Weekly Anime News (Part 65): MAPPA's Big Event, Apothecary Diaries S3, Cyberpunk Edgerunners 2, One Piece Elbaph, India Anime News & More | Anime Lore Hub

Published: June 8, 2026 | Category: Anime Weekly News | Global & India Coverage


Welcome back, anime fans! If you thought the anime world was going to slow down heading into June, think again. The week of May 31 to June 7, 2026 absolutely exploded with announcements, licensing reveals, streaming drops, convention news, studio celebrations, new anime projects, and enough upcoming titles to fill your watchlist for the rest of 2026 and well into 2027. MAPPA dropped the details on its massive 15th anniversary event. Crunchyroll unleashed its full Anime Expo 2026 lineup. Studio Trigger confirmed Cyberpunk Edgerunners 2 first-look news and a brand new project. Netflix brought a Mamoru Hosoda film to streaming. A new mecha anime was revealed. The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 was officially confirmed. And for Indian anime fans — there was a surprise early streaming drop that made this week even sweeter. Let us get into every single story, one by one.


THE MEGA ANNOUNCEMENT: MAPPA's 15th Anniversary Lineup Presentation — June 19 Date Confirmed

The single most anticipated anime industry event of the coming weeks was formally locked in this week, and the entire global anime community immediately put June 19 on their calendars. MAPPA, one of the most celebrated animation studios in the world today, officially confirmed the full details of its 15th Anniversary Lineup Presentation — a livestream event scheduled for June 19, 2026, starting at 20:00 JST on MAPPA's official YouTube channel.

Let me be very clear about what this event means: MAPPA is going to reveal new information about Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, Dorohedoro Season 3, Attack on Titan Final Season, Ranma 1/2, Oblivion Battery, and potentially more — all in one single livestream. On top of that, MAPPA will premiere an entirely new anniversary movie created by the studio itself, featuring an original song called "Seikatsu" (Life) written specifically for MAPPA's 15th anniversary by the beloved band PEOPLE 1. This is not just a product update — this is a genuine celebration of 15 years of some of the most important anime ever made, and the fan anticipation surrounding it is almost indescribably enormous.

The event's navigator — the person who will guide viewers through the entire presentation — will be none other than voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda himself, whose voice is instantly recognizable to fans of Jujutsu Kaisen (Nanami Kento), One Piece (Holy Knight Shamrock), and countless other iconic roles. Narration for the event will be provided by legendary voice actress Kotono Mitsuishi, famous for voicing Sailor Moon. The combination of Tsuda and Mitsuishi as the voices of this anniversary presentation is itself a statement of how seriously MAPPA is taking this event.

Here is what has been confirmed will be featured at the event: For Chainsaw Man, new information about the upcoming International Assassins Arc anime will be revealed. This arc was officially announced at Jump Festa 2026, and fans have been waiting on production details with tremendous excitement. For Jujutsu Kaisen, voice actors Junya Enoki (Yuji Itadori) and Megumi Ogata (Yuta Okkotsu) will appear in a special segment called "Juju Talk" where they will discuss the upcoming Culling Game Arc Part 2 (Season 4). Dorohedoro Season 3 will naturally be highlighted, with new information teased for a season that was confirmed just days earlier after the Season 2 finale. Attack on Titan Final Season gets its own segment with new information. Ranma 1/2's recently announced third season will be discussed in a special talk segment featuring voice actors Kappei Yamaguchi, Noriko Hidaka, and Koichi Yamadera. Oblivion Battery will receive a behind-the-scenes feature on Season 2 production, with cast members Yohei Azakami and Nobunaga Shimazaki appearing alongside director Masato Nakazono.

And then there is the mystery element: MAPPA has confirmed the reveal of an entirely new project that has not been announced yet. Nobody knows what it is. Could it be Hell's Paradise Season 2? An entirely original new series? A film? The speculation across anime forums and social media has been at a fever pitch since the event details dropped, and every theory is more exciting than the last. June 19 cannot come fast enough.

In March 2026, MAPPA had already launched a special anniversary website and revealed a new logo to build hype for the celebration. The studio was founded in 2011 and has since become responsible for some of the defining anime of the modern era — Attack on Titan: The Final Season, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Dorohedoro, Yuri!!! on ICE, Zombie Land Saga, and many more. MAPPA's 15-year journey from a small studio to one of the most globally recognized names in animation is genuinely remarkable, and this anniversary event is a well-deserved celebration of everything they have built.


CRUNCHYROLL UNVEILS FULL ANIME EXPO 2026 LINEUP — Dozens of Titles, World Premieres, and More

The second enormous news story of the week came from Crunchyroll, which on June 3-5, 2026 revealed its full programming lineup for Anime Expo 2026 — America's largest and most prestigious anime convention, running July 2-5 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. And Crunchyroll's plans for this year's event are nothing short of extraordinary.

Crunchyroll is taking over the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on July 3 and 4, transforming it into a "dedicated anime destination" featuring more than 20 programming blocks packed with creators, voice actors, exclusive announcements, world premiere trailers, and first looks. The Crunchyroll Showcase on July 3 at 1:30 PM will be the centrepiece — a massive reveal event expected to make some of the biggest anime announcements of the summer.

The confirmed titles appearing at Crunchyroll's Anime Expo programming are absolutely stacked. Here is the full picture of what fans can expect:

Panels and Featured Titles: The Apothecary Diaries (with a panel about Season 3), Daemons of the Shadow Realm, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle (a special celebratory event looking back at the theatrical release featuring members of the English dub voice cast), Gachiakuta (exclusive first look at Season 2 with cast and staff), and Witch Hat Atelier (a "magical chat" with the creator and cast of the show).

Early Screenings: The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System (Episodes 1-3), Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life (Episode 1), Skeleton Knight in Another World Season 2 (Episode 1), The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat Season 2 (Episode 1), Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You (Episode 1), Victoria of Many Faces (Episode 1), Sasaki and Peeps Season 2 (Episode 1), Overgeared (Episode 1), Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2 (early screening), I Became a Legend after My 10 Year-Long Last Stand (Episodes 1-2), The Oblivious Saint Can't Contain Her Power (special premiere), and Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship! (premiere screening featuring voice actor Makoto Furukawa).

Special Exclusives: Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 will have its exclusive world premiere at Anime Expo. This is a massive deal for fans of the isekai series — seeing Season 3's first episode in a theater in Los Angeles before it even airs officially. Also happening at the event: You and I Are Polar Opposites panel, and exclusive looks at Firefly Wedding and The Ogre's Bride.

Crunchyroll also announced that it has partnered with Newtype magazine to produce a special Summer 2026 issue that will be available for free at the Crunchyroll booth (#2526). This magazine will feature exclusive art, interviews with cast and staff from Daemons of the Shadow Realm, Black Clover, and other anime, plus special messages from Asian Kung-Fu Generation and TK from Ling tosite sigure. This is a beautiful nod to Newtype's legacy as one of anime's oldest and most respected print magazines.

The Crunchyroll booth at Anime Expo is also bringing back its fan-favourite Dubbing Dojo experience for the first time, where fans on the show floor can try their hand at voice acting and dubbing — an incredibly fun and interactive experience for anyone attending the event in person.


CRUNCHYROLL'S BIGGEST LICENSING ANNOUNCEMENT OF 2026: Apothecary Diaries Season 3, Gachiakuta Season 2, Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2, and More!

Alongside its Anime Expo lineup reveal, Crunchyroll dropped an absolutely enormous batch of new streaming license announcements this week — covering a huge slate of anime heading to the platform through Summer and Fall 2026. This is the kind of announcement that reshapes every anime fan's watchlist for months, so let us go through all of it carefully.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 — October 2026, Two Cours: This is the one that sent the anime community into celebration mode. Crunchyroll officially confirmed that The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 will premiere in October 2026 and will run for two consecutive cours — meaning a full double-length season covering a massive chunk of the story. The synopsis picks up in the aftermath of the Shi Clan's rebellion, with Maomao returning to her old life as a pharmacist before a new mystery pulls her back in, while Jinshi grapples with the weight of his revealed identity as the Imperial brother. Both director Yasushi Uemura, character designer Yuji Hosogoe, and scriptwriter Kento Ihara are confirmed to return. For fans who fell in love with Maomao and Jinshi's dynamic over the first two seasons, this is exactly the news they needed.

Gachiakuta Season 2 — Coming to Crunchyroll, Date TBA: Season 2 of Gachiakuta was confirmed for Crunchyroll streaming with specific details to be revealed at a later date, likely at Anime Expo itself. Gachiakuta had 20 nominations at the 10th Crunchyroll Anime Awards earlier this season, confirming it as one of the most beloved new anime properties in recent years. The manga by Kei Urana recently returned from a health-related hiatus and has been releasing weekly chapters, so the source material is actively building the story that Season 2 will cover.

Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2 — Summer 2026, Crunchyroll: One of the most impactful isekai anime of the 2010s is finally returning after nine years. Saga of Tanya the Evil (Youjo Senki) Season 2 is heading to Crunchyroll with the full returning creative team — director Yasushi Uemura (yes, the same director as Apothecary Diaries, an extraordinary workload!), character designer Yuji Hosogoe, and scriptwriter Kento Ihara all confirmed. More details will be revealed at Anime Expo 2026. The series had a very successful first season and a sequel film, and nine years later the fanbase is more than ready for the next chapter of Tanya's terrifying wartime journey.

Other Major Licensing Confirmations: Crunchyroll also confirmed Overgeared, Firefly Wedding, The Ogre's Bride, The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat Season 2, Skeleton Knight in Another World Season 2, Victoria of Many Faces, I Became a Legend after My 10 Year-Long Last Stand, Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life, Sasaki and Peeps Season 2, and Tomb Raider King (also confirmed for July). Goodbye, Lara was also confirmed for Crunchyroll with a July premiere, alongside The Villager of Level 999. Every single one of these confirmations represents a title that fans of various genres have been waiting on, and seeing them all land on one major platform is very good news for anime accessibility worldwide.


STUDIO TRIGGER AT ANIME EXPO 2026: Cyberpunk Edgerunners 2 First Look + Delicious in Dungeon Season 2 + Mystery New Project!

Studio Trigger — the creative powerhouse behind Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Delicious in Dungeon, Kill la Kill, and many other beloved anime — confirmed this week through Anime Expo's official social media that they will be hosting a special panel on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles. And the content of that panel is absolutely stacked.

Anime Expo officially posted: "Join us for a special event panel featuring an exclusive behind-the-scenes production talk for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 with Director Ikarashi and Scriptwriter Otsuka. We'll also be sharing the latest production updates for Delicious in Dungeon, along with the first announcement for Studio Trigger's next title! Don't miss out!"

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 — the highly anticipated sequel to the 2022 Netflix phenomenon — will receive its first proper public showcase at this panel. Director Kai Ikarashi and scriptwriter Masahiko Otsuka will be present in person to discuss the production. The sequel series is confirmed for 10 episodes, featuring an entirely new standalone story from Night City described as "a raw chronicle of redemption and revenge." Character designer Ichigo Kanno from Delicious in Dungeon rounds out the key staff. For Indian fans who absolutely loved the original Cyberpunk: Edgerunners — which many anime fans across India have cited as one of their favourite Netflix anime ever — this July 4 panel is something to follow closely online even if attending in person is not possible.

Delicious in Dungeon Season 2 production updates will also be shared at the Trigger panel. Studio Trigger has been remarkably secretive about Season 2 since it was first confirmed after the first season's massive success, but fans will finally get something concrete to look forward to at Anime Expo. The most optimistic projections for a premiere date suggest sometime in 2027 if production progresses well.

Then there is the third element: a brand new project announcement — Trigger's next flagship title — will be revealed for the first time at the same panel. Nobody knows what it is. Could it be another Panty and Stocking sequel? A completely original sci-fi series? A long-awaited adaptation? Whatever it is, Studio Trigger announcing a brand new project always generates enormous excitement, and the wait until July 4 is going to feel very long indeed.


SMOKING BEHIND THE SUPERMARKET WITH YOU: 12 Mini-Episodes Drop Early on Crunchyroll!

Here is a genuinely lovely surprise for fans of slice-of-life romance anime. On June 3-4, 2026, Crunchyroll pulled off a charming and unexpected early premiere: the first 12 mini-episodes of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You went live on the platform, weeks ahead of the series' official July 2026 debut. The 12 mini-episodes are each approximately 10 minutes long (excluding opening and ending videos) and together adapt the content of the anime's first 6 full TV-length episodes, presented in chronological order.

The same early premiere also launched simultaneously on ABEMA in Japan, where premium members could access all 12 episodes at once. This kind of dual early premiere is a smart strategy that gives dedicated fans a head start on the season while building word-of-mouth buzz well before the official July simulcast begins.

So what is Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You actually about? The series follows Sasaki, an overworked salaryman grinding through the corporate world whose daily highlight is the warm, cheerful service of Yamada — the cashier at his favourite supermarket. One day, working late and finding that Yamada has already gone home, he wanders out to smoke behind the store and meets a mysterious woman named Tayama who invites him to join her in the smoking area. What follows is a beautifully grounded, adult romantic comedy that sets itself apart from the typical high-school-drama-heavy anime romance genre. These are adults with real jobs, real fatigue, and real awkward feelings — and that specificity of tone is exactly what has built a passionate pre-premiere fanbase.

The series is produced by Asahi Production, directed by Tadato Suzuki and Aoi Mori, with series composition by Mio Inoue. The character design is handled by Yasuka Otaki. And the music — two of the most beloved names in Japanese indie music — features "Kuzuri Nen" by Zutomayo as the opening theme and "NIGHT DANCER" by imase as the ending theme. Both songs are already fan favourites before the series has even properly aired, and their use in the special opening and ending videos for the mini-episodes has given viewers a first taste of the show's wonderful soundtrack.

The manga originally began as a webcomic and won the prestigious 2022 Next Manga Award in the web category, before moving to serialization in Square Enix's Monthly Big Gangan. English-language fans can also read the manga through Square Enix Manga and Books. For Indian fans who enjoy mature, emotionally grounded romance anime — this is your next comfort show, and it is available on Crunchyroll right now.


NETFLIX JUNE 1 ANIME WAVE: Assassination Classroom S2, Shangri-La Frontier S2, One Piece & More!

Netflix opened June 2026 with a genuinely impressive wave of anime additions that went live on June 1, giving subscribers a fantastic selection of new and returning titles to dive into right at the start of the month.

Assassination Classroom Season 2 (25 episodes) arrived on Netflix on June 1, completing the series' run on the platform with the arrival of its final season. Season 2 is where Assassination Classroom truly reaches its emotional peak — the stakes rise as Class 3-E returns from summer vacation with Nagisa Shiota caught between growing internal conflicts, while the enormous bounty on Koro-sensei fuels rivalries and desperation across the cast. For fans who started with Season 1 on Netflix and have been waiting, this is the most emotionally impactful stretch of the entire story and absolutely worth the wait.

Shangri-La Frontier Season 2 (25 episodes) also landed on Netflix on June 1. This season continues Rakurou "Sunraku" Hizutome's adventures in the virtual reality game Shangri-La Frontier, as he sets out to find an ancient workshop and acquire a magic operation unit after defeating two of the game's seven unbeatable monsters. Joined by allies Pencilgon and OiKatzo, who both have their own hidden agendas, the story expands in scope and complexity in a way that fans of the first season will deeply appreciate.

My Hero Academia Season 6 (25 episodes) was also added on June 1, bringing the beloved superhero series' most emotionally devastating and action-packed season to Netflix for the first time. For Indian MHA fans who only have access via Netflix — Season 6 is the one you absolutely cannot miss. This is where everything changes, where the war arc shakes the foundations of hero society, and where many characters are pushed to their absolute limits. Essential viewing.

One Piece Season 33 (12 episodes) also arrived on June 1, adding more Whole Cake Island content to Netflix's growing One Piece library. Netflix continues its gradual roll-out of One Piece arcs, bringing more of the series accessible to casual and binge-watch audiences worldwide.

On June 6, Netflix added something very special: Scarlet, the critically acclaimed anime film by director Mamoru Hosoda, made its SVOD debut on Netflix US. Following a successful festival run and US theatrical release by Sony Pictures Classics, the 111-minute fantasy film is now accessible to all Netflix subscribers. Hosoda, known for Belle, Mirai, Wolf Children, and Summer Wars, directs the story of Princess Scarlett who wakes up in the "Land of the Dead" after failing to avenge her father's murder. Voiced by Mana Ashida, this film has received tremendous critical praise and is a can't-miss addition to Netflix's 2026 anime film lineup.


NEW ANIME ANNOUNCEMENT: Jyu-Oh Mujin Dandivine — A Mecha Anime from Good Smile Company!

One of the most exciting and unexpected anime announcements of the entire week came from a completely unexpected direction. On June 3, 2026, Good Smile Company — the legendary figure and merchandise manufacturer responsible for Nendoroid and many other beloved collectible lines — officially announced its first-ever original anime television series: Jyu-Oh Mujin Dandivine (Beast King War God Dandivine).

The series is the first project in Good Smile Company's new "The God of Combined Series" (Gattaishin Series) franchise, launched to celebrate the company's 25th anniversary. Animation is being handled by LIDENFILMS and Kayac Animation, with Yi Cao directing. The series composition and scripts are written by Toshiki Inoue, the legendary writer known for Kamen Rider, among many other tokusatsu and anime works. The original character design is by Maziro, animation character design by robin, and mechanical design by An from GOD BRAVE STUDIO.

The story takes place 20 years after the giant combining robot Dandivine defeated the mysterious invaders known as the Aposdoll. The years of peace that followed allowed a toy company called Casga to build enormous success on Dandivine merchandise — but now the company faces financial decline. When the Aposdoll suddenly return and attack Tokyo, high school student Gekiha Shijima is called upon by his uncle Yusaku Kuroiwa, the former lead pilot of Dandivine, to pilot the robot and protect humanity once more.

The cast includes Takuma Terashima as Gekiha Shijima, Haruka Shiraishi as Akane Kuzumi, and Saya Aizawa as Kirei Shijima. The opening theme will be performed by none other than Takanori Nishikawa (T.M. Revolution), one of Japan's most celebrated artists with a legendary history in anime music. In a statement, Nishikawa said he created the opening song with passion as someone who grew up loving robot anime, wanting to share Japan's greatest animation traditions with audiences worldwide. The series premieres in October 2026.

To celebrate the announcement, Good Smile Company revealed it will distribute a plastic model of Dandivine at the Good Smile Fest 2026 event on June 6-7. The simultaneous merchandise-and-anime launch strategy perfectly reflects Good Smile's identity as a company — even its first anime is tied to its core passion for collectible figures and models.


DETECTIVE CONAN x STAR DETECTIVE PRECURE: The Crossover Episode Airs May 31!

The spectacular anime crossover that was announced the previous week officially landed on Sunday, May 31, 2026, when Star Detective Precure! aired its special 18th episode — "Meitantei no Assemble" (Great Detectives Assemble) — featuring Conan Edogawa, Ran Mouri, and Kogoro Mouri as guest characters in the Precure universe. The episode had been anticipated for weeks since the announcement on May 24, and the fan reaction when it actually aired was absolutely tremendous.

The Precure x Conan crossover is a landmark moment in Toei Animation's history. Both franchises are Toei productions. Detective Conan began in 1996 and is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary. Star Detective Precure! is the 23rd installment of the Precure franchise, which began in 2004. Bringing characters from two of Japan's longest-running anime together in one crossover episode is something fans have discussed in theory for years — and seeing it actually happen, with original voice casts intact, was emotionally resonant for a generation of anime fans who grew up with both series.

A special collaboration trailer released on May 29 showed footage from both crossover episodes, and the clip immediately went viral across anime social media. Then came the reciprocal episode: Detective Conan will air its crossover episode — "The Great Flower Answer" — on June 6, 2026, in which Cure Answer from Star Detective Precure! visits Conan's world. This makes June 6 a must-watch day for fans of both franchises, and builds on the momentum of the May 31 Precure episode beautifully.


STREAMING NEWS: Devil May Cry Season 3, Tanya Evil on Crunchyroll, and More

The streaming landscape saw several more significant updates this week across all major platforms.

Devil May Cry Gets Third and Final Season on Netflix: Netflix confirmed this week that Devil May Cry — the anime adaptation of the legendary Capcom action franchise — will return for a third and final season. Season 2, which premiered May 12, 2026, brought Vergil center stage as the central threat, and Season 3 will conclude the story. The series has built a strong fanbase for its action sequences and its exploration of the Sparda family's mythology, and confirming a final season to wrap it all up properly is exactly what fans hoped for.

Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2 on Crunchyroll: Beyond the licensing announcement, Crunchyroll confirmed specific streaming territory details for Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2 this week. The series will stream across North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS, and the Indian Subcontinent — making it genuinely global. Crunchyroll noted that more specific release date and timing information is expected before the end of June, likely at Anime Expo.

Akane-Banashi on Netflix Continues Weekly: Episode 4 of Akane-Banashi arrived on Netflix during this week, continuing the series' steady weekly release schedule on the platform. The rakugo drama continues to gather positive attention from viewers who love its blend of traditional Japanese arts and compelling personal storytelling.

Spring 2026 Season Rankings: Anime Corner published its ninth weekly poll for the Spring 2026 anime season on June 5, 2026, as the season begins its final weeks before the summer season takeover. Witch Hat Atelier continues to be one of the critical and fan favourites of the spring, while Re:Zero Season 4 and Oblivion Battery Season 2 have also maintained strong positions in fan ratings throughout the season.


MANGA AND LIGHT NOVEL NEWS: Kagurabachi World Tour + New Licensing + Titles Confirmed

The manga world also had significant news to digest this week, with several exciting announcements about upcoming titles and international expansions.

Kagurabachi World Tour — Anime Episode 1 Screening: Kagurabachi, Takeru Hokazono's breakout Weekly Shonen Jump manga that became one of the most viral debuts in recent manga history, confirmed that its highly anticipated anime adaptation will hold world tour screenings of its first episode ahead of the official premiere. This "World Tour" screening model — where Episode 1 is shown in select cities around the world before the official broadcast — is an increasingly popular strategy for high-profile anime launches, and Kagurabachi's anime being treated this way signals significant confidence from the production committee. The anime is one of the most eagerly awaited premieres of the coming seasons.

Crunchyroll Confirms Tomb Raider King Anime for July: The anime adaptation of Tomb Raider King — the manhwa by Yuns and 3B2S — was confirmed for a July 2026 Crunchyroll premiere alongside the Anime Expo lineup announcement. Tomb Raider King tells the story of Jooheon Yoo, who becomes the Tomb Raider after an artifact gives him incredible powers. The manhwa has a massive readership and has been one of the most anticipated manhwa-to-anime adaptations in recent years, making this premiere confirmation a genuinely big deal for manhwa fans globally — including the large and growing manhwa fanbase in India.

Good Bye, Lara Confirmed for Crunchyroll July: Goodbye, Lara, an anime adaptation that has been generating buzz ahead of its premiere, was also confirmed for Crunchyroll with a July 2026 debut date as part of the platform's big licensing wave.

Mushoku Tensei Season 3 First Episode World Premiere at Anime Expo: As noted in the Crunchyroll lineup section, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 will have its exclusive world premiere at Anime Expo on July 3 at 1:00 PM. This is the first confirmed piece of content for Mushoku Tensei Season 3, and the fact that it is premiering at Anime Expo rather than at a Japanese event signals the franchise's enormous global audience.


ONE PIECE: Episode 1164, Manga Chapter, and Elbaph Arc in Full Swing

One Piece continues to be one of the most consistently active stories in weekly anime and manga news, and this week was no different. Following the May 31 premiere of Episode 1164 — which delivered the long-awaited Robin and Saul reunion — the Elbaph Arc continues marching forward with tremendous fan enthusiasm.

The Holy Knights arc is now officially in the spotlight with the new Holy Knights trailer released on May 29, and the four newly introduced antagonists — Shamrock, Gunko, Sommers, and Killingham — immediately became the most-discussed new One Piece characters in years. Fan analysis of Shamrock's hazy purple flames, Gunko's superiority complex dialogue, and the hints about the Holy Knights' unique powers have been flooding anime discussion boards and YouTube analysis channels all week.

The LEGO One Piece special — a two-part animated project coming to Netflix on September 29, 2026 — also generated significant excitement when it was confirmed earlier. This is a fun and unexpected crossover between the world's most beloved toy brand and the world's most-sold manga, and seeing Luffy and the crew rendered in LEGO animation style has fans of all ages excited.

Meanwhile, One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda continues to work on the manga, with Chapter 1183 having released on May 24 and the next chapter expected in the following weeks. The manga story is currently developing events in Elbaph that will eventually make their way into the anime, giving the source-readers something to look forward to as the animation catches up.


INDIA SPECIAL: Comic Con Delhi 2026, Crunchyroll India Streaming, and the Indian Anime Surge

For Indian anime fans, the week of May 31 to June 7 brought several pieces of news that are very directly relevant to the Indian anime community and its growing place in the global anime landscape.

Comic Con Delhi 2026 — June 6-7 at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre: The most significant immediate event for Indian fans this week was Comic Con Delhi 2026, which took place at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Dwarka, New Delhi on June 6-7, 2026. This is one of India's biggest and most beloved pop culture conventions, and anime has become an increasingly dominant presence at Comic Con Delhi in recent years. Cosplayers representing characters from Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia, One Piece, Demon Slayer, and dozens of other series were confirmed to be attending and competing in the cosplay championship. Merchandise stalls featuring official and fan-made anime goods were expected to draw massive crowds. Artist alleys featuring Indian anime fan-art creators and doujinshi works were also part of the programming.

The energy at Comic Con Delhi 2026 was also amplified by the massive buzz still flowing from the Crunchyroll Ani-May Party and Drone Show that took place in Mumbai on May 29 — that event generated enormous online conversation among Indian anime fans and raised the profile of the entire Indian anime community significantly heading into the June convention season.

Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2 Coming to India on Crunchyroll: The confirmation this week that Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2 will stream on Crunchyroll across the Indian Subcontinent is great news for Indian fans of the series. The original Tanya the Evil is beloved by Indian anime watchers who enjoy its unusual blend of isekai fantasy with military historical fiction and dark political commentary. Season 2 being specifically confirmed for Indian Subcontinent streaming is a small but meaningful detail that shows Crunchyroll's commitment to serving Indian fans with the same content available to global audiences.

Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You Mini-Episodes — Available in India on Crunchyroll: The early premiere of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You's mini-episodes on Crunchyroll is accessible to Indian subscribers, giving Indian fans of slice-of-life and adult romance anime a charming new series to sample weeks before its official July premiere. Indian Crunchyroll users who enjoy shows like Wotakoi or My Love Story can jump into this one right now.

Tomb Raider King Anime Confirmed for Indian Subcontinent: The Crunchyroll streaming confirmation for Tomb Raider King covering the Indian Subcontinent as one of its territories is excellent news for Indian manhwa fans. The manhwa adaptation community in India has been growing steadily, driven by Solo Leveling's explosive popularity — and a high-profile manhwa anime arriving on Crunchyroll India in July is a significant addition to the platform's India-facing content.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 Coming to India in October: Crunchyroll's October 2026 confirmation for The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 also covers the Indian Subcontinent territory. Apothecary Diaries has a passionate following among Indian anime fans who appreciate its intelligent female protagonist, its historical mystery setting, and its beautifully nuanced storytelling. Season 3's confirmation in a two-cour format means Indian fans have a lot to look forward to through the end of 2026 and into 2027.

The Growing Indian Anime Community in 2026: It is worth stepping back and appreciating just how much has happened for Indian anime fans in the past few weeks alone. The 10th Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Tokyo featured Indian actress Rashmika Mandanna as a presenter. Crunchyroll held its biggest-ever India activation at Mumbai Comic Con. The Ani-May drone show lit up Mumbai on May 29. Comic Con Delhi 2026 brought fans together on June 6-7. Multiple major anime series have been confirmed for Indian Subcontinent streaming. And the Indian anime community continues to grow, creating fan art, cosplay, YouTube analysis, and community events at a pace that is impossible to ignore. India is one of the most exciting frontiers for global anime growth right now, and the industry clearly knows it.


EVENTS AND CONVENTIONS: Good Smile Fest 2026, Upcoming AFA, and More

The global anime convention and merchandise event calendar remained active this week with multiple events either happening or being confirmed for the near future.

Good Smile Fest 2026 — June 6-7: Good Smile Company's flagship fan event, Good Smile Fest 2026, took place on June 6-7, 2026. The event featured the distribution of a special Dandivine plastic model to commemorate the reveal of Jyu-Oh Mujin Dandivine. Alongside this, Good Smile Fest traditionally features reveals of upcoming Nendoroid figures, scale models, and other collectibles across anime, gaming, and pop culture lines. For collectors and figure enthusiasts, Good Smile Fest 2026 was a must-watch event, with reveals expected to include characters from major 2026 anime titles.

Anime Expo 2026 — July 2-5, Los Angeles: The biggest Western anime convention of the year is now less than a month away, and the announcements this week from Crunchyroll and Studio Trigger have elevated anticipation to an almost unbearable level. Beyond what has been confirmed, Kodansha House will make its LA debut at Anime Expo, bringing manga creators from Blue Lock and Witch Hat Atelier. The Anime Expo 2026 weekend is shaping up to be one of the most announcement-packed events in years, and anime fans around the world — including in India — will be following it obsessively online.

Anime Expo and India: Indian fans tracking Anime Expo 2026 can follow coverage through Crunchyroll's YouTube channel, Anime Corner, Anime News Network, and various Indian anime YouTube channels and Twitter/X accounts that provide real-time coverage and translation of Japanese-language announcements. The Indian anime community's engagement with international events like Anime Expo has grown significantly, with many Indian anime creators and commentators building followings around exactly this kind of global anime event coverage.


QUICK ROUNDUP: Other Stories You Should Know About This Week

In keeping with this blog's commitment to covering everything, here is a quick roundup of additional stories and announcements from the week that deserve attention:

Jyu-Oh Mujin Dandivine Opening Theme by Takanori Nishikawa: T.M. Revolution performing the opening for a brand new mecha anime is something that old-school anime music fans in particular will find thrilling. Nishikawa has been part of anime culture since the late 1990s through songs for Gundam SEED and countless other series, and his continued presence in new anime music is a wonderful thread of continuity connecting anime generations.

Love Unseen Beneath the Clear Night Sky Reveals Key Visual: The upcoming anime Love Unseen Beneath the Clear Night Sky unveiled a new key visual during this week, building excitement for a title that has strong pre-release fan interest due to its source material and creative team.

Trapped in a Dating Sim Season 2 Reveals July 8 Premiere and Key Visual: Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs got its Season 2 premiere date confirmed as July 8, 2026, alongside a new key visual. Fans of Leon Fou Bartfort's comedic anti-isekai adventures have been waiting for Season 2, and July 8 is the date to circle.

Skeleton Knight in Another World Season 2 Premieres July 4: The sequel season to the fantasy isekai Skeleton Knight in Another World was confirmed for a July 4, 2026 premiere date this week, with an early screening at Anime Expo the same day. Season 1 built a loyal fanbase for its unique protagonist — a gamer who gets transported into a fantasy world as his skeletal knight avatar — and Season 2 will continue their adventures.

Mushoku Tensei Season 3 World Premiere at Anime Expo: As noted above, the first episode of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 will have its world premiere at Anime Expo on July 3. This confirms that the third season is far enough in production to show its first episode publicly in late June, suggesting a potential late summer or early fall 2026 premiere date for the series.

Gachiakuta Manga Chapter 168 — June 2: The most recent chapter of Gachiakuta manga — Chapter 168 — was released on June 2, 2026, continuing the weekly release schedule that resumed after creator Kei Urana's health-related hiatus in early 2026. The manga's return to its regular schedule has been welcomed enthusiastically by fans who follow the weekly chapters, and with Season 2 confirmed for Crunchyroll, there is strong alignment between the manga's momentum and the upcoming anime's needs.

Spring 2026 Season Winding Down: As the week of May 31 to June 7 marks the beginning of June, the Spring 2026 anime season is entering its final weeks before the Summer 2026 season takes over in July. Series like Witch Hat Atelier, Re:Zero Season 4, Oblivion Battery, Akane-Banashi, Dr. Stone Science Future (Part 3), and others are approaching their final episodes. Fans are beginning to reflect on a Spring season that has delivered consistent quality across multiple genres — from fantasy to sports drama to romance to dark science fiction — and prepare for the explosive Summer lineup that is coming their way.


LOOKING AHEAD: What's Coming Next Week and Beyond

Based on all the news from this week, here is what anime fans should be looking forward to in the coming days and weeks:

On June 6, the Detective Conan crossover episode featuring Cure Answer from Star Detective Precure! airs, completing the two-part crossover event. June 6 was also the first day of Comic Con Delhi 2026 for Indian fans attending in person.

On June 18, BAKI-DOU: The Invincible Samurai Part 2 premieres on Netflix worldwide with all 12 episodes available simultaneously — the biggest Netflix anime drop of the month.

On June 19, MAPPA's 15th Anniversary Lineup Presentation streams live on YouTube at 20:00 JST — potentially the most announcement-dense single anime event of 2026 so far, covering Chainsaw Man, JJK Season 4, Dorohedoro Season 3, AoT, Ranma 1/2, and more.

In July, Anime Expo 2026 runs July 2-5 in Los Angeles, with Crunchyroll's Showcase on July 3, Studio Trigger's panel on July 4, Mushoku Tensei Season 3's world premiere, Kodansha House's LA debut, and dozens more events. July also sees Skeleton Knight S2 on July 4, Trapped in a Dating Sim S2 on July 8, Exiled Heavy Knight on July 2, 100 Girlfriends S3 on July 5, Draw This Then Die on July 3, and many more summer anime premiering.

In October, The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 begins its two-cour run, and Jyu-Oh Mujin Dandivine premieres as Good Smile Company's debut anime project.

And somewhere in this mix, MAPPA will deliver some extraordinary new announcements about Chainsaw Man's International Assassins Arc, JJK Season 4, and whatever mysterious new project they are saving for the June 19 event.


FINAL THOUGHTS: The Most Exciting Time to Be an Anime Fan

Looking back at the week of May 31 to June 7, 2026 — what a genuinely extraordinary time to be an anime fan. MAPPA's 15th anniversary celebration is a reminder of how far the studio has come in 15 years, going from a small start-up to the creative force behind some of the most globally influential anime ever made. Crunchyroll's Anime Expo lineup reflects an industry that is investing more deeply in fan-facing events and experiences than ever before. Studio Trigger's upcoming announcements reflect the creative ambition and innovation that makes anime such a distinctive and exciting art form. The Detective Conan x Precure crossover reflects the joy of beloved franchises celebrating shared history. And the Indian anime community's continued growth — through conventions, streaming confirmations, Crunchyroll's India activations, and the wider cultural recognition of Indian fans as a valued global audience — reflects something deeply encouraging about where anime is heading as a worldwide cultural movement.

It is a genuinely fantastic time to be an anime fan, whether you are in Mumbai or Delhi, in Tokyo or Los Angeles, in London or Seoul. The community is bigger, the content is richer, and the events are more spectacular than ever before. And next week is going to bring even more. Keep watching, keep reading, and we will see you right here for the next full recap.


That is our complete weekly anime news roundup for May 31 to June 7, 2026! Which story got you the most excited? MAPPA's 15th anniversary event? The Crunchyroll Anime Expo lineup? Apothecary Diaries Season 3? Gachiakuta Season 2? The Smoking Behind the Supermarket early premiere? Tell us in the comments — we love hearing from you!

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