Nippon Anime Awards: the new anime award launching in 2027

The Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) announced the name of its new anime award: Nippon Anime Awards. The reveal took place on November 2 during the final event of TOKYO ANIME NEXT at the Tokyo Tatemono Brillia HALL in Ikebukuro.

The award launches in 2027 and its first ceremony already has a date: Sunday, November 21, 2027 at SGC HALL ARIAKE in Ariake, Tokyo. The official slogan was also presented: "Moving Frames. Moving Hearts. Moving the World."

AJA president Kazuko Ishikawa took the stage to explain the vision behind the award. The goal is to recognize the people who work behind the works that impact the world and contribute to the future of anime.

Collaboration with the Tokyo government

The project has the support of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Governor Yuriko Koike sent a message assuring that they will continue to back anime and those who make it possible.

Besides the ceremony, the collaboration will include initiatives to create new business opportunities in the industry and train the next generation of talent. The AJA aims to promote anime culture and open paths for the future.

A closing with orchestra and big voices

The announcement came at the end of a program of about 90 minutes. The first part was a talk titled "The Appeal of Japanese Anime, Loved Around the World," with Toshiyuki Itakura of the comedy duo Impulse, Shoko Nakagawa, and Sally Amaki of 22/7.

During the conversation, Sally Amaki said she discovered anime music with "Sorairo Days," the opening of Gurren Lagann sung by Nakagawa herself. She also revealed that she sang that song in her audition to enter the voice acting industry, a detail that had not been shared even in rehearsals. Nakagawa was moved and replied: "I'm so glad I became an anime singer."

The second part was a concert with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and performances by Mai Kuraki, Nami Nakagawa, and Ai Higuchi. The pieces accompanied scenes from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Attack on Titan, and Detective Conan.

• Demon Slayer: Nami Nakagawa performed "Kamado Tanjiro no Uta" after an orchestral version of "Demon Slayer Corps."
• Attack on Titan: Ai Higuchi sang "Akuma no Ko," the ending of the second part of the final season, after "Ashes on The Fire."
• Detective Conan: Mai Kuraki closed with "Secret of my heart," accompanied by the orchestra.

Four days of activities in Ikebukuro

TOKYO ANIME NEXT was held over four days in the Ikebukuro area with screenings, interactive experiences, and educational programs. On October 30, as part of TIFFCOM, a symposium was held about the launch of the new award.

On October 31 and November 1, 14 anime titles, mainly films, were screened at three cinemas in the area. There were also talks with cast and staff from four of those titles, and the world premiere of the first episode of LONA, the anime created by screenwriter Akiko Nogi and WIT STUDIO.

For the little ones, an animation workshop was organized with professional light tables, where they could trace frames from Chibi Maruko-chan. The last day featured character meet-and-greets from Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and Detective Conan, plus production classes with staff from Cosmic Princess Kaguya! and Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe.

The first edition of the Nippon Anime Awards is set for November 2027.