Anime World Honors Workforce: Top Franchises Celebrate Labor Thanksgiving Day 2025 with Exclusive Art

The anime and manga landscape erupted in tributes on November 23, 2025, marking Japan's celebrated Labor Thanksgiving Day. This national observance, rooted in ancient harvest rituals, serves as a crucial moment to express profound gratitude for the year's agricultural bounty and to honor the dedication of the entire working population. This year, the creative community seized the opportunity to infuse the holiday with their distinctive flair, releasing a torrent of unique messages and celebratory illustrations that underscored the core values of hard work and appreciation. Fans across the globe were delighted by this public holiday outpouring of unique, themed content from some of the industry's most beloved properties.

A major highlight of the day's celebration centered on the theatrical release of Zombie Land Saga: Revenge. The franchise's official channels shared a vibrant, festive illustration, rallying fans to support the dedicated 'working idols' performing on the big screen. This move perfectly encapsulated the spirit of labor and achievement celebrated by the holiday.

Similarly, the powerhouse team behind Granblue Fantasy joined the festivities, revealing a striking new illustration featuring the popular characters Iwya, Le'ona, and Wilnas. Depicted in maid attire, this visual tribute symbolizes their commitment and relentless effort, reflecting the persistent popularity of the franchise and its ongoing recognition of character contribution.

The scope of the celebration extended far beyond these two titans, drawing in a diverse array of other major franchises. Participating works included the expansive worlds of Palworld, the industry-focused drama SHIROBAKO, the horror icon Resident Evil, the beloved characters of Sanrio, the military comedy Sgt. Frog, and the agricultural narratives of Hyakushō Kizoku. Each property offered a unique perspective on the theme of gratitude and labor. Further enriching the festive atmosphere, illustrator Neko no Kedama provided an additional, special Labor Thanksgiving Day illustration. Collectively, these widespread contributions not only paid homage to the significance of the holiday but brilliantly demonstrated the creativity, hard work, and shared experiences that define the vibrant and ever-evolving world of anime.