International Anime & Manga Awards Unveil 2026 Launch with Fan-Driven Countdown at Anime NYC 2025

Prepare for a monumental celebration of Japanese pop culture as The Anime & Manga International Awards (The AMI Awards) announce their grand debut in July 2026. This groundbreaking, U.S.-based awards ceremony is set to ignite the vibrant atmosphere of Anime Expo in Los Angeles, poised to become the definitive global platform for recognizing unparalleled excellence across the anime and manga landscapes.

With robust backing from esteemed organizations like the Japan Society and MyAnimeList, The AMI Awards will shine a spotlight on the innovative creators, visionary studios, exceptional talent, and dedicated fans who collectively shape this dynamic industry worldwide. Attendees can anticipate an unforgettable experience, featuring a star-studded lineup of celebrity presenters, influential industry figures, and digital tastemakers, complemented by captivating live musical performances that promise to elevate the event to new heights. Adding a unique artistic flair, the coveted award trophy itself has been meticulously crafted by the renowned origami artist Coco Sato.

Building Anticipation: The Fan-Voted Award

Building a wave of excitement leading up to the main event, The AMI Awards will host a special fan-voted award at Anime NYC 2025, one of the East Coast's premier anime conventions, taking place at the iconic Javits Center in New York City.

In a thrilling partnership with the classic anime streaming service RetroCrush, convention-goers will have the exclusive opportunity to cast their votes onsite for the "Most IcoNYC Anime of All Time." The highly anticipated winner of this inaugural fan honor will be unveiled during the spectacular Anime NYC Cosplay Masquerade on August 23, 2025. This pre-show initiative underscores The AMI Awards' profound commitment to community engagement, empowering fans to play a central role in celebrating the most enduring narratives and characters that define anime and manga culture.

Guided by an Emmy-winning production team, boasting an impressive track record that includes the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Japan and numerous other high-profile live spectacles, The AMI Awards are meticulously positioned to establish themselves as a paramount, global benchmark for honoring the very best in anime and manga.