Published: October 4, 2026
This week's roundup covers everything confirmed between September 27 and October 4, 2026, and it happens to land right at the start of the Fall 2026 anime season — meaning a huge wave of premieres, pre-season visuals, and final trailers all hit at once. The headline story this week, though, isn't a new season at all: Kodansha India officially announced its first lineup of locally printed manga, a genuinely historic moment for Indian readers that we're covering in detail below. We're also looking at Naruto's surprise return to television with a new "limited" anime series, One Piece wrapping its 2026 broadcast year and confirming a 2027 comeback, The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 premiering with full international streaming details, and a solid batch of new series, cast reveals, and schedule updates from across Japan, Korea, and the West. As always, our India section only reports what's been explicitly and officially confirmed, and we've kept careful track of which stories are brand new this week versus older background context that's still relevant. Let's get into it.
🔥 Biggest News of the Week
Kodansha India Reveals Its First Manga Lineup — Attack on Titan, Blue Lock, and More Coming to Local Print
This is the single most significant India-specific development we've covered in months, so it's worth walking through properly. On September 28, Kodansha's official English X account announced the first five manga titles that Kodansha India will publish: Hajime Isayama's Attack on Titan, Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yūsuke Nomura's Blue Lock, Kei Urana's Gachiakuta, Kamome Shirahama's Witch Hat Atelier, and Yoshitoki Ōima's A Silent Voice. The company also launched an official Instagram account to support the new Indian operation.
To understand why this matters, it helps to know the background. Kodansha first announced in June 2026 that it would become the first major Japanese general publisher to establish a dedicated local printing and publishing subsidiary in India, a joint venture called Kodansha India Pvt. Ltd., based in Delhi and formed alongside Dai Nippon Printing (holding 14%) and IJ Kakehashi Services (holding 5%), with Kodansha itself holding the controlling 81% stake. The reasoning Kodansha gave at the time was straightforward: English-language manga sold in India has historically been imported from the US, pushing retail prices to roughly triple what the same volumes cost in Japan, which in turn fuels piracy. By printing locally, Kodansha aims to offer official editions at meaningfully lower prices while expanding the overall catalog available to Indian readers, with an initial target of publishing around 200 titles per year across both English and Hindi editions.
This week's announcement is the moment that plan stopped being a future promise and became a concrete, dated reality — the first five confirmed titles readers can actually expect to find on shelves. The choice of titles is notable in itself: Attack on Titan and Blue Lock were the two franchises Kodansha specifically named back in June as flagship properties for the Indian launch, and their presence here confirms that commitment followed through. The addition of Gachiakuta, Witch Hat Atelier, and A Silent Voice broadens the initial slate well beyond just the two biggest shonen names, signaling that Kodansha India isn't simply chasing the most obvious commercial hits but is building a genuinely varied catalog from the start.
What's still unconfirmed as of this week: exact retail pricing, specific release dates for each of the five titles, whether the Hindi-language editions will launch simultaneously with the English ones or follow afterward, and the full remainder of the roughly 200-title annual catalog Kodansha outlined back in June. We'll be tracking all of this closely as more specifics emerge, and we won't speculate on pricing or dates until Kodansha India confirms them directly.
Naruto Confirms a New "Limited" TV Anime Series — Full Details Coming at NYCC on October 10
VIZ Media announced on September 28 that the Naruto franchise has a new television anime "limited series" in development, though the company is deliberately holding back specifics until a dedicated panel at New York Comic Con. The "NARUTO: What's Next?" panel is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the Empire Stage at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center — a date that happens to line up with Naruto Uzumaki's canon birthday. The panel will also stream live worldwide on the official NARUTO/BORUTO YouTube channel, with the broadcast landing in Japan from 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. JST on Sunday, October 11.
Confirmed panelists include Junko Takeuchi, the Japanese voice of Naruto Uzumaki, Noriaki Sugiyama, the Japanese voice of Sasuke Uchiha, and Yoshihiro Tominaga of Studio Pierrot, who also serves as an executive producer at Pierrot Films. The panel will additionally share new details on the Naruto Card Game ahead of its planned global launch next summer.
There's an important piece of background context worth flagging here, since multiple outlets have raised the same question: back in March 2023, a 20th-anniversary Naruto anime project was announced, planning four "brand-new" episodes originally set to air weekly starting in September 2023. Those episodes were delayed just a week before their planned debut in order to "improve quality," and there has been no public update on that specific project since August 2023. As of this week, it remains genuinely unclear whether this newly announced "limited" series is connected to those long-delayed episodes or is an entirely separate, new production. We won't speculate further — the October 10 panel should clarify this directly, and we'll cover whatever is revealed in detail next week.
🎬 Anime News
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 Premieres October 2 With a Creditless Opening and International Streaming Confirmed
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 officially premiered in Japan on October 2, airing on Nippon TV's Friday Anime Night block, with the production releasing its creditless opening video on the same day ahead of broadcast. A new trailer released the week prior previewed the season's ending theme, performed by Eve. Internationally, the season is confirmed to stream on Amazon Prime Video, with viewers in Japan getting early access to new episodes starting Sunday, September 27, two days ahead of the Japanese TV broadcast proper.
This season adaptation continues the story following Maomao's life in the inner palace, and arrives as part of a genuinely packed multi-year expansion for the franchise — Season 3 is confirmed to run with a second cour, a theatrical film titled The Deceased Empress' Treasure is set to open in Japan this December, and a live-action drama series adaptation is scheduled to stream worldwide on Amazon Prime Video in 2028.
One Piece Confirms Its 2027 Return Immediately After Wrapping This Year's Broadcast
Following Episode 1180's release on September 27 — which closed out the anime's reduced 26-episode 2026 broadcast batch — the official One Piece production confirmed that new episodes will return in 2027, continuing the Elbaph Arc's second half. No specific 2027 premiere date has been announced yet, but the confirmation itself removes any ambiguity about whether the story would resume on schedule after this year's intentionally shortened run.
Mushoku Tensei Season 3 Officially Confirms a Second Cour
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 announced a Cour 2 continuation on September 27, immediately after Episode 14 finished airing, giving fans confirmation that the story continues beyond its current broadcast block without having to wait and wonder.
Black Clover Season 2 Returns October 3 With New Pre-Premiere Visual
Black Clover Season 2 revealed a new pre-premiere visual on September 28 ahead of its October 3 return, continuing the promotional rollout for Asta's comeback after nearly five years away from new episodes.
Tokyo Revengers Season 4 Releases Its Creditless Opening
Tokyo Revengers Season 4 released a creditless opening video featuring JO1's "IGNITE," giving fans a clean look at the season's opening animation without text overlay.
Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles Season 3 Officially Announced
Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles Season 3 was confirmed on September 30, accompanied by a commemorative message from the original author marking the continuation of the series.
Thunder 3 Confirms a Second Season for 2027
Following Season 1's finale on September 30, the staff behind the Thunder 3 anime — based on Hiroya Oku's manga, written under his "Yuki Ikeda" pen name as revealed just days earlier — announced the series will receive a second season in 2027.
Liar Game Gets a Second Season
Liar Game, which premiered in Japan on TV Tokyo, was confirmed for a second season this week, continuing the psychological thriller's story.
A Batch of October 2026 Premieres Lock In Final Details
With the Fall 2026 season now underway, several titles confirmed their final pre-premiere details this week. Hotel Inhumans Season 2 revealed its theme song artists ahead of an October 4 debut. As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill Season 3 released a video revealing more cast, theme songs, a September 27 debut, and a new animation studio handling production. Ace of Diamond Act II's second season announced a new cast member ahead of its second part's October 11 debut. Reborn as a Space Mercenary confirmed an October 4 TV debut. Tanuki to Kitsune premiered October 4 within the Animori! programming block, having revealed its full cast video earlier in September. Even the Student Council Has Its Holes! confirmed it will stream on OceanVeil starting October 3, with Aniplex USA releasing the English-subtitled main trailer. My Girlfriend's Friend, based on Jura's manga, was confirmed for simultaneous streaming on OceanVeil starting October 4. Mazenchu posted an opening video narrated by actress First Summer Uika, ahead of an October 7 debut within Kansai TV's morning programming. Hirayasumi unveiled its teaser, key visual, and cast. The Vermilion Mask revealed singer Yuya Tegoshi as a guest voice actor. Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden added four more cast members. The Shy Snow Woman and the Cursed Ring confirmed an English dub ahead of its October 3 debut.
Though I Am an Inept Villainess Reveals Epilogue Visual
Though I Am an Inept Villainess revealed an epilogue visual featuring its main cast, signaling the anime's story is wrapping up.
Everyone's Darling Has a Secret Gets a TV Anime for April
The manga Everyone's Darling Has a Secret was confirmed to be getting a television anime adaptation, set to premiere in April.
Uma Musume Pretty Derby Spin-Off Aims for a Guinness World Record
A new short anime series from Uma Musume Pretty Derby, titled Umayuru Furugate, began streaming on September 27, featuring all of the franchise's characters appearing in three-minute episodes, with new installments updating every Sunday. The project is notably aiming for a Guinness World Record, reportedly tied to the sheer number of characters involved across the franchise's roster.
📚 Manga News
Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki Light Novel Confirms Its Conclusion — Covered in Full Below
This story sits more naturally in our light novel section below, given that it's specifically about the novel series rather than the manga adaptation, but we're flagging its existence here for readers scanning this section first.
A New BL Series Launches From Shinchosha
Shinchosha's Kurage Bunch magazine confirmed that creator Saburō Nagai will launch a new boys-love series titled Iei ga Nai!, which debuted on September 29.
📖 Light Novel News
Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki Light Novel Will Conclude With Its 12th Volume
Author Yuki Yaku announced that the Bottom-tier Character Tomozaki light novel series will come to an end with its 12th volume, giving fans of the popular coming-of-age series a confirmed finish line for the source material.
🇰🇷 Manhwa, Manhua & Webtoon News
We did not find any major new confirmed manhwa, manhua, or webtoon adaptation announcements, licensing deals, or platform launches specifically dated within the September 27 to October 4 window that met our verification standard this week. Rather than stretch older or tangential stories to fill this section, we're noting that plainly — it was a genuinely quiet week on this particular front.
🌏 Worldwide News
Live-Action Blue Lock Film Opens in Singapore
The live-action Blue Lock film opened in Singapore on September 24, expanding the project's Southeast Asian theatrical rollout following its earlier release elsewhere.
Four Dragon Ball Z Goku Voice Actors Perform Kamehameha Together
In a fun crossover moment for longtime Dragon Ball fans, four separate voice actors who have portrayed Goku across different language dubs performed the character's signature "Kamehameha" attack together, a celebratory gathering that generated significant attention across the franchise's global fanbase.
Anime Composer Yasuharu Takanashi to Perform With His Band in Camden
Composer Yasuharu Takanashi, known for his extensive anime scoring work, is set to appear with his band in Camden, London, on October 2, giving UK fans a rare chance to see one of anime's prominent composers perform live.
Anime Concert Tickets Still Available at London's Southbank Centre
Tickets remained available this week for an anime concert at the Southbank Centre in London, continuing the steady flow of anime-focused live music events reaching European audiences this fall.
Zero-sen Hayato Anime Scriptwriter Sō Kuramoto Dies at 91
Veteran scriptwriter Sō Kuramoto, known for his work on the Zero-sen Hayato anime among other credits across a long career, passed away at the age of 91.
A/V Post-Production Company Salami Studios Closes
Salami Studios, an audio/video post-production company, announced its closure this week, a piece of industry news worth noting for anyone tracking the broader post-production and localization landscape.
🇮🇳 Anime & Manga News in India
Between the Kodansha India manga lineup covered in our biggest news section above, this was an unusually strong week for confirmed Indian developments, so we're giving this section real depth rather than padding it artificially.
IIT Delhi Hosts a Pokémon Fiesta
IIT Delhi hosted a Pokémon Fiesta event running from September 28 through October 1, bringing official Pokémon-branded programming and activities to one of India's most prominent academic institutions — a small but genuinely notable example of mainstream Japanese pop culture programming reaching Indian campuses directly.
Kodansha India's Launch Is the Headline Story — Full Recap
As detailed above, Kodansha India's confirmation of its first five manga titles — Attack on Titan, Blue Lock, Gachiakuta, Witch Hat Atelier, and A Silent Voice — represents the most concrete step yet in a rollout that's been building since June 2026. For Indian manga readers who have spent years paying a significant markup on imported English editions, or relying on digital-only access, the promise of locally printed, more affordably priced physical volumes — eventually across roughly 200 titles annually in both English and Hindi — is a genuinely significant shift in how manga reaches the Indian market. We'll continue tracking pricing, specific release dates, and the rollout of additional titles as Kodansha India confirms them.
We did not find additional major new India-specific streaming, dubbing, or convention announcements confirmed specifically within this exact week beyond what's covered above. Given how substantial the Kodansha India story is on its own, we're comfortable that this week's India coverage is genuinely representative rather than thin.
🎉 Events, Anniversaries & Special Projects
Magic Knight Rayearth's Director Discusses Bringing the Franchise to a New Generation
Ahead of Magic Knight Rayearth's return with an all-new adaptation this October — more than 30 years after the original debuted — Anime News Network published a feature discussing the project with director Yui Miura, covering the challenge of introducing the beloved CLAMP franchise to both longtime fans and newcomers simultaneously.
The Fall 2026 Anime Trailer Watch Party
Anime News Network hosted its Fall 2026 Anime Trailer Watch Party premiere, running through all of the season's major trailers with special guest Geoff Thew, giving viewers a single consolidated look at what the new season has to offer right as it begins.
🛍️ Merchandise, Collections & Special Editions
Studio Ghibli Steelbook Collection Hits North American Shelves September 29
A wave of premium Studio Ghibli Steelbook Blu-ray/DVD releases from Shout! Studios arrived in North America on September 29, each priced at US$39.98, covering From Up On Poppy Hill, Grave of the Fireflies, Howl's Moving Castle, Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and Only Yesterday. Alongside these, Sentai Filmworks released the Revue Starlight: Curtain Call Collection on Blu-ray for US$79.98, also on September 29.
🎮 Anime, Manga & Webtoon Games
Monster Hunter Outlanders Game Launches October 29
Monster Hunter Outlanders was confirmed to launch on October 29, giving fans of the franchise a dated release to look forward to.
Amata Games' Shinjuku Anomaly Reveals September 30 Launch
Amata Games confirmed a September 30 launch date for Shinjuku Anomaly in a new trailer released this week.
📅 Releases & Important Dates
- September 27, 2026 — One Piece Episode 1180 airs, closing the anime's 2026 broadcast batch; the production confirms new episodes return in 2027. Umayuru Furugate short anime begins streaming. The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 gets early access on Prime Video in Japan.
- September 28, 2026 — VIZ Media announces a new Naruto "limited" TV anime series; Kodansha India reveals its first five manga titles; Mushoku Tensei Season 3 Cour 2 confirmed.
- September 28 – October 1, 2026 — IIT Delhi hosts a Pokémon Fiesta.
- September 29, 2026 — Studio Ghibli Steelbook collection and Revue Starlight: Curtain Call Collection release in North America.
- September 30, 2026 — Thunder 3 anime finale airs, followed by Season 2 confirmation; Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles Season 3 announced; Shinjuku Anomaly launches.
- October 2, 2026 — The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 premieres on Nippon TV in Japan.
- October 2, 2026 — Anime composer Yasuharu Takanashi performs with his band in Camden, London.
- October 3, 2026 — Black Clover Season 2 returns; Even the Student Council Has Its Holes! and The Shy Snow Woman and the Cursed Ring debut on OceanVeil.
- October 4, 2026 — Tanuki to Kitsune and Reborn as a Space Mercenary premiere; My Girlfriend's Friend begins streaming on OceanVeil.
- October 7, 2026 — Mazenchu premieres on Kansai TV; Magic Knight Rayearth's new adaptation debuts.
- October 10 – 11, 2026 — "NARUTO: What's Next?" panel at New York Comic Con reveals details on the new limited TV anime series.
- October 11, 2026 — Ace of Diamond Act II second season, part 2, debuts.
- October 29, 2026 — Monster Hunter Outlanders game launches.
- December 2026 — The Apothecary Diaries: The Deceased Empress' Treasure film opens in Japan.
- 2027 — One Piece's Elbaph Arc second half returns; Naruto Card Game global launch planned for summer; Thunder 3 Season 2 premieres.
- 2028 — The Apothecary Diaries live-action series premieres worldwide on Amazon Prime Video.
🔎 What to Watch for Next
The clearest thing to circle on your calendar is October 10 and 11 — the "NARUTO: What's Next?" panel at New York Comic Con should finally clarify exactly what this new "limited" anime series actually is, and whether it connects to the long-delayed 2023 anniversary episodes. We'll have full coverage the moment it's revealed. On the India side, keep an eye out for Kodansha India following up with specific release dates and pricing for its first five confirmed titles — that's the natural next milestone after this week's lineup reveal. And with the Fall 2026 season now fully underway, expect the pace of premiere-week news, first-episode reactions, and additional late cast reveals to stay high through the first half of October as the remaining titles on the season's calendar lock in.
📰 Weekly Summary
This week balanced two genuinely significant long-term industry stories against the usual rush of a new anime season beginning. Kodansha India's first manga lineup is the kind of news that will matter to Indian readers for years, not just this week — it's the first real, dated proof that the publisher's June announcement is translating into actual books. Naruto's surprise return to television, even without full details yet, guarantees next week's roundup will have a major follow-up story already locked in. And with The Apothecary Diaries, One Piece, Mushoku Tensei, Black Clover, and a long list of new Fall 2026 titles all hitting meaningful milestones in the same seven days, this was a week where the sheer breadth of confirmed news mattered as much as any single headline. We'll be back next week with the NYCC Naruto reveal and everything else the new season brings.
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