Anime Industry Rings in 2026: Year of the Horse Greetings from Creators and Voice Actors

The anime industry officially welcomed 2026, the Year of the Horse, with creators, studios, and voice actors sharing seasonal messages and updates across social platforms. Industry figures used the occasion to post celebratory artwork and offer brief updates, keeping fan anticipation high for the coming months.

The official Fruits Basket account marked the transition, specifically referencing Iori Sōma and wishing everyone a wonderful year. The accompanying artwork was credited to voice actress Megumi Fūnaoka. Animation director Shūji Maruyama, known for his work on Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Dark Side of Dimensions, kept things light with a simple, playful greeting and a doodle.

More substantial news arrived from Miya Kazuki, the author behind Ascendance of a Bookworm. Kazuki confirmed that the comic adaptation for the series' fifth arc will begin serialization on January 9. This timing aligns with the previously announced April anime broadcast schedule.

Seiyū Sumire Uesaka directly addressed her followers, extending New Year wishes and sharing photos of herself dressed in traditional shrine maiden attire. She also promoted a character from Amagami-san and asked fans about their personal goals for the year, emphasizing health and enjoyment.

Veteran contributors also chimed in with greetings. Kachō Hashimoto shared New Year's art via the Chiikawa account, and Futago Kamikita expressed hopes for a "sparkling 2026."

Feeds were filled with horse-themed imagery from properties including The Dangers in My Heart and There's No Freaking Way I'll Be Your Lover! Unless.... Video game producer Michinori Ozawa offered a concise acknowledgment of the zodiac change. These collective greetings suggest a busy 2026 slate, with more announcements expected as the winter preview season progresses.