Today's Must-See Anime Updates | 26/02/2026 - 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 1

On this 26/02/2026, as usual, we bring you the latest and greatest in the world of anime. From fresh episode releases to new announcements, to exciting upcoming series, we’ve got you covered with everything happening in the anime world today. Check out today’s updates below!

“BAKI-DOU: The Invincible Samurai” episodes 1–13 are now streaming, only on Netflix!

♪ OP: “FURUBOKO” by WANIMA

[Additional cast]
Mitsunari Tokugawa (CV: Shinpachi Tsuji)
Sabuko Tokugawa (CV: Masako Nozawa)
Izo Motobe (CV: Yusaku Yara)
Pickle (CV: Takeshi Kusao)

© Keisuke Itagaki(AKITASHOTEN)/BAKI-DOU Film Partners

“Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island” teaser trailer and July 24 Japan debut revealed!

Kei Oikawa is directing the movie at CygamesPictures.

© nagano / 2026 Chiikawa the Movie Film Partners

“Onegai AiPri” key visual, teaser PV, and April 5 [Sun] debut revealed:

[Theme song artists]
OP: Onegai Kanae-tai
ED: THE MADE IN TOHOKU

[Cast]
Inori Konomi (CV: Hanaka Ogawa)
Aoi Yumemiya (CV: Rika Kanaya)
Gumi Tomosaka (CV: Wakana Maruoka)
Olivia Yuki (CV: Haruka Okamura)
Nana Atami (CV: Minori Fujidera)
Emma Mochinaga (CV: Minori Suzuki)
Fortu (CV: You Taichi)
MC PriUsa (CV: Showtaro Morikubo)

This is the latest installment in the Pretty Series (Pretty Rhythm, PriPara, & more).

[Staff excerpt]
・Director: Junichi Fujisaku, Masahiro Matsunaga
・Chief Director: Nam Sung Min, Jeon Byung Cheol, Oh Sun Kyung, Choi Kyung Won, Kim Seong Hyeon, Chun Doo Hwan, Kwak Soo Hyun, So Ho Sung
・Series Composition: Gigaemon Ichikawa
・Character Design: Manabu Nii
・Music: Izumi Mori (bransic)
・Animation Production: OLM・DONGWOO A & E

Image © T-ARTS/syn Sophia/OAP PROJECT

“Kirio Fan Club” begins broadcasting on April 2 [Thu]!

[Opening theme song]
“FANCLUB” by Skirt & ODD Foot Works

Sou Toyama is directing the anime at Satelight.

© Chikyu no Osakana Ponchan, Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha/ Kirio Fan Club Anime Production Committee

“Even a Replica Can Fall in Love” TV anime new visual, PV, and April 7 [Tue] debut revealed!

[Theme songs]
OP: “Refrain” by shytaupe
ED: “Awa” by asmi

[Additional cast]
Ritsuko (CV: Yuki Takada)
Suzumi (CV: Kaori Nazuka)
Shun (CV: Jun Fukuyama)
Kozue (CV: Rina Hidaka)
Haruka (CV: Shugo Nakamura)

Ryuichi Kimura is directing the series at Voil.

Image © 榛名丼/KADOKAWA/レプリカだって、恋をする。

“Akane-banashi” TV anime new key visual, PV, and April 4 [Sat] debut revealed!

It was also announced that full episodes will stream for free in North America & Latin America on the newly launched Akane-banashi Global YouTube Channel “after the broadcast begins in Japan.”

[Opening theme]
“HITOTARASHI” by Keisuke Kuwata

Ayumu Watanabe is directing the anime at ZEXCS.

Image © Yuki Suenaga, Takamasa Moue / SHUEISHA, Akane-banashi Committee

GAGA Corporation has revealed the scale of its “UMAMUSUME: PRETTY DERBY – BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA” North American theatrical release: over 600 theaters!

“Witch Hat Atelier” exclusive first look revealed during IGN Fan Fest 2026!

Ayumu Watanabe is directing the anime at BUG FILMS for an April 6 [Mon] debut, streaming on Crunchyroll.

“Witch Hat Atelier” is also part of next month’s Crunchyroll Anime Nights SNEAK PEEK — a one-night-only theatrical experience in the US & Canada offering an exclusive chance to see premiere episodes of select spring 2026 anime series.

© Kamome Shirahama/KODANSHA/ Witch Hat Atelier Committee

“Me & Roboco: The Movie” is now streaming (subtitled) on Crunchyroll!