At Anime Expo 2026, NBC Universal Entertainment Japan presented an incredible slate of anime during its panel on Saturday, July 4, to get excited about.
Producer Ryo Hino kicked the panel off with an all-new Suikoden: The Anime PV streaming this October 2026, and announced the anime adaptation of Murciélago coming 2027. Following that, From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Director Akio Kazumi joined the stage after the audience was shown the world premiere of Season 2, Episode 1 in full.
Suikoden: The Anime (October 2026), follows the story of Suikoden II, which was first released in 1998 on Playstation. Fans erupted in cheers and applause, recalling the excitement of playing the game almost 30 years ago.
Producer Hino is very familiar with the original Suikoden video games. The adaptation process was very different from adapting a manga to an anime.
“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.”
The relationship between Riliu and Jowy creates drama and a great story, according to Hino, and he is looking forward to fans experiencing this when they watch the anime.
Additionally, the anime adaptation of Murciélago is coming in 2027. This is an epic, violent action series in which Kuroko Koumori—a “state-sanctioned” former mass murderer chosen through extralegal measures to deal with the vicious criminals running rampant in society—teams up with her handler and partner, Hinako Tozakura, an unrivaled vehicle enthusiast tasked with keeping watch over her.
Hino was impressed when he first read 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.”
The original author, Yoshimurakana, has been very involved in the anime adaptation process. Hino explained that the production staff worked closely with the author, who was frequently in script meetings and would draw sketches of scenes to help provide a better understanding of the story.
Anime Expo panel attendees also experienced the world premiere of From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2, Episode 1. Season 2 broadcasts in Japan on July 8, streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime Video.
In addition to commentary, the panel highlighted a PV showcasing A Certain Dark Item that was unveiled on July 3. A Certain Dark Item is a spin-off of A Certain Magical Index series, putting the spotlight on the girls belonging to Academy City’s dark side. A Certain Dark Item streams globally October 2026.
Fans also got a sneak preview at Mission: Yozakura Family Season 2 (2nd Cour) coming to Hulu in October 2026. In order to protect his childhood friend, an ordinary high schooler marries into the ultimate family of spies! It’s a spy family comedy packed with flashy action, romance, and family bonds.
Source: Press Release
