A Symphony of Anime Anthems: “Anime Trend Awards 2025 Special Live”
One of the evening’s most anticipated segments was the “Anime Trend Awards 2025 Special Live,” featuring five prominent artists who performed a medley of 2025’s most talked-about anime songs. The stage vibrated with energy as each act delivered unforgettable performances.
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Ave Mujica: The “BanG Dream! Ave Mujica” project brought its “most insane” band anime world to life, performing the opening theme “KiLLKiSS” and the final episode’s insert song “Kao.”
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ClariS: With new members, ClariS presented a self-cover of “Connect -season 03-,” the iconic opening theme from Puella Magi Madoka Magica, showcasing their renewed three-member lineup.
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Spira Spica: From My Dress-Up Darling Season 2, Spira Spica delivered a vibrant three-song medley of theme and insert songs, capturing the essence of youth.
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Maebashi Witches: The in-anime unit “Maebashi Witches” from Maebashi Witches offered a diverse performance.
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Mega Shinnosuke: Closed the live segment with a full performance of “Gohan Tabeyo,” the opening theme for the widely popular Hiroshi Nohara’s Lunch Style.
Audience reactions were fervent, with online comments like “Here it comes!! I’m crying” and “A song I’ve heard more than my parents’ voices,” underscoring the deep emotional connection fans share with these anime anthems.
Glimpse into 2026: Exclusive Voice Actor Insights and Anticipated Titles
The event offered an exciting sneak peek into the anime landscape of 2026, introducing eight carefully selected trending titles. This included four highly anticipated first-time anime adaptations and four sequels to beloved series.
New Adaptations:
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Seihantai na Kimi to Boku (The Guy and the Girl Who Are Polar Opposites)
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Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga ~Hinamiyou Chounetsu Torikaeden~ (Though I Am an Inept Villainess: The Tale of the Butterfly and the Rat Swapping Palaces)
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Super no Ura de Yani Suu Futari (Two Smokes Behind the Supermarket)
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Tongari Boushi no Atelier (Witch Hat Atelier)
Highly Awaited Sequels:
- [Oshi no Ko] Season 3
- Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
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Sousou no Frieren Season 2 (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2)
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Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (The Apothecary Diaries)
Voice actors from Seihantai na Kimi to Boku, Suzushiro Sayumi (Suzuki) and Sakata Shogo (Tani), shared their excitement, with Suzushiro noting, “Please pay attention to how the pop graphics and original forms move in the animation!” The cast of [Oshi no Ko] Season 3—Ikumi Yurie (Ruby), Han Megumi (Arima Kana), and Okubo Rumi (MEM-cho)—also provided exclusive comments. Han Megumi teased, “Each character faces a turning point in their destiny and life, so please look forward to it! I believe you’ll feel the power-up right from the start!” Okubo Rumi added, “For MEM-cho, Season 3 is all about ’empathy’! Just watch episode 1!” These insights left the studio guests buzzing with anticipation, with Tenshin Hantaro confidently stating that these titles would likely be contenders for the “Japan Anime Trend Awards 2026.”
World Premiere Reveals: The Next Wave of Anime
The event also featured the world premiere of new information for three upcoming anime titles, offering fans a first glimpse into their captivating worlds.
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Akane Banashi: Centered on the theme of authentic rakugo storytelling, the segment showcased behind-the-scenes photos of the cast actively practicing rakugo under the supervision of rakugo master Hayashiya Kikuo. This dedication to authenticity deeply impressed the audience.
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Hime-sama “Goumon” no Jikan desu Season 2 (Princess Principal’s Time): New scene cuts from the highly anticipated second season of this popular “torture” fantasy were unveiled.
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Kami-Ina Botan, Yoeru Sugata wa Yuri no Hana (Ina Botan, Drunk and Blooming as a Lily): The latest promotional video, featuring actual cuts from the main story, was released for the first time.
These revelations sparked immense excitement on social media, with comments such as “Makes me want to watch!” and “That’s the one I’ve been curious about!” truly setting the stage for 2026’s anime season.
Celebrating 2025: The Japan Anime Trend Awards Ceremony
The heart of the event, the “Japan Anime Trend Awards Ceremony,” recognized the most impactful anime of 2025 across various categories. The grand prize, the “Japan Anime Trend Award,” was bestowed upon Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX.
Key Award Winners:
- Japan Anime Trend Award: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
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Anime Song Award: “IRIS OUT” by Kenshi Yonezu (Chainsaw Man Movie: Reze Arc)
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Anime News Award: The Apothecary Diaries
- Anime Hottest Topic Award – TV Anime Category: Hiroshi Nohara’s Lunch Style
- Anime Hottest Topic Award – Movie Category: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie – Mugen Train Arc, Chapter 1: Akaza Returns
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Opening Animation Award: Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku OP
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Ending Animation Award: Dandadan Season 2 ED
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Short Anime Award: Galaxy Express Milky Subway
- ABEMA Special Award: Medalist, My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON, Goodbye Eri
This comprehensive awards ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of 2025 but also cast a bright spotlight on the future of anime. Fans who missed the live broadcast can still catch the entire program for free on ABEMA’s catch-up service, offering a perfect opportunity to recap 2025 and anticipate the exciting developments of 2026.
Watch the “Japan Anime Trend Awards 2025” for free on ABEMA
As the anime industry continues its global ascent, events like the Japan Anime Trend Awards serve as vital platforms, showcasing the immense creativity and passion that drive Japanese animation. The convergence of star-studded performances, exclusive sneak peeks, and heartfelt fan engagement ensures that the “kawaii” culture of anime will continue to captivate and expand its reach, inspiring new generations of creators and viewers worldwide. The vibrancy seen at this event promises a thriving future, cementing anime’s place as a global cultural phenomenon.
