As the final pages of 2025 turn, we stand on the threshold of 2026 not in spite of the world’s chaos, but because of it. For it is precisely in the fractured moments, in the year that has challenged our resilience and our compassion, that we discover what we are truly made of.
Imagine 2026 not as a void to be feared, but as a blank canvas upon which we will paint with the bold colors of our collective hope, our ingenuity, and our unwavering belief in one another. With that in mind, let’s talk about the Winter Anime Season 2026.
First comes Akane, considered as indispensable at the robotics manufacturer company where she works. In Android wa Keiken Ninzuu ni Hairimasu ka??, her colleagues admire her work, but have never saw her private persona. At home, Akane’s is a total mess, and her apartment looks exactly like that. One day, after drinking a lot, she ends up ordering a robot maid to help her tidy up. However, she is a lot more than what she ordered!
Then we meet Utage, who works part-time as a housekeeper to afford her fangirl obsession with Tamon Fukuhara, her favorite member of boy band F/ACE. In Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!?, on day, she ends up delivering some good to the home of her idol, she discovers that the real Tamon is completely different from his wild and sexy onstage character.
Meanwhile, in a fantasy world, heroism has become the punishment for the worst criminals. In Yuusha-kei ni Shosu: Choubatsu Yuusha 9004 Tai Keimu Kiroku, those are forced to fight at the front lines against the demon king’s army—and if they die, they will be revived to continue an endless battle. However, one of their leaders, convicted of killing a goddess, meets another goddess and forges a contract that could change the world.
Also in another world, Kunon was born blind and not sure of his purpose in life. In Majutsushi Kunon wa Miete Iru, everything changes when he resolves to find a way to use magic to see. This is a feat no sorcerer has ever accomplished, but Kunon’s ambition leads him to surpass his teacher. He begins to sense color, produce interesting items, and create a cat from water. Word of his skills reaches the castle and earns him the chance to study under a powerful new mentor.
That’s quite a challenge, but even the Demon King Ahriman has problems. In Maou no Musume wa Yasashi Sugiru!!, his daughter Dou literally loves everyone she meets. Ahriman halts his invasion of the world in the worry that his daughter, who loves making friends, helping others, and bringing happiness to all creatures including their enemies, the humans will cause chaos. Now, the Demon King wants to teach her how to become cruel and a real demon.
One like Youki, who has reincarnated and only has one job, to crush the hero’s party. In Yuusha Party ni Kawaii Ko ga Ita no de, Kokuhaku Shite Mita, he has his eyes set in his prey, until he meets the party’s priestess, Cecilia, and fell for her completely. Youki is a lovestruck demon who vows to confess his feelings, even if it means betraying the Demon King. Love will be the answer after all?
Later, in an alternate 21st century, rich mafia members turn into “Demon Kings” through an enhancement surgery, and the bounty hunters called “Braves” are called upon to take them down. In Yuusha no Kuzu, Yashiro doesn’t care at all, he only wants the simple pleasures in life: eat, drinking and have fun. But one day three young Braves offer him a lot of money to become their private tutor. He agrees solely for the money, but is it worth it?
Back in our world… or sort of, Rei is a former teacher who has a deep disdain for other humans. In Jingai Kyoushitsu no Ningengirai Kyoushi, after two years of unemployment, he’s ready for a new beginning. Rei takes a new job at a school in the mountains, hoping to live a slow life surrounded by nature. However, right on his first day, he passes by a student with animal ears! This is no ordinary school, but a place dedicated to helping demi-humans become full-fledged citizens.
Then we meet Kinme, who has run a laundry service in the seaside resort town of Atami for a couple years. In Kirei ni Shite Moraemasu ka, she has no memories of her past, but residents admire her devotion as she builds a fulfilling life making friends with the locals. Now, her cleaning services safeguard memories imbued in customers’ precious items that she treasures.
A treasured memory, like the voice of a girl that used to sothe Arisu as a kid. In Mayonaka Heart Tune, the girl was his age, and had a livestream under the pseudonym “Apollo”, but one day the broadcasts stopped. After that, he dedicated his days to find Apollo’s true identity, and he’s narrowed it down to one particular high school. He transfers and thinks Apollo could be any of the girls in the broadcasting club.
Quite a dilemma, but not as difficult as Eiyuu’s, because his two childhood friends, Shio and Akari, have grown up too cute. In Osananajimi to wa Lovecome ni Naranai, he tries not to think much of it, and wonders what would happen if they ever realized how his feelings had changed. However, Eiyuu doesn’t know is that Shio and Akari might also have feelings of their own.
And finally, if love is the issue, Suzuki knows better. In Seihantai na Kimi to Boku, she is a cheerful and outgoing high school student, but the guy she’s fallen for is nothing like her! Yuusuke is quiet, and doesn’t seem to care what people think of him. Will she be able to overcome her anxieties and ask him out? Or maybe it isn’t true that opposites really attract?
For those expecting a new anime season or something similar, try: Sousou no Frieren (2026), Jujutsu Kaisen: Shimetsu Kaiyuu, “Oshi no Ko” (2026), Jigokuraku Dai Ni Ki, En’en no Shouboutai San no Shou (2026), Mato Seihei no Slave 2, Medalist (2026), Fate Strange Fake, Vigilante: Boku no Hero Academia Illegals (2026), Trigun Stargaze, High School! Kimengumi (2026), Jigoku Sensei Nube (2026), Ao no Miburo: Serizawa Ansatsu Hen, Hime-sama “Goumon” no Jikan Desu (2026), Douse Koishite Shimaunda. (2026), MF Ghost 3rd Season, Golden Kamuy Saishuushou or Yoroi Shin Den Samurai Troopers.
And for the lucky ones who can go to the movies, try: Gekijouban Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu, Gekijouban Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Walpurgis no Kaiten, Gekijouban Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken: Soukai no Namida Hen, Girls und Panzer: Motto Love Love Sakusen Desu!, Shin Gekijouban Gintama: Yoshiwara Dai Enjou, Kono Hon o Nusumu Mono wa, Meikyuu no Shiori or Eiga Doraemon: Shin Nobita no Kaitei Kiganjou.
Hope 2026 is a real life changer for all of us!
