Another day, another round of big announcements! Today’s Anime News Update is packed with major reveals, casting news, manga updates, and industry surprises — so get ready to catch up on everything that happened in the anime world.
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1. One Piece Brings Back 1998 Luffy Voice Actor Urara Takano for Joy Boy
One Piece fans witnessed a historic moment this week.
Urara Takano, who originally voiced Luffy in the 1998 One Piece: Defeat The Pirate Ganzak! special (before Mayumi Tanaka took over in 1999), is officially returning to the franchise.
She will voice Joy Boy in the upcoming One Piece anime episodes — a major casting move that has excited longtime fans.
Takano shared her thoughts in response to the One Piece official X/Twitter post regarding episode 1151, which aired on Sunday. The official YouTube channel also released a preview for episode 1152, further teasing Joy Boy’s appearance.
One Piece Anime Schedule Change for 2026
Toei Animation and producer Ryūta Koike announced a significant shift:
- Starting 2026, the anime will produce up to 26 episodes per year.
- After the Egghead arc ends, the anime will take a 3-month production break (Jan–Mar 2026).
- One Piece returns in April 2026 with the start of the long-awaited Elbaph arc, split across two cours.
This marks a new era for One Piece, focusing on quality over quantity.
2. “A Boy Raised by the Gods Will Be The Strongest” Manga Ends With Volume 8
Kadokawa officially confirmed that Volume 8 of Tōya Kuno’s manga A Boy Raised by the Gods Will Be The Strongest will be its final volume.
The last book will be released on February 10.
The series is an adaptation of Ryousuke Hata’s light novels, which follow a boy raised by divine beings who later becomes the strongest warrior.
The ending of the manga means fans who want closure may turn to the original novels for more world-building.
Also Read: Best Sci-fi Anime To watch Part 1
3. Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy – New Promo Video for Upcoming Ecchi Comedy Anime
AnimeFesta released a brand-new promotional video for Ichigo Aika: Strawberry Elegy, based on Hirafumi and Yagi Shinba’s manga Ichiko Aika: Zatsu de Namaiki na Imōto to Warikirenai Ani.
What’s New?
- Opening Theme: “Koi wa Prism” performed by Yuka Akashi & Yui Otokura
- Uncensored Streaming: Begins December 12 at 12 AM PST on OceanVeil
- TV Premiere: January 4 in Japan
- AnimeFesta Streaming: Same-day release for Japanese viewers
This upcoming anime blends comedy, ecchi elements, and chaotic sibling dynamics, making it one to watch for fans of spicy humor.
4. Golden Kamuy Anime, Final Arc Premiere Date & Opening Song Revealed
The Golden Kamuy anime staff released a promotional video for the final arc, along with major updates fans have been waiting for.
Premiere Information
- Broadcast: January 5 on Tokyo MX & BS11
- Streaming: Prime Video at 11:00 PM JST
- Opening Theme: “Kogane no Kanata” (Beyond the Gold) by Awich × ALI
This opening theme was previously used in the Sapporo Beer Factory Arc prologue films, connecting the stories together.
Staff & Cast
Golden Kamuy maintains a strong returning staff:
- Chief Director: Shizutaka Sugahara
- Script Supervisor: Noboru Takagi
- Character Designer: Takumi Yamakawa
- Art Directors: Yukihiro Shibutani & Mao Miyake
- Sound Production: Magic Capsule
- Distributor: WOWOW
The two prologue films released earlier on October 10 & 31, building hype for the finale.
5. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, New Side Story Series Announced for 2026
The final (23rd) volume of the Slime light novels revealed a big surprise:
A brand-new Slime side story series will begin in 2026.
The series by Fuse and illustrator Mitz Vah has accumulated over 400 million page views since its web novel days on Shōsetsuka ni Narō.
New Releases
Alongside the final volume, GC Novels published:
- “How to Spend a Certain Vacation” — a special Slime spin-off
- A manga adaptation by Yuzo Takada, serialized in Monthly Shonen Sirius until May 26
Fans can expect more Rimuru adventures even after the main story ends.
Also Read: Top-Rated One piece action figure From Amazon part 1
6. The Dangers in My Heart: Movie Edition Reveals Trailer & Global Release Plans
TV Asahi unveiled a new trailer and visual for The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie, a compilation film that includes brand-new scenes.
Key Information
- Japan Release Date: February 13, 2026
- Sneak Preview: Screened at Anime Expo
- Theme Song: “Madder” by yorushika
- Global Release: U.S., Germany, Italy, France, Mexico, Chile, Peru, and more regions
The film continues the story of Kyōtarō and Anna, extending beyond the anime’s finale with exclusive content.
7. BLUELOCK Stage Play & Episode Nagi Stage Play Return in 2026
The BLUELOCK franchise continues expanding beyond anime and manga.
The team announced a new stage run for BLUELOCK -Episode Nagi- titled:
Butai “BLUELOCK” Re: Episode Nagi
Returning Cast Highlights
- Takamichi Satō (Nagi)
- Shūji Kikuchi (Reo)
- Nobunaga Sato (Bachira)
- Ryō Saeki (Chigiri)
- Yū Imari (Baro)
- Ryōhei Takenaka (Isagi)
- Shōjirō Yokoi (Ego)
- Ryōno Kusachi (Rin Itoshi – voice)
Show Dates
- Tokyo: June 11–21 (Theater 1010)
- Kyoto: June 25–28 (Kyoto Theater)
Additionally, a fifth stage play covering the Neo Egoist League arc will premiere in Fall 2026, showing BLUELOCK’s massive real-world popularity.
Also read: Anime news Update #4: New WEBTOON Series, Godzilla Anime Reveal, Fist of the North Star Video & More
Conclusion – End of Today’s Anime News Update
That wraps up today’s massive Anime News Update! From One Piece’s legendary casting return to new anime projects, final arcs, movie trailers, manga endings, and stage plays — the industry is buzzing with announcements.
Which news surprised you the most today?
Let us know in the comments!
