Anime Japan 2025 officially commenced today at Tokyo Big Sight, kicking off with a multitude of exciting announcements from industry giants like My Hero Academia and One Piece. The convention opened with electrifying reveals, exclusive trailers, and engaging panels, all setting a vibrant tone for fans eager for the weekend’s events.
As beloved franchises return alongside fresh surprises, the highlights from Day 1 have left anime enthusiasts buzzing with anticipation. Below is a summary of the most significant announcements made during the first day of Anime Japan 2025.
Note: This article contains spoilers related to the anime series mentioned.
Key Highlights from Anime Japan 2025 Day 1
1. Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus (Stage RED, 9:35 AM JST)
The anime adaptation of Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus announced its release window for July 2025. A new promotional video was unveiled featuring the opening theme, “Snowdrop”by Conton Candy. The event also introduced two new cast members, Konomi Kohara and Manaka Iwami, and included a Q&A session with the voice actors. Additionally, rebroadcasts of the original series alongside updates for the light novel and manga were shared.
2. Netflix Special Stage (Stage BLUE, 10:00 AM JST)
The Netflix Special Stage showcased several key projects, including updates for Arcane, Moonrise, Devil May Cry, My Melody and Kuromi, and the Beastars Final Season. Attendees were treated to fresh trailers and visuals. Voice actors Yu Kobayashi, Chikahiro Kobayashi, and Chiaki Kobayashi teased their characters, while special guests in costume added extra excitement to the presentation.
3. BLUE LOCK (Stage GREEN, 10:15 AM JST)
Enthusiasm was high as BLUE LOCK made its presence felt with exciting announcements, including the presence of cast members Kazuki Ura and Koki Uchiyama. All episodes from seasons 1 and 2, as well as the special episode Blue Lock: Episode Nagi, will be available for free viewing. Additionally, Michael Kaiser from the EGOIST EXHIBITION will be making an appearance.
4. Tokyo Revengers (Stage WHITE, 7:00 AM JST)
The reveal of Tokyo Revengers: The Battle of Three Deities was a highlight of the event, commemorating its 5th anniversary with a special key visual that hints at upcoming conflicts and character dynamics. Fans will receive more details soon, including the exact release date.
5. Demon Slayer (Stage RED, 10:55 AM JST)
The Demon Slayer panel brought thrilling updates, featuring voice actors Natsuki Hanae and others as they shared exclusive scenes. The Japanese release date for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle was revealed, scheduled for July 2025. The panel also teased character-based games and additional content releases for Hinokami Chronicles 2.
6. New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt (Stage BLUE, 11:00 AM JST)
The upcoming season of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt was also announced with a July 2025 debut, highlighting the full voice cast during their discussion on character arcs. New characters Polyester and Polyurethane were introduced, along with their corresponding voice actors. The release will include both a censored TV broadcast and an uncensored streaming option.
7. The Summer Hikaru Died (Stage GREEN, 11:35 AM JST)
The anime The Summer Hikaru Died showcased a complete promotional video and introduced new cast members, offering a glimpse of its eerie themes and characters. Scheduled for a Summer 2025 release, it will air on NTV in Japan and be streamed globally on Netflix, featuring the ending theme “Anata wa Kaibutsu”by TOOBOE.
8. KAIJU No.8 (Stage RED, 12:15 PM JST)
Season 2 of Kaiju No. 8 created a stir with its inaugural teaser trailer, highlighting character Gen Narumi. In addition to visual reveals showcasing his powers, the anime plans to release a recap special titled Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon on March 28, ahead of Season 2’s anticipated July 2025 premiere.
9. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes (Stage GREEN, 12:55 PM JST)
The spin-off of My Hero Academia garnered attention with the announcement of its ending theme “Speed”by Yutori. Fans were treated to a striking new illustration featuring The Crawler and Aizawa. The premiere is set for April 7, helmed by director Kenichi Suzuki.
10. Oshi no Ko (Stage RED, 1:35 PM JST)
An array of reveals marked Oshi no Ko‘s season 3 presentation, including a new teaser featuring Aqua Hoshino. The anime’s plot will focus on B-Komachi as Aqua excels in acting, while Ruby seeks truths through deception. Fans are set to enjoy a live performance preview alongside new merchandise.
11. Blue Box (Stage Green, 2:15 PM JST)
The Blue Box panel attracted attention through discussions with the main voice cast, sharing insights on character developments. The unveiling of new visuals brought the characters Chinatsu and Hina to life, and details about the anime’s Blu-ray release and merchandise were confirmed.
12. Gachiakuta (Stage BLUE, 2:20 PM JST)
The event for Gachiakuta reminded fans of its July 2025 release, showcasing the main voice cast’s camaraderie. Although no new content was introduced, focus remained on sharing their passion for the series and discussing the recently released 14th volume of the manga.
13. My Hero Academia Final Season (Stage RED, 2:55 PM JST)
The final season of My Hero Academia revealed its release timeframe in October 2025. Attendees enjoyed a preview featuring Deku and Shigaraki along with cast appearances that included an exhibition by Kohei Horikoshi.
14. Kowloon Generic Romance (Stage BLUE, 3:20 PM JST)
At its panel, Kowloon Generic Romance announced that its anime adaptation would premiere on April 5, 2025. The opening theme “Summertime Ghost”and the ending theme “Love Retronym”were unveiled, alongside popular characters and a detailed overview provided by the voice cast.
15. Sakamoto Days (Stage GREEN, 5:10 PM JST)
The panel for Sakamoto Days showcased dynamic new visuals and shared that the second cour will commence in July 2025, with no specific date yet confirmed. Koki Uchiyama was announced as the voice of Gaku, further adding to the intrigue surrounding the next season.
16. Rurouni Kenshin (Stage RED, 5:50 PM JST)
The stage presence of Rurouni Kenshin had six lead voice actors who engaged in reenacting scenes, amplifying fan interaction and excitement. A sneak peek at Season 3 was a key highlight, although details on its release were not disclosed.
17. Twisted-Wonderland (Stage GREEN, 6:30 PM JST)
Special discussions led by voice actors Natsuki Hanae and Seiichiro Yamashita introduced the Twisted-Wonderland game, coupled with the trailer for the theme song “Piece of My World.”New voice cast member Azakami Yohei was also revealed.
18. One Piece (Stage RED, 7:10 PM JST)
The One Piece panel entertained fans with live skits performed by the voice cast, enhancing engagement. A promotional trailer for the highly-anticipated Egghead Arc hinted at the arrival of Saint Saturn. An upcoming collaboration with Borussia Dortmund was also announced, alongside news of an April 6, 2025 premiere, introducing new music themes.
19. Rent-A-Girlfriend (Time Pending)
A teaser for Rent-A-Girlfriend season 4 generating excitement, focusing on the Hawaii Trip Arc, which will arrive in July 2025. Notable appearances and new visuals hint at promising developments as the series unfolds.
20. I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince Season 2 (Time Pending)
The announcement of the second season of I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince spotlighted pivotal storyline advancements, confirming the return of the original cast and a premiere date set for July 2025.
Concluding Thoughts
Day 1 of Anime Japan 2025 was marked by exhilarating announcements spanning beloved series like My Hero Academia and One Piece, alongside exciting new entries like The Summer Hikaru Died. The highlight was undoubtedly the reveal of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, while additional panels promise even greater surprises. With a full slate of events still to come, fans eagerly await Day 2’s revelations.