Japan Launches Its Own Anime Awards in Direct Challenge to Crunchyroll
Japan’s Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) has officially announced Tokyo Anime Next, a brand-new anime event that will include a new awards program celebrating the industry’s achievements from a distinctly Japanese perspective.
The AJA is a major industry organization representing 52 of Japan’s leading animation studios and companies, playing a key role in promoting anime both domestically and internationally while also publishing annual reports on the industry’s growth and trends.
The announcement was made during the Production I.G x WIT Studio panel at Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles, California, where WIT Studio president George Wada explained the vision behind the new initiative.
WIT Studio is one of Japan’s most acclaimed animation studios, producing globally successful series including Attack on Titan Seasons 1-3, Spy x Family and the upcoming remake of The One Piece, while Wada also serves as a producer at Production I.G.
Speaking during the panel on Saturday, July 4, Wada positioned Tokyo Anime Next as an alternative approach to existing international anime award programs, such as the annual Crunchyroll awards, by emphasizing recognition from within Japan’s own animation industry.
Tokyo Anime Next will take place in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district from October 30 through November 2, 2026, with Wada inviting Anime Expo attendees and anime fans from around the world to experience the event in Japan.
According to its official description, Tokyo Anime Next is being organized as a one-time special event by the Association of Japanese Animations in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to establish a new annual animation festival that will officially launch in 2027.
The organizers also plan to showcase outstanding animated features and short films from around the world, creating an opportunity for international creators to present their work directly to Japanese audiences and media.
The event’s closing day will feature a large-scale finale at Tokyo Tatemono Brillia Hall, combining a live orchestra with cinematic visuals in a performance designed to celebrate both the current state and future direction of animation.
Tokyo Anime Next is scheduled to run from October 30 through November 2, 2026, in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro area, with additional event details expected to be announced closer to the festival’s opening.
Source: https://tokyoanimenext.jp/en/
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