Tokyo, Japan – The Japanese Anime Trend Awards 2024 held on December 26 has recognized the standout series of the past year, all streamed live on ABEMA. The awards honor exceptional contributions to the anime industry, and remain one of the most anticipated events for fans and creators alike.
Crowned this year with the Anime News Award was the acclaimed series "Oshi no Ko." This award goes to the anime most beloved by fans, showcasing its impact. The event was hosted by Haraiichi's Yuuki Iwai, along with anime-loving celebrities such as Aika Adachi and Ryoshi Hamada, who added excitement and topic discussions to the night.
During the ceremony, voice actress Yuri Ikoma, known for her role as Ruby, expressed her gratitude, stating, "I believe the award was because everyone loved 'Oshi no Ko.' Watching the video made me realize how happy I am to be involved with such a wonderful work." The appreciation for the fanbase bonds the creators and the audience, making the victory feel even more significant.
Aside from celebrating past achievements, the awards also served as a preview for what’s to come. The event harkened back on what 2024 has yielded for anime and set the stage for 2025 releases. Fans are buzzing with anticipation as new projects are teased.
Alongside the awards ceremony, ABEMA has made headlines with their upcoming free broadcast of the entire 37 episodes of the legendary anime "DEATH NOTE." This initial free screening showcases the classic series on January 2 through January 4, allowing fans to revisit the world of Light Yagami and L. A sense of nostalgia will likely sweep over viewers as they gear up for this limited-time offer, which brings back unparalleled tension and psychological battles from this staple of anime storytelling.
The free airing of "DEATH NOTE" not only celebrates the anime's legacy but also aims to draw new audiences who may have missed out on this classic. Audiences can catch the early episodes beginning at 1 PM JST on January 2, followed by episodes every day until January 4. After the initial airing, all episodes will be available for free for one week, allowing new viewers to immerse themselves without any catches.
Expectations are high for the awards ceremony and its connection to the upcoming year’s anime offerings. With the event encapsulating both honors for past works and the promise of new content, anime fans look forward to what the future holds.
Looking back, the awards not only showcased the evolution of anime but also reinforced its cultural relevance. With additional categories being presented, such as for best animation and best performance, even more creators were honored. This included scenes where various celebrities shared their love for their favorite shows, bonding over shared stories and admiration, indicative of how deeply entrenched anime is within modern culture.
Concluding the night was the wild presentation of information about what fans can expect next year. Rumors and teasers of new seasons and adaptations filled the air, with several beloved series rumored to expand their narratives, promising excitement. With mentions of continued projects like "Oshi no Ko," whose third season is already confirmed, the excitement is palpable.
The 2024 Japanese Anime Trend Awards have set the stage for not only honoring great works but also previewing what lies on the horizon. With events like these, anime continues to thrive and evolve, ensuring its place as a beacon of creativity and storytelling.