The Ultimate Year-End Anime Event Returns!
Anime fans, get ready to celebrate the absolute best of 2026! Streaming giant ABEMA has officially announced the return of the Japan Anime Trend Awards 2026. The grand ceremony will be broadcast live for free on ABEMA’s “Anime SPECIAL Channel” on December 26, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM JST.
This massive event analyzes data across social media (X), anime news outlets, and ABEMA’s streaming metrics, combined with fan voting, to determine which anime defined the year.
Star-Studded MC Lineup
Comedian and hardcore anime fan Yuki Iwai (from Haraichi) returns to host the show for his fourth consecutive year. Joining him as brand-new co-hosts are two beloved voice actresses:
- Sumire Uesaka (Nagatoro in Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro, Lum in Urusei Yatsura)
- Sora Tokui (Nico Yazawa in Love Live!, Nero Yuzurizaki in Tantei Opera Milky Holmes)
Both voice actresses expressed their immense excitement to look back at 2026’s hit titles and movie releases alongside fellow otaku worldwide!
Honoring Anime Excellence
The Japan Anime Trend Awards has a prestige record of recognizing blockbuster hits. Previous grand prize winners include:
- 2024 Grand Prize Winner: DAN DA DAN
- 2025 Grand Prize Winner: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
In addition to award announcements, the 2026 broadcast will feature live musical performances from top anime musical artists of the year, alongside special anniversary tribute segments celebrating iconic anime songs.
How to Participate
User voting is open on the official ABEMA Anime X (formerly Twitter) account until November 18. Make sure to cast your votes and tune in live on December 26 to see which title takes home the top prize for 2026!
Source: Yahoo News Japan