Date
Tuesday
Apr
15

April 15

National Anime Day

Anime fans, mark your calendars! National Anime Day is coming up - get ready for a day of marathons, cosplay, and all-round anime celebration!

Yearly Date
April 15
Type
Day

Introduction

Celebrate National Anime Day on April 15 with your friends and family! This special day was created to honor the love of anime art, stories, and characters. It's a great time to get together with fans of all ages who enjoy watching their favorite shows or movies in Japanese animation style. And if you haven't seen any yet, this is a perfect opportunity to check out some classic titles like Akira or Cowboy Bebop!

National Anime Day Timeline

1917
Birth of Anime
The earliest known anime, a two-minute clip of a samurai warrior, is released, silently laying the groundwork for anime as a form of art in Japan.
1963
First Anime TV Series
Astro Boy, created by Osamu Tezuka, debuts as the first animated television series in the anime format, popularizing the medium at home and abroad.
1988
International Breakthrough
Release of Akira, a dystopian cyberpunk film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, serves as a milestone for anime forging international acclaim and recognition.
1997
Rise of Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke becomes the highest grossing film in Japan upon release before Titanic took over, cementing the studio’s global notoriety.
2014
Anime in Streaming Era
Crunchyroll, a prominent anime streaming site, scores over 400,000 paid subscribers, highlighting the impact of the digital age on anime distribution and consumption.

How to Celebrate National Anime Day

1

Watch an anime movie

Pop some popcorn and break out your favorite anime movie for a night of fun! Whether it's an adventure, comedy, drama, horror, or sci-fi, there's something for everyone.

2

Hold a cosplay contest

Gather up your friends and hold a cosplay contest to see who can come up with the most creative costume. Make sure to take lots of pictures!

3

Play an anime game

Search YouTube for an anime game that you can play with your friends. There are tons of games that you can play from the comfort of your own home.

4

Host a viewing party

Invite some friends over to watch your favorite anime series together. Serve snacks and drinks and make sure everyone has a great time!

5

Create an anime fan art project

Take some time to create something special in honor of National Anime Day. You can draw, paint, sculpt, or create something on the computer if you're feeling techy.

Why We Love National Anime Day

A

Anime is creative and imaginative

Anime inspires creativity by pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling. With intricate characters, unique plotlines and fantastical worlds, anime takes animation to exciting new places that are nothing short of dazzling. It's a medium that celebrates imagination and encourages us to break away from the mold!

B

Anime has something for everyone

Thanks to its diverse range of genres and subject matter, anime has something that appeals to everyone. From lighthearted comedies to action-packed thrillers, there's an anime show out there for any kind of viewer – regardless of age or background. Find the right one and you'll be instantly hooked!

C

Anime promotes acceptance & tolerance

Anime portrays diversity in a way that few other media can match. By illustrating characters from different cultures, representing various gender identities and expanding our understanding of what it means to be human, anime helps us to open our hearts and minds to those around us - no matter who they may be.

National Anime Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 14
Friday
2024
Apr 14
Sunday
2025
Apr 14
Monday
2026
Apr 14
Tuesday
2027
Apr 14
Wednesday