Get Ready for Toukyou Anime Awaado Fesutibaru 2026!
The international animation film festival, Toukyou Anime Awaado Fesutibaru 2026 (TAAF2026), is set to dazzle Tokyo’s Ikebukuro from March 13th to March 16th, 2026. This year, the festival has just announced its distinguished honorees for the “Anime Kouro部門” (Anime Achievement Award Department). Adding to the excitement, a special promotional video for the festival, narrated by the popular voice actress Tanezaki Atsumi (崎 is “tatsusaki”), has also been unveiled!
What is Toukyou Anime Awaado Fesutibaru?
Known affectionately as TAAF, the Toukyou Anime Awaado Fesutibaru is an international animation film festival that will mark its 13th edition in 2026. This vibrant festival is a grand celebration of animation, featuring several key departments: the Kompeteishon部門 (Competition Department), which showcases international animated works not yet screened in Japan; the Anime Obu Za Iyaa部門 (Anime of the Year Department), dedicated to animated works released domestically in Japan; and the Anime Kouro部門 (Anime Achievement Award Department), which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the animation industry, preserving their legacy, techniques, and life stories for future generations. Beyond these competitive aspects, TAAF also hosts screenings of invited works, engaging symposiums, and fun workshops for children, making it a truly comprehensive event.
The festival’s core mission is to discover and nurture new talent, contribute to the advancement of animation culture and industry, and promote the allure of Tokyo, thereby boosting tourism. Guided by the slogan “Tokyo, the Hub of Animation,” TAAF brings high-quality and original animated works from around the globe to Tokyo, fostering interaction among anime lovers worldwide. It aims to inspire creators and audiences alike, channeling that inspiration and excitement to launch new waves of animation from Tokyo to the rest of the world.
Announcing the TAAF2026 Anime Kouro部門 Honorees!
We are thrilled to reveal the esteemed individuals who will be honored in the TAAF2026 Anime Kouro部門! This year, the award will be presented to nine outstanding figures who have profoundly shaped the animation landscape. During the festival, special exhibitions and programs are planned to celebrate and introduce the remarkable achievements of these honorees.
| Name | Role | Representative Works |
|---|---|---|
| Matsutani Takayuki | Producer | 『Tetsuwan Atomu』（1980）, 『24 Jikan Terebi Supesharu Animeeshon』, 『Mori no Densetsu PAATO-1』 |
| Takemiya Keiko | Original Creator | 『Chikyuu e…』, 『Kaze to Ki no Uta』, 『Andoromeda Sutooriizu』 |
| Konparu Tomoko | Scriptwriter | 『Les Misérables Shoujo Kozetto』, 『Soreike! Anpanman Inochi no Hoshi no Doorii』, Gekijou Anime『Berusaiyu no Bara』 |
| Oshii Mamoru | Director | 『GHOST IN THE SHELL/Koukaku Kidoutai』, 『Osensama Banbanzai』, 『Tenshi no Tamago』 |
| Yasuhiko Yoshikazu | Manga Artist / Animation Director / Designer | 『Kidou Senshi Gandamu』, 『Kyojin Googu』, 『Kidou Senshi Gandamu Kukurus Doan no Shima』 |
| Mori Masaaki | Stop-motion Animator / Doll Artist | 『Garagarahebi ga Yattekuru』, 『Gajaimo』, 『Renku Animeeshon Fuyu no Hi』 |
| Yamamoto Nizou | Art Director | 『Tenkuu no Shiro Rapyuta』, 『Hotaru no Haka』, 『Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo』 |
| Koyama Mami | Voice Actress | 『Dokutaa Surampu Arare-chan』, 『Mahou no Purinsesu Minkii Momo』, 『Meitantei Konan』 |
| Namiki Takashi | Animation Historian | 『Sero Hiki no Gooshu』, 『Kono Hoshi no Ue ni』, 『Ningyou to Ikiru ~ Kawamoto Kihachirou no Sekai』 |
Witness the Magic: TAAF2026 Special PV Narrated by Tanezaki Atsumi!
In exciting news, the special promotional video for TAAF2026 has been released! This captivating PV offers a glimpse into the glamorous atmosphere of last year’s award ceremony, featuring a vibrant collection of award-winning animated works from across the globe and memorable scenes from the festival’s celebrations. Lending her unmistakable voice to the narration is none other than the acclaimed voice actress Tanezaki Atsumi (崎 is “tatsusaki”), famous for her role as Anya Foojyaa in `SPY×FAMILY`. Tanezaki-san also played a significant part in works honored at last year’s festival, including `Sousou no Frieren`, which won the Grand Prize in the Anime Obu Za Iyaa部門 (TV Series category), and `Kitarou Tanjou GeGeGe no Nazo`, which received the Anime Fan Award. Alongside the PV’s release, Tanezaki-san has also shared a special comment looking forward to the festival’s grand opening!
“Minna ga Erabu Besuto 100” Voting Results Revealed!
In other news, the results of the “Minna ga Erabu Besuto 100” (Everyone’s Choice Best 100) public vote have also been announced! Anime fans cast their votes to select the top 100 works from all animated titles screened, broadcast, or streamed during the 2025 fiscal year (October 1st, 2024, to September 30th, 2025). This list comprises 80 TV series and 20 theatrical films, all of which will now become eligible candidates for the Anime Fan Award and the Grand Prize in the Anime Obu Za Iyaa部門. The anticipation is building to see which masterpieces will ultimately claim these prestigious honors!
Don’t Miss TAAF2026!
The international animation film festival, Toukyou Anime Awaado Fesutibaru 2026 (TAAF2026), will take place from March 13th to March 16th, 2026, in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro. For more detailed information, be sure to visit the official website!
Tanezaki Atsumi-san’s Heartfelt Message
It is a tremendous honor to have received this wonderful opportunity, thanks to the animated works `Sousou no Frieren` and `Kitarou Tanjou GeGeGe no Nazo`, both of which I had the privilege to be involved with.
Before recording the narration, I had the chance to hear stories about past TAAF festivals and learn more about this year’s event. I was told, “It’s a grand festival, a celebration where animation from all over the world gathers!” and it filled me with such excitement. With all my heart, I recorded the narration, hoping that TAAF will continue to grow and flourish in 2026 and beyond. Everyone, come gather in Tokyo~!!
Toukyou Anime Awaado Fesutibaru 2026 (TAAF2026) Event Overview
- Dates: March 13th (Friday) to March 16th (Monday), 2026
- Venue: Ikebukuro, Tokyo
- Organizers: Toukyou Anime Awaado Fesutibaru Executive Committee, General Incorporated Association Nihon Douga Kyoukai
- Co-organizers: Toukyou-to (Tokyo Metropolitan Government)
- Secretariat: Toukyou Anime Awaado Fesutibaru Executive Committee Secretariat (within General Incorporated Association Nihon Douga Kyoukai)
(C) Tezuka Purodakushon
(C) Takemiya Keiko / Touei Animeeshon
(C) Ikeda Riyoko Purodakushon / Berusaiyu no Bara Seisaku Iinkai
(C) Oshii Mamoru・Amano Yoshitaka・Tokuma Shoten・Tokuma Japan Komyunikeeshonzu
(C) Soustsu・Sanraizu
(C) WOWOW Plus/ DENTSU TEC
(C) 1986 Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Jiburi
(C) ASHI PRODUCTIONS 1982
(C) Anidou Firumu
By Nakase Koutarou
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