Straight Up! The 25-Year Best Anime Is? Haraitchi’s Iwai Makes Big Predictions for Winners Before “Japan Anime Trend Awards” Announcement! Program Highlights Also “Packed with Live Footage and Segments” [Exclusive Interview]

ABEMA’s “Japan Anime Trend Awards 2025” Set to Air! MC Iwaai Yuuki Shares His Excitement and Predictions in an Exclusive Interview

The new future of TV, “ABEMA,” is set to host Japan’s largest-scale anime awards ceremony, the “Japan Anime Trend Awards 2025,” which announces the anime that buzzed the most on the internet and within the industry. The live broadcast will start at 7:00 PM on Friday, December 26, 2025. The main MCs will be Iwaai Yuuki from the comedy duo Haraichi and voice actress Hikasa Youko. They will be joined by numerous anime-loving guests to look back on the anime of 2025 through various segments and talk.

Ahead of the broadcast, Anime! Anime! conducted an exclusive interview with MC Iwaai-san. He shared his thoughts on looking back at 2025’s anime and his predictions for the Trend Awards.

Looking Back on “SHIBUYA ANIME BASE” and Memorable Moments

You’ve been the MC for ‘SHIBUYA ANIME BASE’ on ABEMA since last April. The show has surpassed 60 episodes, and you’ve interacted with many guests. Looking back, what are your honest feelings? Also, if there was anything that particularly surprised or moved you within the anime industry from the 2025 broadcasts, please tell us.

There are so many different anime topics every week that it’s a show you never get tired of watching. Among all that, the episode where anime director Satou Jun’ichi-san came on and made his special homemade mapo tofu for everyone to eat was a uniquely heartwarming “ShibuAni” moment that was really great.

Three Years Running as MC for the Trend Awards

This will be your third consecutive year as MC for the ‘Japan Anime Trend Awards,’ making it something of a year-end tradition. Please share your enthusiasm for the main event. Also, if you have any memories or memorable episodes from past appearances, please tell us.

It’s an honor to be allowed to host this ceremony for three years in a row. The other day when I appeared on “Samma no Tono,” I was introduced as ‘the MC for the Japan Anime Trend Awards!’ I think that’s thanks to being allowed to do it for three years straight. Thank you very much.

Thoughts on Co-MC Hikasa Youko

This year, voice actress Hikasa Youko-san is newly joining as an MC. How do you feel about working alongside her as co-MC?

We even did a segment on ShibuAni following Hikasa-san’s voice acting work and her role as a company president. She’s a very capable person, so it’s reassuring.

Most Memorable Anime and Scenes of 2025

Among the anime that aired this year, which work or scene left a particularly strong impression on you? Please also tell us the reason.

Episode 8 and the final episode of 『Maebashi Witches』 left a particularly deep impression. While it’s a story of five people deepening their understanding of each other and learning to be close, the shocking development in the final episode made it impossible to look away.

Predicting This Year’s Trend Award Winner

Straight to the point, what do you predict will win this year’s “Anime Trend Award”? Please tell us which work you’re particularly watching and why.

『Dandadan』
Given the level of hype in the world, this one seems about right, wouldn’t you say?

The “Iwaai-san Special Award”

If you were to present a “Iwaai-san Special Award” this year, which work would you give it to? Please tell us along with the reason.

『Maebashi Witches』
The script is just so good. The content overturns expectations based on the art and synopsis, making you think about everything from your own personal life to the state of the world today, and in the end, I cried.

Anticipated Live Performances and Special Corners

During the broadcast, there are plans for specially recorded live videos by artists and special corners. Please tell us what you’re especially looking forward to or any points you’re excited about.

I listen to Mega Shinnosuke-san regularly, so I’m looking forward to that. The Maebashi Witches also appeared at a ShibuAni event. I’m excited to see the performances of all five members again.

Message to Anime Fans

Finally, please give us your “2026 Work to Watch” and a message for the anime fans looking forward to the ‘Japan Anime Trend Awards 2025’.

What anime did you watch this year? The anime you watched might get recognized on this program. This year, it’s not just the awards; there are plenty of live videos and corners too. Please be sure to watch in real-time and leave comments!

Event Details: “Japan Anime Trend Awards 2025”

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