Best New Anime of 2026 – Must-Watch Japanese Anime Series
Here are some of the most highly recommended anime titles that aired in 2026!
This list focuses on brand-new anime series that were broadcast in Japan.
The article will be updated regularly.
[Oshi No Ko] Season 3（【推しの子】第3期）
| Author | Aka Akasaka（赤坂アカ）, Mengo Yokoyari（横槍メンゴ） |
|---|---|
| Animation Studio | Doga Kobo |
The third season of the hugely popular series [Oshi No Ko].
As the story approaches its climax, viewers can expect a whirlwind of dramatic developments that are impossible to look away from.
In Japan, the ending of the manga sparked a wide range of opinions among fans.
Whether the anime will follow the same conclusion or introduce an anime-original storyline is one of the biggest points of anticipation for this season.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2（葬送のフリーレン 第2期, Sousou no Frieren 2nd season）
| Author | Kanehito Yamada（山田鐘人）, Tsukasa Abe（アベツカサ） |
|---|---|
| Animation Studio | Madhouse |
| Director | Tomoya Kitagawa（北川朋哉） |
The second season of the beloved series Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.
Once again, the anime delivers consistently high quality, bringing viewers a sense of calm and emotional fulfillment week after week.
Several scenes have been significantly enhanced in the anime adaptation, including powerful flashbacks where Frieren breaks down in tears.
This makes Season 2 a must-watch not only for newcomers, but also for fans of the original manga.
Journal with Witch（違国日記, Ikoku Nikki）
| Author | Tomoko Yamashita（ヤマシタトモコ） |
|---|---|
| Animation Studio | Shuka |
| Director | Miyuki Ooshiro（大城美幸） |
An anime adaptation of a manga series that ran from 2017 to 2023 and was also adapted into a live-action film in 2024.
This human drama follows a protagonist who loses her parents in a traffic accident and is taken in by her aunt, a socially awkward novelist.
The story delicately portrays emotional distance and human relationships in everyday life.
Despite its subtle and introspective themes, the anime adaptation successfully transforms the work into a gentle and emotionally engaging viewing experience.
Sentenced to Be a Hero（勇者刑に処す 懲罰勇者9004隊刑務記録, Yuusha-kei ni Shosu – Choubatsu Yuusha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku）
| Author | Rocket Shoukai（ロケット商会） |
|---|---|
| Animation Studio | Studio KAI |
| Director | Hiroyuki Takashima（髙嶋宏之） |
A highly original story in which being a “Hero” itself is treated as a criminal punishment.
Each character is uniquely memorable, and above all, the animation quality stands out in a very positive way.
How will this unusual story unfold?
Even in a season filled with well-known titles, this is a series well worth keeping an eye on.
