NBC Universal Entertainment Japan delivered one of the busiest anime showcases at Anime Expo 2026, unveiling several major projects that are set to arrive over the next two years. During its panel on July 4, the company confirmed new details for Suikoden: The Anime, announced the long-awaited anime adaptation of Murciélago, premiered From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2 Episode 1, and showcased fresh footage from multiple upcoming series.
The panel, led by producer Ryo Hino, focused on adaptations of beloved franchises alongside entirely new anime projects. Fans also received new promotional videos and release windows for A Certain Dark Item and Mission: Yozakura Family Season 2 (2nd Cour), making the presentation one of the convention’s biggest highlights.
Suikoden: The Anime arrives in October 2026 with a new trailer
One of the biggest announcements was a brand-new promotional video for Suikoden: The Anime, which is scheduled to premiere in October 2026. The anime adapts the story of Suikoden II, the classic PlayStation RPG originally released in 1998, a title that remains one of Konami’s most beloved role-playing games.
According to NBC Universal Entertainment Japan, the Anime Expo audience reacted enthusiastically to the reveal, with many longtime fans celebrating the return of the franchise nearly three decades after the game’s debut.
Producer Ryo Hino explained that adapting a video game presented unique creative challenges compared to manga adaptations.
“It was a different adaptation process because the source material was originally a game instead of a manga. With comics, manga, and novels it is easy to go back and reference the story. Games require multiple hours to play to get to know the characters and story.”
Hino also highlighted the emotional relationship between Riou and Jowy, describing it as one of the anime’s strongest story elements that viewers can look forward to experiencing.
Murciélago anime confirmed for 2027
NBC Universal Entertainment Japan also officially announced that Murciélago will receive an anime adaptation in 2027.
Based on the manga by Yoshimurakana, the series follows Kuroko Koumori, a state-sanctioned former mass murderer assigned to eliminate dangerous criminals, alongside her partner and handler Hinako Tozakura.
Hino recalled his first experience with the manga, saying:
“I was pretty much in shock. This is a very violent story with Yuri elements. Once you start reading, it’s very addictive.”
He also revealed that creator Yoshimurakana has played a significant role throughout production, frequently participating in script meetings and providing sketches to help the staff better capture the manga’s vision.
More previews include Master Swordsman, A Certain Dark Item, and Mission: Yozakura Family
Attendees at the panel also watched the world premiere of From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2 Episode 1. The second season begins broadcasting in Japan on July 8 and will stream worldwide on Amazon Prime Video.
NBC Universal Entertainment Japan additionally showcased a new promotional video for A Certain Dark Item, the latest spin-off from the A Certain Magical Index universe. The series shifts the focus to Academy City’s darker side and is scheduled to stream globally in October 2026.
The presentation concluded with a preview of Mission: Yozakura Family Season 2 (2nd Cour), which arrives on Hulu in October 2026. The spy-family comedy continues the story of an ordinary high school student who marries into a legendary family of spies to protect his childhood friend.
With multiple release dates, first-look trailers, and exclusive premieres, NBC Universal Entertainment Japan used Anime Expo 2026 to spotlight a diverse lineup ranging from classic game adaptations to action, fantasy, and spy comedies, giving anime fans plenty to look forward to over the coming year.
