After a record-shattering 73 million votes from fans around the world, Crunchyroll has named My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON the Anime of the Year at the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. The top honour was revealed in Tokyo on 23 May, and in a fitting moment for anime’s biggest night, it was handed out by global superstar — and long-time anime fan — The Weeknd.

This year’s ceremony was a milestone in its own right: the tenth edition of the Anime Awards, staged at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa with returning hosts Sally Amaki and Jon Kabira back for their fourth year. A decade in, the awards have grown from a niche fan event into a genuinely global celebration, and the 2026 vote tally proves it.

Deku’s send-off takes the top prize

There’s a poetic symmetry to My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON claiming the night’s biggest award. The series wraps up a story that has defined a generation of shounen fans, and the win doubles as a farewell to one of the most beloved anime of the past decade. Class 1-A didn’t leave empty-handed elsewhere either — Katsuki Bakugo took Best Supporting Character, and the season’s emotional ending theme, “I” by BUMP OF CHICKEN, won Best Ending Sequence. Rock band PORNOGRAFFITTI even performed live in honour of the franchise’s 10th anniversary and its conclusion.

The other big winners

While Deku’s finale led the headlines, the spread of awards showed just how strong this past year of anime really was.

• Film of the Year went to Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, which also picked up Best Score.
• ONE PIECE continued its unstoppable run with Best Continuing Series.
• Newcomer Gachiakuta swept the technical categories, taking Best New Series, Best Background Art, and Best Character Design.
• The Apothecary Diaries (season 2) was the night’s quiet powerhouse, winning Best Drama, Best Director, and Best Main Character for the brilliant Maomao.
• DAN DA DAN Season 2 landed Best Comedy, Solo Leveling Season 2 took both Best Action and Best Animation, and SPY x FAMILY Season 3 earned Best Slice of Life — with Anya Forger predictably winning “Must Protect At All Cost” Character.

A decade celebrated in music

The tenth anniversary leaned hard into nostalgia, and the live performances were a love letter to anime history. DEAN FUJIOKA opened with “History Maker” from Yuri!!! on ICE — the very first Anime of the Year winner. Yoko Takahashi delivered a 30th anniversary tribute to Neon Genesis Evangelion with the iconic “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” and ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION performed “Haruka Kanata,” the legendary second opening to NARUTO.

The presenter line-up was just as star-studded, bringing together a global mix of celebrity anime fans including BamBam, TEN, RZA, Winston Duke, Young Miko, Rashmika Mandanna, and cosplay icon Enako.

Global Impact Award: Tatsuya Nagamine

One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments was the Global Impact Award presented to director Tatsuya Nagamine, whose work spans Ojamajo Doremi, PreCure, Dragon Ball Super, and ONE PIECE. With the director unable to attend, animator Masayuki Sato — a long-time collaborator and friend — accepted the award on his behalf.

Anime’s global reach keeps growing

That record 73 million votes didn’t come from any single region. The five most engaged voting countries this year were Brazil, Germany, India, Mexico, and the United States — a reminder that anime fandom is now truly worldwide, with fans here in Singapore very much part of that wave.

2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards — full winners list

• Anime of the Year — My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
• Film of the Year — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
• Best Original Anime — Lazarus
• Best Continuing Series — ONE PIECE
• Best New Series — Gachiakuta
• Best Opening Sequence — “On The Way” by AiNA THE END — DAN DA DAN Season 2
• Best Ending Sequence — “I” by BUMP OF CHICKEN — My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
• Best Action — Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-
• Best Comedy — DAN DA DAN Season 2
• Best Drama — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
• Best Isekai Anime — Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3
• Best Romance — The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity
• Best Slice of Life — SPY x FAMILY Season 3
• Best Animation — Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-
• Best Background Art — Gachiakuta
• Best Character Design — Gachiakuta
• Best Director — Akinori Fudesaka, Norihiro Naganuma — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
• Best Main Character — Maomao — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
• Best Supporting Character — Katsuki Bakugo — My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON
• “Must Protect At All Cost” Character — Anya Forger — SPY x FAMILY Season 3
• Best Anime Song — “IRIS OUT” by Kenshi Yonezu — Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
• Best Score — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle — Yuki Kajiura, Go Shiina
• Best Voice Artist Performance (Japanese) — Aoi Yuki as Maomao — The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)
• Best Voice Artist Performance (English) — Lucien Dodge as Akaza — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

The full tenth annual Anime Awards, complete with exclusive content, will be available to stream on Crunchyroll and its YouTube channel shortly.

Which win were you cheering for? Whether you’re team Deku, Maomao, or Anya, drop by GameTrader.SG to gear up on the merch, games, and collectibles behind your favourite series.

K!DZ Pop Con Asia 2026 Is Coming — And It Looks Like the Best One Yet

Bluey, Toy Story 5, bouncing castles, lightsabers & more — two massive days for Singapore kids and families

📅 23–24 MAY 2026  |  📍 SANDS EXPO & CONVENTION CENTRE, LEVEL 1

If you have a child who loves characters, bouncy castles, arts, crafts, or martial arts — clear your May 23–24 weekend. K!DZ Pop Con Asia is back at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, and the 2026 line-up is genuinely stacked.

After a successful run last year, Singapore’s biggest family-focused pop culture convention returns for two action-packed days. Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and with Mediacorp as Official Media, this year’s event is bigger in scope — anchored by the Singapore debut of Bluey as Official IP, a Toy Story 5 tie-in, live stage performances, martial arts showcases, and a dedicated zone of inflatable madness. Here’s everything you need to know.

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🐾 Bluey Makes Her K!DZ Pop Con Debut

This is the headliner families have been waiting for. Bluey is stepping off the screen and into Sands Expo for the very first time, bringing along Bingo and all the warmth and playfulness that has made the Australian animated series a global phenomenon.

Here’s what the Bluey zone has in store:

• Bluey Live Experience — a live stage show featuring screenings of beloved episodes
• Meet & Greet — get up close with Bluey and Bingo mascots in person
• Singapore’s biggest Bluey inflatable playground — enough said
• Colouring activities and an art wall for young creatives
• Official Bluey books and toys available for purchase

For parents who have watched more Bluey episodes than they care to admit, this is the rare chance to see your child’s face light up at a full-scale real-world experience.

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🚀 To Infinity and Beyond — Toy Story 5 Comes to Life

With Toy Story 5 hitting cinemas on 18 June 2026, K!DZ Pop Con is the perfect warm-up act. The dedicated booth lets kids and families:

• Make their own Forky — the beloved arts-and-crafts character returns
• Try their hand at Toy Story 5-themed sand art
• Step into Buzz Lightyear’s packaging for a photo opportunity
• Stand a chance to win special movie premiums

Whether your family is die-hard Toy Story fans or just excited for the new film, this is a fun way to build up the anticipation before it opens in theatres.

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🎪 Bouncing Castles Zone — The Classic Returns

Back by popular demand, the Baby Shark bouncing castles are making a return, joined this year by a Bluey inflatable and a full range from Smigy. The Bouncing Castles Zone is always one of the most chaotic (in the best possible way) corners of the event — expect kids to refuse to leave.

Note that inflatable access requires the All Access Pass — the basic entry ticket does not include bouncing castles, so plan accordingly.

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🥋 Martial Arts on the Main Stage

Sabertooth Taekwondo brings a high-energy stage showcase complete with demonstrations and a Taekwondo dance segment. They’ll also be running hands-on activities at their booth. Better yet, every ticket holder is entitled to a free trial class worth $50 — just WhatsApp +65 9488 4115 quoting “Kidz Pop Con” to reserve your spot.

Aikido Shinju-Kai offers something a bit different: interactive Aikido sessions blending practical self-defence techniques with games and prizes. Certified instructors lead beginner-friendly workshops teaching focus, confidence, and conflict resolution without aggression. Ticket holders also get a free Aikido trial lesson worth $29.

Both programmes are genuinely well-suited for primary-school-age kids and a great way to test the waters before committing to a regular class.

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⚔️ Build Your Own Lightsaber — SaberMach Workshop

One of the coolest hands-on activities at K!DZ Pop Con Asia this year is the SaberMach Saber Building Workshop. Participants get to assemble their own custom illuminated saber from scratch — a genuinely impressive keepsake that any kid (or adult) will love. If you’ve ever visited the similar experience at certain theme parks and balked at the price, this is worth checking out.

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🎨 HiArt — For the Creative Kids

HiArt brings a dedicated art zone featuring interactive storytelling workshops, guided art classes, a live creation contest, and an art competition. Whether your child is a budding Picasso or simply loves getting paint on their hands, this zone offers a genuinely enriching creative experience in the middle of all the excitement.

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📚 NTUC First Campus — Learning Through Play

Strategic Partner NTUC First Campus will be showcasing hands-on learning experiences across booths from My First Skool, Little Skool-House, Changemakers Explorer, and Outdoor School Singapore. Expect digital discovery activities, language-rich drama, nature-inspired crafts, and problem-solving challenges — all designed to make learning feel like play.

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🧜 Syrena Singapore Mermaid — An Enchanting Appearance

Adding a touch of magic to the line-up, the Syrena Singapore Mermaid and her pod will be making special appearances for meet-and-greet sessions and interactive activities. A memorable moment for younger children especially.

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🌟 K!DZ Cosplay Competition

Happening on Sunday, 24 May at 3PM on the Main Stage, the K!DZ Cosplay Competition is open to ticket holders, with shortlisted participants notified ahead of the event. Come dressed as your favourite character for a chance to win attractive prizes.

Register here: www.kidzpopconasia.com/kidscosplaycompetition

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🎟️ Tickets & Pricing

Ticket Type	What’s Included	Price
Basic Entry	Event access only (no inflatables)	$10
All Access — Single	Entry + Inflatables (1 pax)	$25
All Access — Buddy	Entry + Inflatables (2 pax)	$48
All Access — Trio	Entry + Inflatables (3 pax)	$69
All Access — Family	Entry + Inflatables (4 pax)	$88

🎁 All tickets include:

• 1x Free Aikido Shinju-Kai trial lesson (worth $29) — redeem at the Aikido booth
• 1x Free Sabertooth Taekwondo trial lesson (worth $50) — WhatsApp +65 9488 4115 to book

Admission notes: Free entry for infants-in-arms and children under 2. Children aged 2–12 require a ticket. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult (12+).

🎟️ Get Tickets on SISTIC

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GameTrader.SG Verdict

K!DZ Pop Con Asia has grown into one of Singapore’s best family event weekends, and 2026 looks like the strongest edition yet. The Bluey debut alone will draw enormous crowds — and between the Toy Story 5 tie-in, lightsaber building, martial arts trials, and the biggest bouncing castle zone in Singapore, there really is something for every age group.

If you have primary-school-age kids, this is comfortably one of the top family outings of the year. Grab the Family All Access Pass for the best value, show up early to beat queues at the Bluey zone, and factor in the free martial arts trial perks — that alone more than covers the cost of a ticket.

K!DZ Pop Con Asia 2026
23–24 May 2026  |  Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 1
🌐 www.kidzpopconasia.com  |  Tickets: SISTIC

Anime fans, assemble! Something incredible is heading to Singapore this August – and it’s not just another film screening. Crunchyroll, in collaboration with Sony Pictures Releasing International, is bringing the first international red carpet premiere of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle outside of Japan to our shores. And yes, there’s more than just the movie to get hyped about!

Here’s everything you need to know (and why you need to be there).

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🎬 Red Carpet Premiere of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle

Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime event. Singapore is playing host to the world’s first overseas premiere of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – a pivotal chapter in the epic anime saga. This is not just a screening; it’s a full-on celebration of one of the most beloved anime franchises globally.

📍 Where: Shaw Theatres Lido, Orchard Road
📅 When: Monday, August 11, 2025
🗣️ Language: Japanese audio with English and Simplified Chinese subtitles
🌟 Special Guest: Takahiro Sakurai – voice actor of Giyu Tomioka (Water Hashira)!

Yes, you read that right. Takahiro Sakurai will be making a special appearance to greet fans at the premiere. Whether you’re Team Hashira or just in it for the action, this is an unforgettable moment for Singapore’s anime community.

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🌀 Step Into the Infinity Castle – Right in Orchard Road

Can’t wait for the premiere? Crunchyroll has something else up its sleeve. From August 4 to 28, the Shaw Urban Plaza will transform into the surreal, mind-bending world of the Infinity Castle. Think shoji screens floating at strange angles, sliding doors that defy gravity, and “infinity mirror” effects that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another dimension.

📍 Venue: Shaw Urban Plaza, Level 1
🕒 Opening Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM daily
🎮 What to Expect:

• Gravity-defying set design inspired by the anime’s castle aesthetic
• Giant inflatable Tanjiro
• Character standees and vibrant backdrops
• Interactive gaming zone featuring PlayStation®5
• The ultimate Demon Slayer photo op

Whether you’re a casual viewer or a diehard fan, this free experience is the spot for your next anime-themed day out.

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🔥 A Quick Recap: What’s Happening in Infinity Castle?

Without spoiling too much – Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle marks the beginning of the end. Tanjiro, Nezuko, and the Hashira are drawn into the heart of enemy territory: Muzan Kibutsuji’s dark stronghold. The stakes? Nothing short of survival for the entire Demon Slayer Corps. Expect high-stakes action, emotional reunions, and ufotable’s signature jaw-dropping animation.

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📖 A Legacy That Keeps Growing

Since its debut in 2019, Demon Slayer has become a cultural phenomenon. From the blockbuster hit Mugen Train (which shattered box office records) to the stunning arcs that followed, the series continues to raise the bar for anime storytelling and animation. With over 220 million manga volumes sold, it’s no exaggeration to say Demon Slayer is one of the most beloved series of the decade.

If you’ve followed Tanjiro’s journey through the Mugen Train, Entertainment District, Swordsmith Village, and Hashira Training arcs — Infinity Castle is where it all begins to converge. And you’ll want to be front and center.

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💥 Don’t Miss Out

With the film debuting only in Singapore outside of Japan, this is a major win for local anime fans. From the immersive installation to the red carpet premiere and Sakurai-san’s appearance, this is a moment in anime history being written right here on Orchard Road.

Stay tuned to GameTrader.SG for more updates, giveaways, and fan coverage as we head into this epic celebration of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

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👹 Are You Ready for Infinity Castle?
Let us know if you’re attending the premiere or checking out the installation. Tag us on social with your best cosplay or photos from the event!

#DemonSlayerSG #InfinityCastleSG #GameTraderSG #CrunchyrollAsia

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