I’ve been counting down the days until Jump Festa 2026, and let me tell you, this year’s event is shaping up to be absolutely insane! As someone who’s been following these anime franchises for years, I can honestly say that December 20-21 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba might just be the most important weekend for anime news this entire year.
Jump Festa has always been where the biggest announcements drop, but 2026 is special. We’re talking about 42 different anime titles across three stages, with some of the most beloved series in anime history all set to reveal major updates. I’ve done my homework, analyzed all the schedules, and talked to fellow fans to bring you the complete breakdown of what we can expect.
Let me walk you through the 10 major anime announcements that I’m betting my favorite anime merch will happen at Jump Festa 2026!
1. One Piece Gets the Grand Finale Slot
I’ll be honest – when I saw that One Piece is getting the final slot on Sunday, December 21, with almost a full hour dedicated to it, I nearly lost my mind. This isn’t just any time slot; this is the prime position that’s usually reserved for the biggest announcements of the entire festival.
What makes this so special? Well, if you’ve been following along like I have, you know that Toei Animation recently made the historic decision to switch One Piece from weekly episodes to seasonal releases. This is huge, people! We’re talking about a series that’s been running weekly for over 25 years suddenly changing its entire production model.
Here’s what I’m expecting from this panel:
| Announcement Type | Likelihood | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Elbaph Arc Release Schedule | 95% | High |
| New Movie Announcement | 70% | Medium |
| Final Saga Timeline | 85% | Critical |
| Special Anniversary Project | 60% | Medium |
I’m particularly excited about how they’ll handle the Elbaph arc. When I watched the recent episodes, I could feel that we’re getting closer to the endgame, and I need to know when we’ll see more of Luffy’s adventures in this legendary land. The fact that they’re giving One Piece such a prominent time slot tells me they have something massive to reveal.
If you want to catch up on why this seasonal change is such a big deal, check out my article on One Piece Goes Seasonal – it breaks down exactly why this historic move matters for the future of the series.
2. Jujutsu Kaisen’s Return After the Shibuya Arc
Okay, can we just take a moment to appreciate how insane the Shibuya Incident arc was? When I watched those final episodes, I was literally on the edge of my seat, and I know I wasn’t alone. The Jujutsu Kaisen panel is set for Saturday, December 20, at 1:00 PM, and I’m predicting this is where we’ll finally get confirmation on Season 3.
The short clips we’ve seen showing Yuta and Yuji together have been driving me crazy! I’ve been rewatching those moments on repeat, trying to figure out what’s coming next in the Culling Game arc. This arc is absolutely wild in the manga, and I need to know how MAPPA is going to handle all those insane fight scenes.
Here’s my breakdown of what we’ll likely see:
- Season 3 Release Date: Almost guaranteed at this point
- Episode Count: I’m betting on 24 episodes again
- Movie Announcement: Possible, given MAPPA’s love for theatrical releases
- New Character Visuals: Definitely, especially for the new Culling Game participants
I recently wrote about Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 and the new characters we’ll be meeting, and let me tell you, things are about to get even more intense than the Shibuya arc. If you thought that was crazy, just wait for what’s coming!
3. Chainsaw Man’s Season 2 After Reze Movie
Chainsaw Man fans, assemble! The Reze movie has finally dropped, and now we’re all hungry for more. The Chainsaw Man panel is scheduled for Sunday, December 21, at 4:20 PM, and I’m convinced this is where we’ll get the Season 2 announcement we’ve all been waiting for.
When I watched the Reze movie, I was blown away by how MAPPA handled the animation and storytelling. Now, with the International Assassins arc and beyond still to adapt, there’s so much incredible content coming our way. I’m particularly excited to see how they’ll handle some of the darker, more intense moments that are coming up.
What I’m expecting from this panel:
| Content | Expected Announcement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Season 2 Release Date | Early 2026 | Fans have been waiting since Season 1 ended |
| Animation Style Update | Possible | Will they keep the movie’s visual style? |
| New Voice Cast | Likely | Many new characters in upcoming arcs |
| Movie Sequel | 50/50 | MAPPA might continue the movie format |
The International Assassins arc is one of my favorite parts of the Chainsaw Man story, and I can’t wait to see how they adapt it. If you’re curious about how powerful some of these new characters are, I recently analyzed which anime characters could defeat the Bomb Devil – it might give you some insight into what’s coming!
4. My Hero Academia’s Final Act
I’m not going to lie – I’m getting emotional just thinking about this. My Hero Academia has been such a huge part of my anime journey, and knowing that we’re approaching the end is both exciting and bittersweet. The panel is set for Saturday, December 20, at 11:40 AM, and I’m expecting major announcements about how they’ll handle the final arc.
When I read the final chapters of the manga, I was blown away by how everything came together. Now, seeing it animated is going to be an entirely different experience. The question is: how will Studio Bones handle this? Will they give us additional episodes? A final movie? Special OVAs?
Here’s what I’m predicting:
- Final Season Episode Count: I’m guessing 25-30 episodes to properly wrap everything up
- Final Movie: Very likely, given the series’ popularity
- Special Anniversary Content: Probably, since this is such a major milestone
- Spin-off Announcements: Possible, given the rich world they’ve built
I recently covered Bakugo’s final stand in Season 8, and let me tell you, the emotional payoff in these final chapters is absolutely incredible. If you thought the previous seasons were intense, just wait for what’s coming!
5. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Continues
Bleach fans, we waited years for this arc to be animated, and now we’re finally getting it! The Bleach panel is scheduled for Sunday, December 21, at 3:00 PM, and I’m expecting major announcements about the remaining cours of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc.
When I heard that Bleach was returning in 2022, I was ecstatic. Now, being in the middle of this incredible arc, I need to know when we’ll get the rest. The fights are insane, the lore revelations are mind-blowing, and I need to see how Studio Pierrot handles the rest of this epic story.
What I’m expecting:
- Remaining Cours Release Schedule: Definitely, since we still have a lot to cover
- New Character Designs: Likely, especially for the remaining Sternritter
- Special Episodes: Possible, given the arc’s importance
- Final Movie: 50/50 chance, but I wouldn’t be surprised
The Thousand-Year Blood War arc is massive, and I’m particularly excited to see how they’ll handle some of the most iconic fights in Bleach history. The animation quality so far has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see what they do with the remaining battles.
6. Demon Slayer’s Infinity Castle Arc
Demon Slayer has been on an absolute roll, and with the first Infinity Castle movie already out, I’m dying to know what’s next. The panel is set for Sunday, December 21, at 11:40 AM, and I’m convinced this is where we’ll get the full plan for the rest of the Infinity Castle arc.
When I watched the first Infinity Castle movie, I was blown away by the animation quality and how they handled the beginning of this final arc. Now, with the China release confirmed, the franchise is reaching new heights globally. The question is: will Ufotable continue with movies, or will they return to the TV format?
Here’s my breakdown of what to expect:
| Format Option | Likelihood | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| More Movies | 60% | Higher budget, theatrical experience | Longer wait between releases |
| TV Series | 30% | Regular schedule, more content | Potentially lower animation quality |
| Mixed Format | 10% | Best of both worlds | Confusing release schedule |
The Infinity Castle arc is the final major part of Demon Slayer, and I’m particularly excited to see how they’ll handle some of the most emotional and action-packed moments in the entire series. When I read these chapters in the manga, I was completely blown away, and I can’t wait to see them animated.
7. Spy x Family’s Next Mission
Spy x Family has become such a global phenomenon, and I’m absolutely here for it! The panel is scheduled for Sunday, December 21, at 1:40 PM, and I’m expecting major announcements about the future of this beloved series.
When I watched the recent episodes, I fell in love with the Forger family all over again. The mix of comedy, action, and heart is just perfect, and I need to know what’s coming next. With the manga still going strong, there’s so much incredible content left to adapt.
What I’m predicting:
- New Season Announcement: Almost guaranteed, given the series’ popularity
- Movie Announcement: Possible, especially for a theatrical release
- New Character Introductions: Likely, as the manga continues to expand its world
- Special Episodes: Definitely, given the series’ success
The Forger family has so many more adventures ahead, and I’m particularly excited to see how they’ll handle some of the more emotional storylines that are coming up. The balance between spy action and family comedy is what makes this series so special, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
8. Sakamoto Days’ Season 2
Sakamoto Days has quickly become one of my favorite newer anime series, and I’m not alone! The panel is set for Saturday, December 20, at 5:00 PM, and I’m convinced this is where we’ll get the Season 2 announcement we’ve all been waiting for.
When I watched Season 1, I was blown away by the perfect mix of action and comedy. Sakamoto’s journey from retired assassin trying to live a normal life to getting pulled back into the world he left behind is just brilliant. The animation quality is fantastic, and the fight scenes are some of the best I’ve seen in recent anime.
Here’s what I’m expecting:
- Season 2 Release Date: Definitely, probably for Fall 2026 or Winter 2026
- Episode Count: I’m guessing 12-13 episodes again
- New Arc Announcement: Likely, focusing on the next major story arc
- Character Development: More focus on supporting characters
The battles in the later parts of the manga get even more intense, and I’m particularly excited to see how they’ll handle some of the wilder fight scenes. If you thought Season 1 was action-packed, just wait for what’s coming!
9. Blue Box’s Romantic Sports Drama
Blue Box has been such a pleasant surprise, and I’m absolutely in love with this series! The panel is scheduled for Sunday, December 21, at 12:20 PM, and I’m expecting major announcements about the future of this romantic sports drama.
When I watched Season 1, I was completely charmed by the story of Taiki and Chinatsu. The mix of sports action and romantic drama is perfect, and the animation is beautiful. The way they handle both the badminton and basketball scenes is incredible, and I need to see more.
What I’m predicting:
- Season 2 Announcement: Very likely, given the positive reception
- New Story Arcs: Definitely, as there’s so much manga content left
- Character Development: More focus on the supporting cast
- Sports Tournament Arcs: Probably, as that’s a big part of the story
Blue Box has been pushed heavily by Jump as one of their rising stars, and I can see why. The emotional moments are beautifully handled, and the sports scenes are incredibly well-animated. I’m particularly excited to see how they’ll handle some of the more intense romantic developments that are coming up in the story.
10. Akane-banashi’s Rakugo Journey
Rounding out our list is Akane-banashi, a series that’s near and dear to my heart! The panel is set for Sunday, December 21, at 3:40 PM, and I’m expecting the final details about the upcoming anime adaptation.
When I heard that Akane-banashi was getting an anime adaptation, I was thrilled! This series about rakugo (traditional Japanese storytelling) is so unique and beautiful, and I can’t wait to see how Studio Zexcs handles it. The fact that Ayumu Watanabe is directing it gives me so much confidence, as he’s proven himself with other great series.
Here’s what I’m expecting:
- Exact Release Date: Definitely, since we know it’s coming in 2026
- Episode Count: Probably 12-13 episodes for the first season
- Animation Style Preview: Likely, showing how they’ll handle the rakugo performances
- Voice Cast Announcement: Possibly, though some might already be revealed
Rakugo is such a unique art form, and I’m particularly excited to see how they’ll animate the performances. The way Akane grows as a performer while trying to restore her father’s honor is such a compelling story, and I can’t wait to see it brought to life.
Complete Jump Festa 2026 Stage Schedule
For those of you who want to plan your viewing schedule (like I’m already doing!), here’s the complete breakdown of all three stages:
Jump Super Stage (Red) – Saturday, December 20
| Time | Anime Series |
|---|---|
| 11:40-12:10 | My Hero Academia |
| 12:20-12:50 | Gintama |
| 13:00-13:30 | Jujutsu Kaisen |
| 13:40-14:10 | Oblivion Battery |
| 14:20-14:50 | Blue Exorcist |
| 15:00-15:30 | Kaiju No. 8 |
| 15:40-16:10 | New Prince of Tennis |
| 16:20-16:50 | World Trigger |
| 17:00-17:30 | Sakamoto Days |
Jump Super Stage (Red) – Sunday, December 21
| Time | Anime Series |
|---|---|
| 11:40-12:10 | Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba |
| 12:20-12:50 | Blue Box |
| 13:00-13:30 | Dr. STONE |
| 13:40-14:10 | SPY x FAMILY |
| 14:20-14:50 | DAN DA DAN |
| 15:00-15:30 | Bleach |
| 15:40-16:10 | Akane-banashi |
| 16:20-16:50 | Chainsaw Man |
| 17:00-17:50 | One Piece |
Jump Studio (Blue) – Both Days
The Jump Studio features more niche but still incredibly popular series, including:
- Black Clover
- Witch Watch
- The Elusive Samurai
- Mission: Yozakura Family
- Haikyu!!
- Hell’s Paradise
- Chained Soldier
- Mashle
- And many more!
Jump Station (Green) – Both Days
This stage features newer and upcoming series, including:
- Kill Blue
- Dark Gathering
- Undead Unluck
- Assassination Classroom
- MarriageToxin
- And several other exciting new titles!
Why Jump Festa 2026 Is So Special?
I’ve been following Jump Festa for years, and I can honestly say that 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most important years in the event’s history. Here’s why I’m so excited:
- Endgame Announcements: So many of our favorite series are approaching their final arcs, and Jump Festa is where they’ll reveal how they plan to handle these conclusions.
- New Generation of Anime: We’re seeing so many new series getting their chance to shine, and I love seeing the next generation of anime creators getting their moment.
- Global Impact: These announcements don’t just affect Japan – they impact anime fans worldwide. When I see series like Demon Slayer getting China releases, I know we’re witnessing something special.
- Technical Innovation: The animation quality we’re seeing these days is incredible, and I can’t wait to see what new techniques and technologies will be showcased.
My Personal Predictions
As someone who’s been following these series for years, I have some personal predictions about what we’ll see:
- Biggest Surprise: I’m betting we’ll see at least one completely unexpected anime announcement that no one saw coming. Jump Festa always has at least one of these!
- Most Emotional Moment: The My Hero Academia panel is going to be emotional, folks. I’m already preparing myself for the farewell to Class 1-A.
- Most Hyped Announcement: One Piece getting that prime time slot tells me they have something massive planned, and I think it might be related to the final saga timeline.
- Dark Horse Series: I’m putting my money on Akane-banashi being the breakout star of Jump Festa 2026. The unique premise and beautiful storytelling deserve all the attention.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Jump Festa 2026
When and where is Jump Festa 2026 taking place?
Jump Festa 2026 will be held on December 20-21, [cy-1] at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. It’s a massive event that spans multiple halls and stages.
How can I watch the announcements live?
Most major announcements will be streamed live on official YouTube channels and streaming platforms. I recommend following the official Jump Festa social media accounts for the most up-to-date information on streaming options.
Will there be English subtitles or translations?
Many of the major panels will have live translations or subtitled versions available shortly after the event. I’ll be covering all the major announcements with detailed breakdowns right here!
Are there any surprise announcements expected?
Absolutely! Jump Festa always has at least a few surprise announcements that weren’t on the initial schedule. I’m particularly excited about what might be revealed for some of the newer series.
How long after Jump Festa will new anime actually release?
This varies by series, but most announcements will be for releases in 2026 or early 2026. Some might be for later in the year, but I expect most to be relatively soon after the event.
Will there be any game announcements?
While Jump Festa primarily focuses on anime and manga, there are often game-related announcements, especially for series that have both anime and game adaptations.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been counting down the days to Jump Festa 2026, and I can honestly say that this year’s event is shaping up to be absolutely incredible. With so many major series approaching their conclusions and so many exciting new titles on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to be an anime fan.
Whether you’re Team Luffy, Team Denji, or Team Tanjiro, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Jump Festa. I’ll be covering all the major announcements right here, so make sure to bookmark this page and check back for all the latest news!
Remember to save this article for future reference, and feel free to share your own predictions in the comments below. What are you most excited to see announced at Jump Festa 2026? Let me know in the comments, and let’s get hyped for what’s sure to be an unforgettable weekend of anime announcements!
The future of anime is bright, folks, and I can’t wait to experience it all with you. See you at Jump Festa 2026!