Since its inception in 1999, Jump Festa has stood as Shueisha’s premier stage for monumental manga and anime revelations. The latest iteration of the two-day convention, held over the weekend of December 20-21, delivered a wealth of news for the coming year. While heavyweights like One Piece and My Hero Academia dominated the headlines, the event also featured significant updates for Jujutsu Kaisen, Kaiju No. 8, and several other fan-favorite franchises.
Here is a breakdown of the most significant announcements to emerge from Jump Festa this year.
My Hero Academia Returns with a Poignant Special Episode
Parting ways with Class 1-A was an emotional milestone for fans, but the journey isn’t quite over. The series is slated to return on May 2, 2026, with a bonus episode titled “More.” This special will adapt the “second ending” found in the final volume of Kohei Horikoshi’s manga, offering a glimpse into the characters’ lives eight years after their graduation. It serves as a definitive epilogue, showing how the aspiring students have matured into their roles as professional heroes.
In addition to the special, a new promotional video for the final season—thematically titled “The Story of How We All Became the Greatest Heroes”—was unveiled alongside plans for a global concert tour. These festivities mark the franchise’s 10th anniversary, complete with a commemorative logo and teaser. Fans can expect two more secret projects to be revealed later in 2026.
Jujutsu Kaisen Teases a Brutal Conflict in New Season 3 Trailer
Following the devastating fallout of the Shibuya Incident, Jujutsu Kaisen is set to return in January 2026 with its most perilous arc yet. The “Culling Game Part 1” trailer debuted at the event, featuring the energetic new opening theme “AIZO” by King Gnu. As the deadly tournament unfolds, new power players will emerge, including the fan-favorite Kinji Hakari, who will be brought to life by veteran voice actor Kazuya Nakai (noted for his iconic role as Zoro in One Piece).
One Piece Sets Sail for Elbaph with Major Structural Changes
The One Piece anime is undergoing a significant shift to a seasonal production format starting in 2026. After the Egghead Arc concludes on December 28, the series will go on a brief hiatus before the Elbaph Island Arc launches on April 5, 2026. Creator Eiichiro Oda also provided a tantalizing message that hinted at the mystery of Laugh Tale, suggesting that the legendary treasure might finally come into focus within the next year.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run Gets a Premiere Date
The long-awaited adaptation of Steel Ball Run officially arrives on Netflix on March 19, 2026. The new trailer showcases a visual style that meticulously captures Hirohiko Araki’s intricate artwork. To kick off this horse-racing odyssey, the premiere will feature a 47-minute extended episode that serves as a prologue to the main narrative, condensing the introductory chapters into a cinematic experience.
Kaiju No. 8 Enters Its Final Chapter
The saga of Kafka Hibino is nearing its zenith. Titled the “Final Chapter,” the next installment of Kaiju No. 8 is currently in the works. While the latest trailer primarily recaps the journey so far, it confirmed that a new original short titled “Narumi’s Week at Work” will bridge the gap for fans. A specific release window for the finale remains under wraps.
Chainsaw Man: International Assassins Arc Confirmed
Building on the momentum of the Reze Arc film, MAPPA has officially announced the International Assassins Arc. This direct sequel will see Denji facing global threats while remaining under the complex influence of Makima. A haunting new teaser visual was released, though a definitive premiere date has yet to be scheduled by the studio.
Dan Da Dan Season 3 Slated for 2027
The supernatural hit Dan Da Dan continues its rapid ascent. Following a breakout first season, the production team revealed that Season 3 is officially scheduled for a 2027 debut. A fresh teaser visual accompanied the news, hinting at the high-octane battles and alien intrigue awaiting Momo and Okarun in the upcoming Space Globalists arc.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 4 Arrives July 2026
The epic conclusion to Tite Kubo’s masterpiece is in sight. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 4 – The Calamity will begin its broadcast in July 2026. This final cour promises to resolve the blood-soaked conflict between the Soul Reapers and the Quincies. Additionally, fans can look forward to a new mobile gaming experience, BLEACH Mirrors High, launching the same summer.
Black Clover Resumes with Season 2 in 2026
After a prolonged hiatus since the initial series ended in 2021, Black Clover is officially returning for a second season in 2026. Studio Pierrot remains at the helm, and the new teaser suggests a significant step up in animation quality as the story dives back into the Clover Kingdom’s struggles.
Sakamoto Days Season 2 Fast-Tracked for Netflix
Taro Sakamoto, the legendary hitman turned shopkeeper, will return to screens sooner than expected. Season 2 of Sakamoto Days has been greenlit for a global Netflix release. Following the successful conclusion of the first season, this quick renewal ensures that fans won’t have to wait long for more of the series’ trademark blend of domestic comedy and high-speed action.
Haikyu!! Movie and Special Set for 2027
The Haikyu!! franchise is adopting a dual-release strategy for 2027. The anime special, The Place Where Monsters Go, will cover the intense quarter-final clash between Fukurodani and Mujinazaka. This will be followed by the feature film, Haikyu!! The Movie: VS The Little Giant, which focuses on Karasuno’s pivotal match against Kamomedai. New visuals have already begun circulating to build anticipation for these volleyball milestones.
The Elusive Samurai Season 2 Premieres July 2026
CloverWorks’ visually stunning historical drama, The Elusive Samurai, has been renewed for a second season. The world of Prince Tokiyuki will expand further starting in July 2026. A brief teaser and a new character visual were shared, promising a continuation of the series’ unique blend of historical accuracy and stylized evasion tactics.
Source: Polygon
