by The Summer 2026 anime season officially begins today, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, bringing a fresh lineup of highly anticipated TV series to Japanese television. From fantasy adventures and isekai stories to romantic comedies and school dramas, today’s schedule marks the start of one of the busiest anime seasons of the year.
Whether you’re a longtime anime fan or just getting started, July’s premiere lineup offers something for everyone. Several new adaptations of popular manga and light novels are making their television debut, while returning franchises continue to expand their worlds with exciting new stories.
To help viewers keep track of today’s premieres, we’ve compiled a complete guide to every major anime series beginning broadcast on July 1, along with their broadcast schedules and what each series is about.
Summer 2026 Anime Premieres on July 1
I Love Earth! Kikun
Broadcast Information
- TOKYO MX
- Every Wednesday beginning July 1, 2026
- 5:00 PM (JST)
- Broadcast as part of the “5-ji ni Muchu!” programming block.
Series Overview
This original short anime follows the humorous adventures of Kikun, an alien who arrives on Earth intending to invade the planet. However, after experiencing Japan’s comfortable lifestyle and friendly culture, Kikun gradually forgets the original mission and instead becomes determined to protect Earth.
Featuring lighthearted comedy and family-friendly humor, the series serves as an entertaining introduction to the Summer 2026 anime season.
Heroine? Saint? No, I’m an All-Works Maid (Proud)!
Broadcast Information
TOKYO MX
- Every Wednesday beginning July 1, 2026
- 10:00 PM (JST)
BS Fuji
- Every Wednesday beginning July 1, 2026
- 12:00 AM (24:00 JST)
- Episode 1 begins at 12:30 AM.
AT-X
- Every Friday beginning July 3, 2026
- 8:30 PM (JST)
Series Overview
Based on the popular light novel series, this fantasy comedy follows Melody, a girl who is destined to become the world’s legendary saint.
Instead of embracing her heroic role, however, Melody chooses to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming the ultimate maid. Using incredibly powerful magic, she tackles every household task imaginable—from cleaning and cooking to monster hunting—creating a hilarious misunderstanding-filled fantasy unlike traditional isekai adventures.
LV999 Villager
Broadcast Information
TV Tokyo
- Every Wednesday beginning July 1, 2026
- 12:00 AM (24:00 JST)
BS Fuji
- Every Thursday beginning July 2, 2026
- 12:30 AM (24:30 JST)
Series Overview
In the fantasy world of Earthclear, every person is assigned a role at birth.
The weakest role is “Villager.”
Despite this, protagonist Koji Kagami reaches the impossible level of LV999, becoming stronger than heroes, kings, and legendary warriors.
As he seeks peaceful coexistence between humans and demons, Kagami begins challenging the very rules that govern his world’s class system.
Combining action, fantasy, and RPG-inspired storytelling, LV999 Villager is one of the season’s most anticipated new adaptations.
The Failed Sage’s Academy Musou: Second Reincarnation, S-Rank Cheat Magician’s Adventure Log
Broadcast Information
TOKYO MX
- Every Wednesday beginning July 1, 2026
- 12:00 AM (24:00 JST)
BS Fuji
- Every Friday beginning July 3, 2026
- 11:30 PM (JST)
ABC TV
- Every Saturday beginning July 4, 2026
- 2:30 AM (26:30 JST)
WOWOW
- Every Tuesday beginning July 7, 2026
- 12:30 AM (24:30 JST)
Series Overview
After dedicating his first life to mastering magic, the legendary sage Eftal dies believing he has reached his limits.
Four hundred years later, he is reincarnated into a future where magical civilization has dramatically declined.
Armed with knowledge far beyond anyone else in the new era, Eftal enrolls in a magic academy and begins rewriting everything people thought they knew about magic.
Filled with academy battles, reincarnation themes, and overpowered magic, the series offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre.
Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (Hana-Kimi) Season 2
Broadcast Information
TOKYO MX
- Every Wednesday beginning July 1, 2026
- 12:30 AM (24:30 JST)
Tochigi TV
- Every Wednesday
- 12:30 AM
Gunma TV
- Every Wednesday
- 12:30 AM
BS11
- Every Wednesday
- 12:30 AM
RKB Mainichi Broadcasting
- Every Wednesday
- 3:00 AM (27:00 JST)
MBS
- Every Thursday beginning July 2
- 1:59 AM (25:59 JST)
CBC TV
- Every Friday beginning July 3
- 2:23 AM (26:23 JST)
Series Overview
The beloved school romance returns for a second season.
The story continues to follow Mizuki Ashiya, who disguises herself as a boy to attend an all-boys high school to meet her idol, high jumper Izumi Sano.
Season 2 expands the romantic relationships and school life of the main cast through exciting new events, including school trips, festivals, competitions, and emotional developments between Mizuki, Sano, and Nakatsu.
Fans of classic shoujo romance can look forward to another season filled with comedy, friendship, and heartfelt moments.
What Makes the Summer 2026 Anime Season Special?
This year’s Summer anime lineup features an impressive variety of genres, making it one of the strongest seasonal lineups in recent memory.
Viewers can enjoy:
- Fantasy adventures
- Isekai stories
- Romantic comedies
- School dramas
- Slice-of-life series
- Action-packed battles
- Comedy anime
- Adaptations of bestselling manga and light novels
Several major sequels and original productions are also scheduled to premiere throughout July, making this an exciting season for both longtime anime fans and newcomers.
Tips for New Anime Viewers
If you’re just starting to follow seasonal anime, today’s premieres offer several excellent entry points.
Fantasy fans may enjoy:
- LV999 Villager
- The Failed Sage’s Academy Musou
Comedy lovers should check out:
- Heroine? Saint? No, I’m an All-Works Maid (Proud)!
- I Love Earth! Kikun
Meanwhile, romance fans can jump into:
- Hanazakari no Kimitachi e Season 2
Many of these series will also become available on streaming platforms shortly after their television broadcasts, making them easy to watch even if you miss the live premiere.
Final Thoughts
The Summer 2026 anime season officially begins today with an exciting collection of brand-new series across multiple Japanese television networks.
From overpowered fantasy heroes and magical academies to heartfelt romantic comedies and hilarious misunderstandings, today’s lineup showcases the incredible diversity that seasonal anime has to offer.
Whether you’re planning to watch live broadcasts or stream episodes later, July 1 marks the beginning of another exciting season packed with memorable characters, fresh adventures, and highly anticipated stories.
