The Monogatari Series: OFF & MONSTER Season franchise received new updates this Thursday. Aniplex revealed a new promotional image and confirmed that the special episode Wazamonogatari: Karen Ogre will air during the winter of 2026 in Japan.
The production retains familiar names from the series. Veteran Akiyuki Simbo returns as chief director, while Midori Yoshizawa takes over directing the episode at studio SHAFT. Additionally, Fuyashi Tou returns to supervise the scripts, with Akio Watanabe once again responsible for character design and chief animation direction.
Synopsis
The story adapts the short story Wazamonogatari: Karen Ogre, part of the Off Season phase of the franchise created by NisiOisin. The Off Season volumes expand the main universe with narratives set at different points in the timeline, exploring familiar characters from new perspectives.
The light novel series began with Bakemonogatari in 2006 and received its first anime adaptation in 2009. Subsequently, the saga advanced into the Off Season and Monster Season phases, which follow events after the conclusion of the main story.
Source: Official Website
The episode will premiere in the winter of 2026 in Japan.
The anime is being produced by Studio SHAFT.
The franchise was created by the author NisiOisin.
It's a continuation of the main story, following the characters during their university years.
