The Weeknd to Attend Crunchyroll's 10th Annual Anime Awards in Tokyo: A Celebration of Anime and Music Fusion
The Weeknd, a Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter, will be attending Crunchyroll's 10th annual Anime Awards in Tokyo on May 23, 2026. The event celebrates creativity and artistic achievement in the global anime industry. The Weeknd's love for anime dates back to his childhood, with Sailor Moon and Goku being some of his early favorites. It was during his teenage years that Samurai Champloo had a profound impact on him, blending anime and hip hop in a transformative way. This influence carried over to his music, particularly his mixtape House of Balloons, which was inspired by Nujabes' instrumentals.
The fusion of storytelling and music in Samurai Champloo resonated with The Weeknd, shaping his visual aesthetic and influencing his creative process. Artists like Satoshi Kon, Mamoru Oshii, and Katsuhiro Otomo also played a significant role in defining The Weeknd's style. He credits anime for being a crucial part of his career, stating that he wouldn't be where he is today without it. The Anime Awards allow fans to vote in various categories, including Anime of the Year, until April 15. The show will be produced by Sony Music Solutions Inc. and Dempsey Productions, showcasing the best of the anime industry and honoring the artists behind it.