2020 Anime Delayed/Canceled Due To Coronavirus: When Will Pokémon, Boruto & One Piece Release?

The year 2020 turned out to be a disaster for most of the world. Amongst others, the Coronavirus outbreak became the deadliest catastrophe. As of late-April 2020, the COVID-19 disease has affected over three million people from all around the globe. Sady, it has also taken the lives of more than two hundred thousand people. While the world remains in quarantine, the economies of several countries have been harmed. This includes many sectors, including the entertainment industry as well.

Like most other countries, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expanded the state of emergency to curb infections in Japan. Hence, the impact lasted on the anime and manga industry as well. Some manga and light novel volume releases have been postponed, whereas the production of many anime series and movies have been stalled. Moreover, television channels have delayed the release of several shows for a while. Here’s a list of some popular anime series and movies that may not debut at the screens anytime soon.

1. New Anime Series Of Pokémon

A new anime series of the popular franchise Pokémon was said to be in productions. Fans already knew about this and were excited to watch the latest episodes. However, back on April 19, 2020, the producers confirmed that the productions are now on a hiatus after the issuance of the ‘Emergency Declaration.’ The staff won’t resume working on the show until the situation gets better. As a replacement, they will be broadcasting some older episodes of anime for its fanbase.

2. Toei Animation Delays One Piece & Digimon Adventures

One Piece is the first and most successful anime of Toei Animation. The 20-year-old series has on the hearts of millions of viewers from around the world. Sadly, fans would not be able to watch any new episode until the right situation. The studio suspended the broadcast of One Piece Season 20 alongside the new anime Digimon Adventures. We will update this section as soon as the animation studio confirms the return of these popular anime.

For the time being, fans will get to watch some older episodes (from Episode 892) of One Piece. The anime will resume broadcasting from Episode 930 once the pandemic’s over.

3. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

The most recent addition to the popular franchise was immensely appreciated upon its release back in 2017. The anime is in the run ever since and might continue for quite long. However, for the time being, Studio Pierrot has delayed the broadcast of the next few episodes of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. After May 3, 2020, any new episodes may not premiere until the situation gets better. The last episode (Episode 154) came out on April 26, and fans are already missing their favorite show.

4. Food Wars Season 5

Food Wars is indeed one of the most famous animes of the decade. It is also critically-acclaimed and has a huge loyal fanbase. The audience had been waiting for Food Wars Season 5 episodes since long. The installment premiered on April 11, 2020, while a second episode came out on April 18. However, soon after that, studio J.C. Staff announced that the anime will now go on a hiatus due to the Coronavirus outbreak. In the meantime, they will be airing some episodes from the fourth season.

5. The Doraemon Movies

Doraemon has been one of the most loved and adored characters in the history of animes. Two anime films, namely Doraemon: Nobita’s New Dinosaur and Stand By Me Doraemon 2, have been delayed because of the pandemic. The first one was supposed to premiere in Japanese theatres on March 6, 2020. However, the release of Doraemon: Nobita’s New Dinosaur is now shifted to August 7, 2020.

On the other hand, Stand By Me Doraemon 2 was scheduled to debut on August 7, this year. Now that Doraemon: Nobita’s New Dinosaur took its spot, the movie has no confirmed release date as of now. However, we promise to update this section as soon as the date arrives.

6. Re: Zero Season 2 – Starting Life In Another World

Similarly, the producers of the popular isekai anime have also shifted the release date of the second season. Earlier, the brand-new episodes were supposed to arrive in April 2020. Sadly, due to the COVID-19 disease, White Fox studio announced the delay in the release of Re: Zero Season 2 till July 2020. The creators will now rebroadcast the Director’s Cut of the first installment, which will later be streamed on Crunchyroll.

7. Sword Art Online Season 3: Alicization War Of Underworld Part 2

The third season of the famous isekai anime series Sword Art Online is delayed as well. The second part of Alicization: War Of Underworld was scheduled to release on April 25, this year. Sadly, no new episodes will be airing for some time. As of now, the premiere of the anime series is shifter until July 2020. Well, we can only hope that the episodes come out soon.

8. The Promised Neverland Season 2

While the scheduled release of The Promised Neverland Season 2 was already far away, Studio CloverWorks has still shifted the date. Instead of October 2020, the much-awaited anime season will now arrive in January 2021. While some fans understand that it’s hard for the studio to manage production amidst the Coronavirus outbreak, others are downright furious. Despite the audience reaction, CloverWorks might not change its decision about the premiere of their fan-favorite anime. Until then, fans can watch the reruns of the first season from July to October 2020.

9. Violet Evergarden Movie Delayed!

Amongst several others, the production and release of the highly-anticipated movie are also delayed. The Violet Evergarden Movie was previously delayed due to the tragic Kyoto Animation arson attack back in July 2019. Due to the incident, the studio shifted the release to April 24, 2020. Sadly, the film couldn’t premiere on the rescheduled date either. As of now, a new air date isn’t specified, but we’ll update this section as soon as it comes out.

10. Kingdom Season 3

Kingdom is a popular 2011 anime series that returned years after its last release. Fans were finally happy to watch the show again on April 5, 2020. Unfortunately, Studio Pierrot has to delay the series after only four episodes. Due to the pandemic, any new episodes of Kingdom Season 3 won’t release until the next announcement. The anime may take a few weeks to return.

Well, at this point in time, the entire world is suffering due to the tragic outbreak of the COVID-19 disease. As of now, all of us, including the animation studios, are helpless. We hope that fans understand the same and wait a bit to watch their favorite anime series and movie again.