AnimeJapan 2026 Opens Voting for Most Wanted Anime Adaptations

AnimeJapan, one of the world's largest anime events, has opened nominations for its beloved annual ranking that asks fans a simple but powerful question: which manga deserves an anime adaptation?

The "Manga We Want to See Animated Ranking," affectionately known as "AniRan" among fans, returns for its ninth year with the potential to make anime dreams come true. Last year alone, the campaign attracted over 150,000 votes, demonstrating the passionate engagement of the anime community in shaping the future of the industry.

The nomination process is straightforward but specific. Eligible titles must be published manga (including web comics), can be ongoing series even without tankōbon releases, but must not have received any form of anime adaptation including TV series, theatrical films, or OVAs. Interestingly, manga that have been adapted into live-action but not anime remain eligible. Previous winners that have entered the Hall of Fame are excluded from future rankings.

The track record speaks for itself. Past top-ranked titles include SPY×FAMILY, The Apothecary Diaries, and Oshi no Ko, all of which went on to become massively successful anime franchises. The 2025 winner, Nue no Onmyōji by Kōta Kawae, joins an impressive Hall of Fame that includes beloved series like My Dress-Up Darling (Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru) and Komi Can't Communicate.

The voting timeline spans several months, giving fans ample opportunity to participate. Nominations are open until November 16, 2025, followed by the main voting period from December 24, 2025, to January 30, 2026. The top 10 titles will be announced at a special awards ceremony during AnimeJapan 2026 in March, with the winning manga displayed at the event venue on March 28-29, 2026.

AnimeJapan 2026 itself promises to be another major celebration of anime culture. The event consistently draws over 150,000 attendees and will feature public days on March 28-29 with exhibitor booths and stage events, business days on March 30-31 for industry networking, and the free-admission Family Anime Festa 2026 for younger audiences.

Your vote could be the catalyst that brings the next big anime hit to screens worldwide. Whether you're championing an underrated gem or rallying behind a popular favorite, AniRan gives fans direct influence in the anime production pipeline. Following in the footsteps of Oshi no Ko and other success stories, your manga pick could be the next adaptation that takes the world by storm.