Yuichiro Hayashi receiving first-ever Global Impact Award for Attack on Titan leaves anime fans emotional: 'Well deserved, King'
The 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards took place on Sunday (May 25) at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo, celebrating the year's best in anime. Solo Leveling dominated the night with six major wins, including the coveted Anime of the Year title. Look Back was crowned as Film of the Year. But the most emotional highlight came when the first-ever Global Impact Award was presented to the legendary Attack on Titan, recognised for its massive contribution to anime's global popularity. A photo of director Yuichiro Hayashi, who helmed the anime's fourth and final season, accepting the award quickly went viral, stirring nostalgia among Attack on Titan fans.
Attack on Titan wins first-ever Global Impact Award
In a landmark moment, Attack on Titan was honoured with the first-ever Global Impact Award, recognising its profound cultural and artistic influence on anime and beyond. Director Yuichiro Hayashi accepted the award on behalf of studio MAPPA and the creators, following the release of Attack on Titan: The Last Attack.
Speaking to Variety about the newly introduced category, Crunchyroll's Chief Operating Officer Gita Rebbapragada said, 'This year, we're proud to introduce the new Global Impact Award. We recently commissioned a study with National Research Group that explores just how important anime is to fans, especially Gen Z. For example, nearly 40% of teen anime fans consider anime a meaningful part of who they are, and 30% say it has influenced their outlook on life.' She added that the award aims to 'honor the series and films leaving a mark on culture and global fans alike.'
Fans react to Yuichiro Hayashi receiving the Global Impact Award for Attack on Titan.
The picture of animator Yuichiro Hayashi accepting the award on behalf of the team is being widely shared on X, with fans calling it a fitting tribute to an anime that defined a generation and opened the door to a whole new world.
One fan wrote, "I miss reading the weekly anime-only discussion threads so much. It was such a peak era."
I miss reading the weekly anime only discussion threads so much. It was such a peak era.
"Ayy, my guy Yuichiro, killing' it! Well deserved, king," another added."
Ayy, my guy Yuichiro Killin' it! 🔥 Well deserved, king.
A third chimed in, "It must be an oddly surreal feeling to hold the first global award, deserved, he worked hard!"
Must be an oddly surreal feeling to hold the first global award, deserved, he worked hard!
"So deserving, not only for Attack on Titan but what his entire team did for the anime in, God forbid, horrible conditions," one user mentioned.
So deserving, not only for Attack On Titan but what his entire team did for the anime in god forbid horrible conditions.MAPPA can suck my shit. I am not supporting that studio for any upcoming project.
More about Attack on Titan
Based on Hajime Isayama's bestselling manga, Attack on Titan has become one of the most iconic anime series of all time. With over 140 million manga copies sold worldwide, the anime is widely recognised as a cultural force.
The anime first aired in 2013 and wrapped up in late 2023 after four powerful seasons. The final arc, released in multiple parts, concluded with the special feature-length finale Attack on Titan: The Last Attack in 2024. From start to finish, the show gripped viewers with its dark themes, political undercurrents, and deeply human questions about war, freedom, and survival.
Three of its seasons hold a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and the series overall boasts over 95% in audience ratings, proving the power it holds over anime fans.
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