The Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2025 (TAAF 2025) has officially revealed its winners for Anime of the Year, recognizing the standout works that left a lasting impact on audiences and the industry. Out of an initial selection of 417 titles that premiered, aired, or were distributed in Japan between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, only 100 works advanced to the final round—80 from television anime and 20 from theatrical films.

Taking home the prestigious Grand Prize were Look Back in the Feature Film category and Sousou no Frieren for Television Series. Meanwhile, the coveted Anime Fan Award, decided by popular vote, went to Kitarou Tanjou: Gegege no Nazo, a title that resonated deeply with anime enthusiasts.

The festival also honored individuals whose contributions elevated the medium. Hiroyuki Yoshino was recognized in the Writers category for his work on Kitarou Tanjou: Gegege no Nazo, while Kiyotaka Oshiyama earned the Directors category award for Look Back. In animation, Touko Yatabe received accolades for contributions to Kitarou Tanjou: Gegege no Nazo, and Mai Ichioka was celebrated in the Visual Artists category for the same title. Evan Call’s musical achievements in Sousou no Frieren and Sengoku Youko: Yonaoshi Kyoudai-hen earned him the Sound Artists/Performers award, highlighting the impact of his compositions.

These individual awards recognize professionals for their overall contributions rather than a single project, showcasing the breadth of talent that fuels the anime industry. The Anime Fan Award, a testament to public opinion, reflects the widespread admiration for Kitarou Tanjou: Gegege no Nazo, a film that captivated audiences with its storytelling and artistry.

Set to take place from March 7 to 10 in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, the Tokyo Anime Award Festival will also feature a global selection of animated works. The Feature Animation Competition has drawn 34 entries from 26 countries, while an impressive 997 entries from 70 nations were submitted for the Short Animation Competition. The festival’s Preliminary Selection Committee is in the process of narrowing these numbers down, with four Feature Animation and 29 Short Animation entries moving forward for consideration in the Grand Prize and Award of Excellence categories, each of which will honor two titles.

As TAAF 2025 prepares to showcase the best in animation, the event continues to celebrate the artistry and innovation that define the anime industry. With top-tier productions and global participation, this year’s festival promises to be a highlight for anime fans and creators alike.