniques for both new and returning fans.

‘You Can’t Be in a Rom-Com with Your Childhood Friends!’ (2026)

Directed by Satoshi Kuwabara at Tezuka Productions, this anime debuts on January 6, 2026. The narrative explores the lives of students who are convinced they are living in a romantic comedy but struggle to make their relationships follow the genre’s rules. It specifically focuses on the “childhood friend” trope and the difficulties of moving past established boundaries. The series serves as a meta-commentary on school-life anime while providing genuine character development.

‘A Gentle Noble’s Vacation Recommendation’ (2026)

‘A Gentle Noble’s Vacation Recommendation’ starts its run on January 7, 2026, with Kenta Noda directing at SynergySP. The story follows a high-ranking noble who is suddenly transported to another world while on his day off. Instead of trying to find a way home, he decides to treat the experience as an extended vacation and enjoys the local culture. The series is known for its relaxed atmosphere and the protagonist’s unflappable, refined demeanor in the face of fantasy chaos.

‘An Adventurer’s Daily Grind at Age 29’ (2026)

Premiring on January 7, 2026, this series is produced by Hornets and directed by Riki Fukushima. It focuses on Hajime, a 29-year-old adventurer who manages a mundane and steady lifestyle despite his dangerous profession. The narrative highlights the practicalities of being a mid-career adventurer, such as managing expenses and physical health. This “mid-life” fantasy story provides a grounded contrast to more explosive, youth-oriented heroic epics.

‘Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube’ (2025–)

The second part of the ‘Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube’ revival premieres on January 7, 2026. Studio Kai handles the animation with Yasuyuki Ōishi directing the continuation of Meisuke Nueno’s supernatural battles. As a teacher with a demonic hand, Nube protects his students from various urban legends and folklore spirits. This new adaptation updates the classic 1990s horror-comedy for a modern audience with enhanced visuals and pacing.

‘SHIBOYUGI: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table’ (2026)

‘Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table’ is set to release on January 7, 2026, from Studio Deen and director Souta Ueno. The story follows a young girl who participates in lethal “Death Games” solely because the prize money covers her living expenses. She treats the horrific challenges with a professional, detached attitude that unnerves her opponents. The anime explores a dark, satirical world where survival games have become a normalized part of the gig economy.

‘The Case Book of Arne’ (2026)

Directed by Keisuke Inoue at Silver Link, ‘The Case Book of Arne’ premieres on January 7, 2026. The series is a supernatural mystery that follows a human girl and a vampire detective as they solve complex crimes involving paranormal entities. Based on the popular free game ‘Arne no Jikenbo’, the narrative blends Gothic horror with traditional deductive reasoning. The chemistry between the two leads and the unique rules of their magical world drive the tension of the investigations.

‘The Darwin Incident’ (2026)

‘The Darwin Incident’ makes its debut on January 7, 2026, under the direction of Naokatsu Tsuda at Bellnox Films. The plot focuses on Charlie, a “human-chimpanzee” hybrid born in a biological research lab, who attempts to live a normal life as a high school student. His existence sparks political debates and attracts the attention of radical animal rights groups and terrorists. This series tackles heavy themes of identity, humanity, and societal ethics within a thriller framework.

‘The Demon King’s Daughter Is Too Kind!!’ (2026)

This lighthearted comedy starts on January 7, 2026, produced by EMT Squared and directed by Masahiko Ohta. The story follows the young daughter of a terrifying Demon Lord who is supposed to be learning the ways of evil but is naturally extremely kind-hearted. Her father and his subordinates find themselves constantly moved by her innocent acts of compassion, making it impossible to conquer the human realm. The show focuses on the “wholesome” interactions between the demon world’s strongest beings and their gentle princess.

‘Chained Soldier’ (2024–)

The second season of ‘Chained Soldier’ premieres on January 8, 2026, with Passione and Hayabusa Film producing. Director Masafumi Tamura returns to guide the story of Yuki Wakura and the members of the Anti-Demon Corps. Set in a world where “Peaches” grant women supernatural powers, Yuki serves as a “slave” to use his unique transformation abilities. This season is expected to introduce more members of the various Corps and escalate the conflict against the Shuuki monsters.

‘Noble Reincarnation: Born Blessed, So I’ll Obtain Ultimate Power’ (2026)

CompTown and director Michio Fukuda bring this isekai series to screens on January 8, 2026. The protagonist is reborn as a prince in a world where magical potential is determined by lineage and status. Using knowledge from his previous life, he optimizes his training to become far more powerful than anyone anticipated. The series follows his journey as he balances his royal duties with his secret pursuit of magical supremacy.

‘The Holy Grail of Eris’ (2026)

Directed by Morita to Junpei at Ashi Productions, ‘The Holy Grail of Eris’ debuts on January 8, 2026. The story involves a plain noblewoman who makes a deal with the ghost of a villainous lady executed years prior. Together, they work to uncover the truth behind the ghost’s death and the conspiracies hidden within the royal court. This historical mystery-thriller emphasizes political intrigue and the complex bond between the two female protagonists.

‘The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife’ (2026)

‘The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife’ is scheduled for January 8, 2026, with Mitsuho Seta directing at Project No.9. The series depicts a romantic relationship between a man who is permanently invisible and a blind woman who loves him. Because she cannot see, she is the only person who treats him as a normal individual rather than a curiosity. The anime offers a gentle and emotional look at disability, perception, and the nature of love.

‘Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You’ (2025–)

The second season of ‘Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You’ premieres on January 9, 2026, from Typhoon Graphics. Director Junichi Yamamoto continues the story of a girl living with her four male childhood friends during their final years of high school. The romantic tension increases as the characters begin to face the reality of graduation and their diverging paths. The series remains a staple for fans of traditional shōjo romance and coming-of-age dramas.

‘Champignon Witch’ (2026)

‘Champignon Witch’ debuts on January 9, 2026, produced by Typhoon Graphics and Qzil.la under director Yōsuke Kubo. The story follows Luna, a witch who lives in seclusion because poisonous mushrooms grow wherever she goes. Her lonely life changes when she begins to interact with the people from a nearby town and learns to control her “curse.” This series provides a whimsical and slightly dark fairy-tale atmosphere centered on self-acceptance.

‘High School! Kimengumi’ (2026)

A modern reimagining of the classic comedy, ‘High School! Kimengumi’, premieres on January 9, 2026. Directed by Kazuaki Seki at Seven, the series follows a group of eccentric high schoolers known as the Kimengumi for their strange faces and behavior. The show retains its slapstick roots while updating the humor and visual style for 2026 audiences. It focuses on the absurd daily lives of the club members as they navigate school events and social misunderstandings.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020–)

MAPPA returns with the first part of ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Season 3 on January 9, 2026. Directed by Shōta Goshozono, this season is set to cover the highly anticipated Culling Game arc from the manga. The plot follows Yuji Itadori and his allies as they are forced into a lethal tournament orchestrated by the villainous Kenjaku. The production is expected to maintain the high standards of action choreography and supernatural horror that made the franchise a global phenomenon.

‘ROLL OVER AND DIE: I Will Fight for an Ordinary Life with My Love and Cursed Sword!’ (2026)

‘Roll Over and Die’ premieres on January 9, 2026, with Nobuharu Kamanaka directing at A.C.G.T. The story follows Flum Apricot, a girl who is sold into slavery after being deemed useless by her hero party. She discovers a hidden power that allows her to survive and fight back against those who wronged her. The series is a dark fantasy that combines elements of horror and action with a focus on Flum’s survival in a brutal world.

‘Dark Moon: The Blood Altar’ (2026)

Scheduled for January 10, 2026, ‘Dark Moon: The Blood Altar’ is produced by Troyca and directed by Shōko Shiga. The series is a supernatural romance featuring vampire protagonists and is part of the ‘Dark Moon’ multimedia project associated with ENHYPEN. It follows the interactions between a girl with a mysterious past and a group of vampire brothers at a prestigious academy. The narrative blends school life with hidden mythological secrets and rivalries between supernatural factions.

‘Dead Account’ (2026)

‘Dead Account’ arrives on January 10, 2026, from SynergySP with Keiya Saitō at the helm. The story takes place in a world where people’s regrets manifest as modern spirits that haunt social media and the internet. “Exorcists” use specialized digital tools to “delete” these spirits and protect the users of the online world. The series explores the intersection of traditional folklore and the anxieties of the digital age.

‘Does It Count If You Lose Your Innocence to an Android? (2026)

This series is set for release on January 10, 2026, produced by Nyan Pollution-ω- and directed by Neko B. The plot centers on a protagonist who decides to purchase a high-end lifelike android for companionship. The story explores the ethical and emotional boundaries of relationships between humans and artificial intelligence. It blends romantic comedy with speculative science fiction elements regarding the future of intimacy.

‘Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord’ (2026)

Premiring on January 10, 2026, this series is produced by NAZ and directed by Takayuki Kuriyama and Tetsuya Tatamitani. A young lord is given control of a barren, monster-filled wasteland as his territory, which most would consider a death sentence. Using his unique production-type magic, he remains optimistic and begins transforming the land into a prosperous fortress city. The show focuses on city-building mechanics and the protagonist’s infectious positive attitude.

‘Fire Force’ (2019–)

The second part of the third season of ‘Fire Force’ debuts on January 10, 2026. David Production and director Tatsuma Minamikawa continue the adaptation of Atsushi Ohkubo’s manga as it reaches its climactic final chapters. Shinra Kusakabe and Company 8 face the ultimate truth behind the Great Cataclysm and the Evangelist’s plans. This season promises large-scale battles and the resolution of the mystery regarding the Adolla Burst.

‘Hell Mode: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing’ (2026)

‘Hell Mode’ starts its broadcast on January 10, 2026, at Yokohama Animation Laboratory with Masato Tamagawa directing. The protagonist is a gamer who chooses the hardest possible difficulty setting when reincarnating into a fantasy world. He must survive in a world where the power balance is stacked against him, relying on his knowledge of game mechanics to progress. The series highlights the slow, methodical growth of a character in a “hardcore” RPG-style environment.

‘Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling’ (2026)

Felix Film and Ga-Crew present ‘Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling’ on January 10, 2026. Directed by Yuta Takamura, the story follows a man who wakes up in another world as a weak dragon egg. To survive predators and hostile humans, he must evolve through various forms by gaining experience points. The series focuses on his struggle for survival and his desire to eventually regain a human form or become the strongest dragon.

‘Trigun Stargaze’ (2026)

Produced by Orange, ‘Trigun Stargaze’ premieres on January 10, 2026, under the direction of Masako Satō. This series serves as a sequel to ‘Trigun Stampede’, continuing the reimagined journey of Vash the Stampede on the planet Gunsmoke. The plot is expected to delve deeper into the conflict between Vash and his brother Knives while introducing more characters from the original manga. Orange’s signature high-quality 3D animation remains a central feature of the production.

‘You Don’t Know Gunma Yet: Reiwa Edition’ (2026)

This updated adaptation debuts on January 10, 2026, with Tetsuya Tatamitani directing for Imagica Infos and Imageworks Studio. The series is a comedy that satirizes the local culture, myths, and stereotypes of Gunma Prefecture in Japan. The “Reiwa Version” promises updated jokes and references that reflect the current social landscape of the 2020s. It follows a transfer student who is consistently overwhelmed by the bizarre and intense “Gunma pride” of his classmates.

‘A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans’ (2026)

Directed by Akira Iwanaga at Asread, this anime begins on January 11, 2026. The story centers on a teacher who genuinely dislikes people but is assigned to a class full of non-human students like vampires and sirens. Paradoxically, his lack of bias towards humans makes him an excellent educator for the “demi-human” teenagers. The series explores the bonds that form between the antisocial teacher and his misunderstood students.

‘Hell’s Paradise’ (2023–)

MAPPA brings back ‘Hell’s Paradise’ for its second season on January 11, 2026, with Kaori Makita directing. The story picks up with Gabimaru the Hollow and his handler Sagiri as they continue their search for the Elixir of Life on a deadly island. As more executioners and criminals arrive on the island, the struggle for survival becomes even more desperate. This season will further explore the mystery of the Tensen and the supernatural ecology of the island.

‘Oedo Fire Slayer -The Legend of Phoenix-‘ (2026)

‘Hikuidori’ is scheduled for a January 11, 2026, release with SynergySP handling the production. The project involves veteran directors Hajime Kamegaki and Hiroshi Yasumi. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the series is expected to follow a narrative focused on drama and character development. The involvement of experienced staff suggests a production aimed at a mature audience with a strong emphasis on storytelling.

‘In the Clear Moonlit Dusk’ (2026)

‘In the Clear Moonlit Dusk’ premieres on January 11, 2026, produced by East Fish Studio and Atelier Peuplier. Directed by Yūsuke Maruyama, the anime adapts the popular shōjo manga about two “princes” of the same high school. The story follows the relationship between Yoi, a girl known for her handsome looks, and Kohaku, a boy who is also treated like royalty. Their romance develops as they navigate the expectations placed on them by their peers and their own insecurities.

‘Kaya-chan Isn’t Scary’ (2026)

Directed by Hiroshi Ikehata at East Fish Studio, this anime debuts on January 11, 2026. The series is a horror-comedy about a kindergarten teacher and a young girl named Kaya who has the ability to see and exorcise ghosts. While Kaya’s actions look like normal childhood tantrums to others, her teacher realizes she is actually fighting off dangerous spirits. The show balances its cute art style with genuinely creepy supernatural encounters.

‘Scum of the Brave’ (2026)

‘Scum of the Brave’ starts on January 11, 2026, produced by OLM and directed by Shinji Ushiro. The series follows a former “Hero” who has fallen from grace and now lives a life of debauchery and cynicism. He is forced back into action when a new threat emerges, though he maintains his “scumbag” personality throughout his missions. The narrative serves as a subversion of the typical noble hero archetype, focusing instead on a deeply flawed protagonist.

‘The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom’ (2026)

Studio Deen presents this series on January 11, 2026, with Takayuki Hamana serving as director. The plot follows Tiararose, who realizes she is the villainess of an otome game and is about to be exiled. However, the prince of the neighboring kingdom, who was not a main character in the original game, suddenly confesses his love for her. The story follows her attempts to navigate this new romantic path while avoiding the “bad endings” of the original script.

‘You and I Are Polar Opposites’ (2026)

Premiring on January 11, 2026, ‘You and I Are Polar Opposites’ is produced by Lapin Track and directed by Takakazu Nagatomo. The story focuses on an energetic, popular girl and a quiet, stoic boy who unexpectedly begin dating. The narrative explores their awkward and sweet interactions as they learn to understand each other’s very different social worlds. It has been praised for its realistic and healthy depiction of teenage romance and communication.

‘‘Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess’ (2024–)

The second season of ‘‘Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess’ premieres on January 12, 2026, from Pine Jam and director Yōko Kanamori. The series continues its comedic premise where a captured human princess is “tortured” by demons with delicious food and modern luxuries. She inevitably “succumbs” to the temptation and reveals trivial secrets about her kingdom. The new episodes will feature more demons, new types of “torture,” and the ongoing wholesome relationship between the princess and her captors.

‘【OSHI NO KO】’ (2023–)

The third season of ‘Oshi no Ko’ is scheduled to debut on January 14, 2026, with Doga Kobo and director Daisuke Hiramaki. Following the dramatic events of the second season, Aqua and Ruby Hoshino continue their climb through the entertainment industry while pursuing their own secrets. The plot is expected to cover the “2.5D Stage Play” aftermath and move into the next major arcs of the manga. The series continues to be a critical look at the dark side of Japanese idol and acting culture.

‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023–)

‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ returns for its highly anticipated second season on January 16, 2026. Produced by Madhouse and directed by Tomoya Kitagawa, the story follows the elf mage Frieren as she continues her journey to the northern lands. This season will cover the “First Class Mage Exam” arc, introducing many new mages and complex magical battles. The series remains focused on the themes of time, memory, and the importance of human connections.

‘Medalist’ (2025–)

The second season of the figure skating drama ‘Medalist’ premieres on January 25, 2026. Produced by ENGI and directed by Yasutaka Yamamoto, the story follows young Inori and her coach Tsukasa as they aim for the top of the competitive skating world. The new season focuses on Inori’s growth as she enters more prestigious competitions and faces off against national-level rivals. The series is noted for its technical accuracy regarding skating and its intense emotional stakes.

Please share which of these upcoming January 2026 anime releases you are most excited to watch in the comments.