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Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards: 'Solo Leveling' dominates, 'Attack on Titan' makes history — Complete winners list
The 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, held at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo, was a star-studded ceremony that attracted a record-breaking 51 million votes from fans around the world. Organized by Crunchyroll, the annual event celebrated achievements across 28 categories, honoring both emerging talent and industry veterans. Solo Leveling was crowned Anime of the Year, capping off a landmark night in which the Korean-originated series swept nine awards — including Best Action Anime, Best New Series, and Best Score. The wins marked a pivotal moment for Korean animation, underscoring its rising influence on the global anime stage. Here's a look at the complete winners list: 'Solo Leveling' wins big Solo Leveling wins Anime of the Year at the 2025 #AnimeAwards! 🏆 Boasting a perfect 100% score on the Tomatometer and a 93% audience rating, Solo Leveling turned its critical and commercial success into a dominant awards run — triumphing over industry heavyweights like One Piece, Attack on Titan, and Demon Slayer. Adapted from Chugong's bestselling web novel, the series not only claimed the top prize but also earned recognition in multiple categories, including: Best New Series Best Action Anime Best Score (Hiroyuki Sawano) Best Main Character (Sung Jin-woo) Best Ending Sequence ("request" by krage) Best Voice Artist Performance in English, Brazilian Portuguese, and Castilian Spanish Film of the Year: 'Look Back' A story we won't forget, Look Back wins Film of the Year at the 2025 #AnimeAwards! In a night filled with standout titles, Look Back emerged as Film of the Year. Directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama and based on Tatsuki Fujimoto's stirring one-shot manga, the film was praised for its quiet intensity and emotional weight. 'Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc' scores two wins A fan-favorite then and now, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc wins Best Continuing Series at the 2025 #AnimeAwards! The series dazzled once again, earning dual awards for Best Continuing Series and Best Animation — proof that its momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Global Impact Award: 'Attack on Titan' Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 to Present Attack on Titan with First Ever Global Impact Award In a historic moment, Attack on Titan was honored with the inaugural Global Impact Award, recognizing its profound cultural and artistic legacy. Director Yuichiro Hayashi accepted the award on behalf of studio MAPPA and the franchise's creators, following the release of Attack on Titan: THE LAST ATTACK. Other major winners Best Original Anime: Ninja Kamui Best Director: Keiichiro Saito (Frieren: Beyond Journey' End) Best Supporting Character: Fern (Frieren) Best Romance Anime: Blue Box Best Isekai Anime: Re:Zero – Season 3
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
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 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.
Arab News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
‘Solo Leveling' dominates Crunchyroll Anime Awards
DUBAI: 'Solo Leveling' emerged as the top winner at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, clinching anime of the year, best action, best new series, and several accolades for music and performance. The global fan-favorite led the night at the ceremony held at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo. The annual celebration of anime recognized excellence across 28 categories, powered by a record-breaking 51 million fan votes worldwide. A post shared by The Anime Awards (@ Among the night's other standout winners was 'Look Back,' the poignant adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto's one-shot manga, which took home the film of the year award. 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba' extended its celebrated legacy by winning best continuing series and best animation. The supernatural comedy 'Dan Da Dan' also made waves, picking up awards for best opening sequence, best anime song, and best character design. A post shared by The Anime Awards (@ In a highlight of the evening, 'Attack on Titan' received Crunchyroll's first-ever Global Impact Award, a new honor recognizing a franchise's lasting cultural influence. The award follows the 2024 conclusion of the acclaimed saga with 'Attack on Titan: The Last Attack.' Director Yuichiro Hayashi accepted the prize on behalf of studio MAPPA and the show's creators. 'Fans form deep emotional connections to anime. These are not just series, films or songs, but rather works of art that help define the identity of anime fans,' said Rahul Purini, president of Crunchyroll. 'With an incredible 51 million votes this year, the 2025 Anime Awards are celebrating the creators in Japan who have captured the hearts of fans and are powering anime's prominence in global pop culture.'
Business Upturn
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Kakegurui Season 3: Release date speculation, cast and plot details – Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on May 22, 2025, 18:00 IST Last updated May 22, 2025, 11:43 IST Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler has captivated anime fans worldwide with its high-stakes gambling drama, psychological twists, and unforgettable characters. Set in the elite Hyakkaou Private Academy, where students are ranked by their gambling prowess rather than academics or athletics, the series follows the enigmatic Yumeko Jabami as she disrupts the school's hierarchy with her fearless gambling addiction. After two thrilling seasons, fans are eagerly awaiting news about Kakegurui Season 3. In this article, we dive into the latest updates, release date speculation, cast details, and potential plot points for the highly anticipated third season. Kakegurui Season 3 Release Date Speculation As of May 2025, neither MAPPA nor Netflix has officially confirmed Kakegurui Season 3. If confirmed, given the two-year gap between Seasons 1 and 2, and considering pandemic-related delays, speculation points to a possible release in late 2025 or 2026. If production begins soon, the series could air in Japan first, followed by a Netflix release a few months later, potentially in mid-2026. Expected Cast for Kakegurui Season 3 The core voice cast is expected to return for Kakegurui Season 3, reprising their roles from the previous seasons. The main characters and their Japanese voice actors include: Yumeko Jabami : Saori Hayami (Japanese) / Erika Harlacher (English) Ryota Suzui : Tatsuya Tokutake (Japanese) / Griffin Burns (English) Mary Saotome : Minami Tanaka (Japanese) / Kira Buckland (English) Kirari Momobami : Miyuki Sawashiro (Japanese) / Michelle Ruff (English) Itsuki Sumeragi : Yuki Wakai (Japanese) / Erica Lindbeck (English) Yuriko Nishinotouin : Karin Nanami (Japanese) / Cristina Vee (English) Midari Ikishima: Mariya Ise (Japanese) / Sarah Anne Williams (English) Kakegurui Season 3 Plot: What to Expect? The plot of Kakegurui Season 3 is likely to pick up where Season 2 left off, diving deeper into the high-stakes election arc at Hyakkaou Private Academy. Season 2 ended with Yumeko Jabami facing off against Yumemi Yumemite in a dramatic gamble, exposing Yumemi's true nature, and the election for the student council president reaching a critical point. While the anime has diverged from the manga in the past (e.g., the original Season 1 finale), Season 3 is expected to adapt chapters beyond the 56 covered so far, potentially exploring the 'War' arc or other unadapted storylines. Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anime studio wars: How MAPPA, Ufotable, and Wit Studio are shaping the future of Anime
Credits: Reddit Anime is more global than ever – and fans are tuning in to a fierce 'studio war' for the best shows. In just the past two years, MAPPA , Ufotable and Wit Studio have each rolled out hit series and films, sparking debate among audiences about style, quality and work culture. Fans voted in record numbers (34 million global votes in 2024 alone) to celebrate their favorites, from Jujutsu Kaisen to Demon Slayer . In fact, Jujutsu Kaisen 2 (produced by MAPPA) swept the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards with 11 wins, including Anime of the Year t , and was named the world's top anime of 2023 by a Parrot Analytics/Guinness report. This rivalry among studios has become a narrative itself. MAPPA: Blockbusters and burnout Credits: TheGamer MAPPA has been on a tear with one big franchise after another. In 2023–24 it delivered Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 (Shibuya arc), the Attack on Titan: The Last Attack movie, and Chainsaw Man , among others. Fans praised Chainsaw Man 's cinematic action – it won 'Best New Series' at the 2024 Crunchyroll Awards – and Jujutsu Kaisen 2 was called an 'epitome of viewer fascination' with a global demand rating 71× an average TV show. Even Swordsmith Village (the third Demon Slayer arc, by Ufotable) won Best Animation and Art Direction in 2024, showing how much hype there is around these hits. Attack on Titan: The Last Attack (a MAPPA-run movie of the final chapters) crossed ¥1 billion (~$6.6 M) in Japan in just days, proving the franchise's box-office power. Yet all this success has come amid controversy. MAPPA's packed 2023 schedule drew criticism: some fans felt series like Hell's Paradise were 'sandwiched' between bigger hits. Reporters and insiders note animators regularly face crunch deadlines and long hours. A 2024 industry survey found anime staff work about 225 hours per month on average, highlighting systemic overwork. Even MAPPA's vice-president Hiroya Hasegawa admits the new generation of animators wants better balance. He told reporters in early 2025: 'There are more people… who want to separate their work and private lives and strike a balance', and MAPPA is rethinking schedules and mentorship programs to help artists learn on the job. The studio even plans formal mentor training to pass on skills, after seeing that rushed schedules left little time for corrections. Ufotable: Polished spectacles and event films Credits: FandomWire Ufotable has quietly become synonymous with 'spectacle'. It tends to invest years and big budgets into relatively few projects, aiming for perfection. In 2023–25 Ufotable's crown jewel remains Demon Slayer . Its Swordsmith Village arc (2023) earned rave reviews and several awards. The upcoming Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movie, set for July 2025, is already anticipated worldwide – a follow-up to 2020's Mugen Train , which was Japan's highest-grossing film. On the Fate side, Ufotable is animating the long-delayed Witch on the Holy Night film (trailer released late 2023). Each Ufotable release is an event: the studio's lush 2D/3D animation, hand-painted lighting and dynamic camera work make each frame pop. Ufotable's business model is built on tentpoles. It often partners with Aniplex/Sony and Toho for big theatrical projects, rather than churning many TV series. Its revenue streams even include Ufotable Cafés, where fans queue to sample themed food (part of the Fortune Arterial franchise). Because it takes its time, Ufotable has avoided the worst of the reported crunch – at least publicly. (The studio's founder even went to jail in 2019 for tax evasion related to cafe revenues, but workplace abuse rumors have been fewer than at MAPPA. ) Audience response is consistently positive: fans praise Ufotable's animation as 'movie-quality,' and Swordsmith Village's award wins underscore that polish. Wit Studio: Collaboration and consistency Credits: Anime-Planet Wit Studio has long been the underdog that set the standard: it animated the first three seasons of Attack on Titan and hits like Ranking of Kings and Vinland Saga . In the new era, Wit is busy too, though it often shares projects. Its recent work includes the Spy × Family Code: White movie (co-produced with CloverWorks) and smaller series like Suicide Squad Isekai (December 2023) and the upcoming My Deer Friend Nokotan (summer 2024). Wit's strategy has been to grow steadily and partner where needed. CEO George Wada (formerly of Production I.G) explained that WIT 'doesn't look for studios [to work with]… we look for projects' and then decide how to staff them. For example, when Attack on Titan needed to finish after Wit's seasons, Wada praised MAPPA: 'the reason that we were able to complete the series was because MAPPA took it on…and it's a wonderful studio'. Wit is also exploring new structures. With Aniplex and CloverWorks, it co-founded JOEN, a studio-conglomerate meant to pool talent and resources for big TV projects. Wada has voiced caution about unsustainable pacing: quality comes from investment. He told reporters, 'I don't think it's possible to keep [current] pace up… the number of anime fans in the world needs to continue to grow. Once…fans increase, businesses will put more money towards creating anime, which will allow…high quality'. He emphasized that money should go 'into the people… growing the personnel and the talent pool' – an eye on both production value and working conditions. Production pressures and fan reactions All three studios share one reality: global audiences now demand cinematic spectacle on tight schedules. This pressure has fans cheering the results and lamenting the process. Online forums buzz over who has the best sakuga (animated action), with some calling MAPPA's action 'jaw-dropping,' while others point to occasional rough CGI cuts when deadlines bite. Ufotable devotees applaud its detail but sometimes wonder if slow output is a missed chance. Wit fans celebrate its storytelling and co-productions ( Moonrise on Netflix in 2024) but worry about outsourcing keeping animators happy. In the background, a 2024 survey confirmed what anime workers have long known: most animators still toil long hours for low pay. In public, studio heads have begun to talk about balance. MAPPA's Hasegawa insists 'animation is hard work' but admits the studio must let staff live fuller lives. And Wada of Wit bluntly told Netflix (a major funding source for anime) that it needs to market shows individually, not just its platform, 'because each and every title is important to the creators'. Industry-wide, joint strategies like JOEN and multinational funding (Crunchyroll, Netflix, etc.) reflect that studios must innovate their business models as much as their art. Anime fans around the world are watching closely. For many, MAPPA is the fearless action powerhouse, Ufotable the perfectionist artist, and Wit the wise collaborator. Each studio's approach – whether all-in on big hits, or steady collaborative growth – highlights changes in the anime industry. As Crunchyroll Awards show and Guinness records prove, the rewards are huge: anime is 'pop culture dominance' now. But with success comes scrutiny. The 'Studio Wars' of 2023–25 show a creative boom – and a reminder that behind every stunning frame, real people deserve support too. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
