by The 49th Japan Academy Awards, one of the most prestigious film award ceremonies in Japan, has officially announced the recipients of Outstanding Animation Awards. This year, five highly acclaimed animated films released in 2025 have been selected, including blockbuster titles such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie – Mugen Castle Arc: Chapter 1 – Akaza Returns and Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc.
The announcement has generated significant attention among anime fans and industry professionals alike, as the nominated films represent a wide range of genres—from action and fantasy to sports drama and historical war stories.
About the Japan Academy Awards
The Japan Academy Awards were established in 1978 with the goal of promoting the advancement of Japanese cinema in terms of artistic quality, technology, and storytelling. Organized annually by the Japan Academy Awards Association, the ceremony honors outstanding achievements across multiple categories, while also encouraging collaboration and exchange between Japanese and international filmmakers.
The 49th Japan Academy Awards consider films released in Japan between January 1 and December 31, 2025, provided they meet specific criteria such as screening duration and theatrical distribution scale.
The Outstanding Animation Award category was first introduced at the 30th Japan Academy Awards, recognizing films released in 2006. Since then, it has become one of the most closely watched categories, reflecting the global influence and creative strength of Japanese animation.
At the 48th awards, the animated film Look Back won the top honor, raising expectations for this year’s competition.
Outstanding Animation Award Nominees – 49th Japan Academy Awards
The following five films have been selected for the Outstanding Animation Award this year:
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie – Mugen Castle Arc: Chapter 1 – Akaza Returns
- Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc
- 100M.
- Peleliu: Guernica in Paradise
- Detective Conan: Afterimage of the One-Eyed
Each film offers a distinct narrative style and thematic focus, showcasing the diversity of modern Japanese animation.
Highlights of the Nominated Films
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie – Mugen Castle Arc: Chapter 1 – Akaza Returns
Based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, this film marks the beginning of a trilogy depicting the climactic final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons.
Set within the terrifying demon stronghold known as Infinity Castle, the movie features the return of the powerful Upper Rank demon Akaza. With breathtaking animation, intense combat, and emotional stakes, the film has been praised as a defining moment in the Demon Slayer franchise.
Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc
Adapted from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga serialized on Shonen Jump+, Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc brings one of the series’ most popular storylines to the big screen.
The film follows Denji, whose life takes an unexpected turn after meeting Reze, a mysterious girl who pulls him into a tragic and unpredictable fate. Known for its sharp contrast between romance, violence, and emotional vulnerability, the film captivated audiences and critics alike.
100M.
Based on the debut serialized work of Yutaka Uo, also known for Chi: About the Movement of the Earth, 100M. explores the intense world of competitive track and field.
The story focuses on the obsession, madness, and passion surrounding the 100-meter sprint, a race that lasts less than ten seconds yet defines the lives of the athletes who chase its brilliance. The film stands out for its psychological depth and unique visual storytelling.
Peleliu: Guernica in Paradise
Adapted from the manga by Kazuyoshi Takeda, serialized in Young Animal, this film presents a harrowing depiction of the Battle of Peleliu Island during the final stages of the Pacific War.
The story follows 34 Japanese soldiers who continued to hide for two years after the war had ended, unaware that peace had already been declared. The film is noted for its unflinching portrayal of war, survival, and the human cost of conflict.
Detective Conan: Afterimage of the One-Eyed
The 28th theatrical film in the long-running Detective Conan series, this movie is based on Gosho Aoyama’s manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday.
Set in the snowy mountains of Nagano Prefecture, the story connects Kogoro Mouri and Inspector Gansuke Yamato through a mysterious “sleeping memory.” The film blends suspense, nostalgia, and emotional storytelling, continuing the franchise’s strong cinematic tradition.
When and Where the Winner Will Be Announced
The 49th Japan Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 13 at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Tokyo. During the event, one of the five nominated films will receive the Grand Prize for Best Animation.
Industry observers and fans alike are eagerly watching to see which title will take home the honor, especially given the fierce competition between record-breaking franchises and critically acclaimed original works.
Why This Year’s Animation Category Matters
The 2025 animation lineup reflects the breadth and maturity of modern Japanese anime, covering:
- Large-scale action epics
- Experimental sports storytelling
- Historical war narratives
- Long-running mystery franchises
This diversity highlights how anime continues to evolve beyond traditional boundaries, appealing to both domestic and international audiences.
Final Thoughts
With Demon Slayer, Chainsaw Man, 100M., Peleliu: Guernica in Paradise, and Detective Conan competing for the top honor, the 49th Japan Academy Awards animation category promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years.
As the ceremony approaches, anticipation continues to build over which film will ultimately be recognized as the best animated feature of the year—a decision that may influence the future direction of anime cinema.
