Anime fans are getting a unique opportunity to influence the future of their favorite medium. AnimeJapan, one of the largest anime conventions in the world, has launched its annual “Manga We Want to See Animated” poll, allowing manga readers to vote for the series they most desire to see adapted into anime. This year’s poll, which began on January 15, 2025, is already generating buzz as fans rally behind their preferred titles.
How the Poll Works
The “Manga We Want to See Animated” poll is a highly anticipated event for the anime community. Each year, AnimeJapan provides a platform for fans to express their preferences. Participants can submit a single vote for a serialized manga they believe deserves an anime adaptation. The top ten entries, once the voting concludes, will be showcased at AnimeJapan 2025, which is scheduled to take place at the Tokyo Big Sight convention center on March 22nd and 23rd. This fan-driven process has been instrumental in highlighting titles that might otherwise remain under the radar. The voting period is open until February 12, 2025.
Eligibility and Exclusions
There are a few key rules that govern the nomination process. The manga must be a serialized title, whether it has been published as a book or not. One-shot manga are not eligible for consideration. Additionally, titles that have already received an anime adaptation are excluded from the poll, although manga with live-action adaptations can be nominated. Previous “number one” winners, also referred to as “Hall of Fame” winners, are not eligible to be nominated again. This exclusion ensures that the poll continually highlights fresh and exciting manga. Some past winners include popular series like Komi Can’t Communicate, Dangers In My Heart, and Senpai Is an Otokonoko, all of which have successfully made the transition to anime.
This Year’s Nominees
The 2025 nominee list is packed with diverse and exciting titles that span across various genres and demographics. Some of the notable manga in contention include:
- Firefly Wedding: This manga tells a dark and twisted love story between an assassin and a woman with a terminal illness who proposes marriage to him as a means of survival.
- Gokurakugai: This series follows two “troubleshooters” who blend horror, comedy, action, and drama into a seamless narrative.
- I Cannot Reach You: A boys’ love manga that explores the complex relationship between two childhood friends as they struggle to form a deeper connection.
- Kindergarten Wars: This series features a former assassin named Rita, who is tasked with protecting the children of the ultra-rich and powerful while they attend school.
These nominations showcase the wide variety of manga currently captivating readers, offering a glimpse into the diverse tastes of the anime community.
The Impact of the Poll
The “Manga We Want to See Animated” poll is more than just a popularity contest. It serves as a vital tool for the anime industry, providing valuable insight into what manga titles are resonating with fans. The results can directly influence which series are considered for anime adaptations, potentially turning fan favorites into the next big anime hits.
Past polls have proven to be remarkably successful at predicting future anime adaptations. Many of the series that have made it onto the top 10 list have gone on to become hugely popular anime series, such as Solo Leveling, Oshi no Ko, and the upcoming Kaiju No. 8. This track record demonstrates the poll’s power to highlight series with strong adaptation potential and builds anticipation among fans.
AnimeJapan 2025: What to Expect
AnimeJapan 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark event for the anime industry. The convention, which will be held at Tokyo Big Sight, is set to be the 12th edition since its launch in 2014, skipping only 2020 and 2021, with the latter going online-only. This year’s event promises to be the largest yet, with a record-breaking 117 exhibitors, including major anime companies like Aniplex, Kadokawa, and TOHO Animation. In 2024, the event saw over 130,000 attendees, and similar numbers are expected this year.
In addition to the “Manga We Want to See Animated” poll, AnimeJapan 2025 will feature a variety of attractions, including:
- Exhibitions: Multiple exhibitions showcasing the latest anime trends and merchandise.
- Stage Announcements: Live stage presentations revealing new anime projects and announcements.
- Voice Actor Panels: Talk panels featuring beloved voice actors from various anime series.
To kick off the event, a live stream, “AnimeJapan KICKOFF 2025,” is scheduled for January 17 on the official AnimeJapan YouTube channel, where the stage schedule will be announced, and further details about the event will be provided. The convention itself is scheduled for March 22nd and 23rd, with March 24th and 25th reserved for industry professionals and media.
The Importance of Fan Engagement
The “Manga We Want to See Animated” poll underscores the importance of fan engagement in the anime industry. By giving readers a voice in the selection process, AnimeJapan is fostering a strong sense of community and shared enthusiasm for the medium. This direct interaction between fans and the industry can lead to more diverse and exciting anime adaptations, ensuring that the future of anime reflects the tastes and preferences of its audience.
The success of past polls and the increasing number of attendees at AnimeJapan highlight the growing influence of fan opinion in the anime industry. This collaborative approach, where fan preferences are taken into account, is indicative of a trend towards a more inclusive and participatory entertainment ecosystem.
How to Participate
The voting for the “Manga We Want to See Animated” poll is now open. To participate, fans can visit the official AnimeJapan website. Please note that the voting form is available in Japanese only. Each person is limited to one vote, and any attempt to cast more than one vote will disqualify all votes from that person. The voting period runs from January 15, 2025, to February 12, 2025.
The results of the poll will be announced at an awards ceremony scheduled for mid-March, and the top 10 entries will be exhibited at AnimeJapan 2025. This is a unique opportunity for manga readers to have a direct impact on the anime industry and see their favorite stories brought to life on screen. Make sure to cast your vote and help shape the future of anime!
