Legendary 'Yona of the Dawn' Confirmed for Anime Sequel Following Manga Conclusion

A significant announcement has resonated throughout the anime community: a sequel anime for the highly successful series Yona of the Dawn (Akatsuki no Yona) has been officially confirmed. This pivotal news was revealed on December 19, 2025, within the pages of Hakusensha’s respected shojo magazine, Hana to Yume, specifically in the second issue for 2026. The timing of this reveal is notable, as it coincided precisely with the debut of the manga’s final chapter, marking the conclusion of an impressive 16-year serialization run that began in August 2009. This finale solidifies the legacy of Mizuho Kusanagi’s work, which has achieved widespread acclaim, boasting over 14 million copies in print and maintaining strong fan dedication until its very end.

The core narrative centers on Princess Yona, a royal figure whose sheltered life within Hiryuu Palace is violently disrupted by an act of betrayal on her sixteenth birthday. Forced into exile, she must rely on her fiercely loyal bodyguard, Hak, for protection and survival. Their subsequent journey is a desperate quest to reclaim her rightful place, during which they gradually assemble the legendary Four Dragons. This saga skillfully integrates high-stakes political intrigue, grand adventure, profound character development, and emerging romance, all set within a detailed fantasy realm inspired by East Asian mythology.

The initial 2014 anime adaptation, produced by Studio Pierrot, successfully engaged audiences across its 24-episode run. It was widely praised for its vibrant visual presentation and compelling musical score. While specific production details for the new installment, such as the animation studio, key staff members, and projected release window, have not yet been disclosed, the confirmation itself represents a major development. With the entirety of the manga source material now complete, the production team is ideally positioned to adapt the remaining narrative arcs without concern for ongoing serialization.

This promises the epic confrontations and emotionally resonant conclusions that dedicated followers have been anticipating for years. The convergence of the manga’s definitive conclusion and the anime’s confirmed return ensures that this next installment will be essential viewing. It is expected to further chronicle Yona’s transformation from a naive princess into a formidable leader and to fully explore the complex relationships and dynamics between her, Hak, and the other central characters of the story.