It has been revealed that idol group Sakurazaka46 will be the ambassadors for AnimeJapan 2025, one of the world's largest anime events. They will liven up the event by narrating AnimeJapan KICKOFF 2025, which will announce the latest information on AnimeJapan 2025. AnimeJapan KICKOFF 2025 will be streamed on YouTube from 8pm on January 17th. A key visual featuring 22 anime characters, including Haruka Sakura from WIND BREAKER, Hikaru from The Summer Hikaru Died , and Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries , was also released.
AnimeJapan is an event that began in 2014, and this will be its 12th time being held. Following on from the previous event, which recorded over 130,000 visitors, the event will be held on the largest scale yet in Tokyo Big Sight's East Exhibition Halls 1-8 and Conference Tower. A record 117 companies will exhibit, including Aniplex, KADOKAWA, and TOHO animation. Public days will be on March 22nd and 23rd, business days on March 24th and 25th, and the "Family Anime Festa 2025" for families and kids will be held on March 22nd and 23rd.
Rina Matsuda of Sakurazaka46 commented, "This is my first time serving as an ambassador for AnimeJapan! I am very happy to be involved with my favorite anime! Through AnimeJapan, I hope to discover new charms in anime that I have not yet discovered, deepen my love for anime even more, and inspire others to love anime even more! As an ambassador, I would like to help make the event even more exciting! We are also very excited about AnimeJapan 2025! Let's have fun together!"
Hikaru Morita said, "I've been watching anime since I was a child, so it's always been something that's close to me. Now that I'm an adult, I've come to realise that it has a very deep appeal that can be enjoyed in different ways. At AnimeJapan 2025, I'd like to learn more about anime, and I hope we can share its appeal with you."
Taniguchi Aiki commented, "I've loved anime since I was in kindergarten, and both before and after joining Sakurazaka46 I always wanted to work in the anime industry, so when I heard I would be able to serve as an ambassador for AnimeJapan I was truly happy. Whether it was during school exams or when I was coming home from work, anime was always with me, so I will do my best to convey the charm and love of anime to as many people as possible. I am also very much looking forward to discovering any wonderful anime works that I have yet to discover!"
Nakajima Yuzuki said, "I am very happy to be the ambassador for AnimeJapan 2025, an event filled with the dreams of anime lovers all over the world. I am excited to enter the deep world of anime and find even more new enjoyment than I do now. I look forward to having so much fun with everyone. We will do our best to liven up the event in the Sakurazaka46 style. Thank you for your support."
Matono Mio is enthusiastic, saying, "I will do my best to deliver the various charms of anime to many people both in Japan and abroad! Up until now, anime has given me energy, inspiration, and sometimes even a push in the right direction. I am now very happy to be able to help deliver the great things about anime to everyone. Through AnimeJapan, I will work to make anime even more loved and create an opportunity for the circle to expand. I hope you will support me!"
