Crunchyroll Launches Global Ani-May Event Across Streaming, Gaming, and Retail

Crunchyroll, the international brand serving anime enthusiasts, has announced its most expansive Ani-May event to date. The month-long global celebration is structured to offer diverse engagement opportunities across digital platforms, retail channels, gaming integrations, and live experiences, inviting fans worldwide to participate in anime culture throughout May.

The initiative commences early with the streaming premiere of *Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc* exclusively on Crunchyroll on April 30. The broader celebration encompasses a range of activities designed to deepen fan interaction with popular franchises such as *JUJUTSU KAISEN, My Hero Academia, Black Clover, Solo Leveling*, and *Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End*.

Crunchyroll : Digital Engagements and Exclusive Content

Throughout Ani-May, Crunchyroll will offer discounted Fan and Mega Fan memberships for new and returning subscribers, which include access to the Crunchyroll Game Vault. Digital engagement extends to weekly global YouTube watch parties, creator streams, and fan-driven content, aiming to establish a pervasive online presence for anime. Gita Rebbapragada, Chief Operating Officer at Crunchyroll, emphasized the event’s role in allowing the community to “revisit old favorites, discover something new, and shop, play, and watch in ways that feel meaningful.”

Gaming Partnerships and Live Experiences

A notable partnership for Ani-May involves *Forza Horizon 6*, the open-world racing franchise. Starting May 19, with early access from May 15 for Premium Edition players, Crunchyroll subscribers will receive an exclusive in-game Car Voucher redeemable for any vehicle available at the Autoshow, enabling players to expand their virtual garage during the event. This collaboration marks a first-ever partnership with the *Forza Horizon* franchise.

For physical engagement, Crunchyroll will host a significant presence at Mumbai Comic Con 2026 from May 9 to 10. The booth is slated to feature appearances by Taito Ban, the voice actor for Sung Jinwoo from *Solo Leveling*, and producer Atsushi Kaneko. Attendees can also expect a live performance by Hiroshi Kitadani, known for the *ONE PIECE* anthem “We Are!”, alongside a live dubbing booth, immersive fan experiences, and exclusive merchandise. Complementing the live event, Crunchyroll India plans to spotlight local influencers, creators, and voice artists on social media, showcasing their contributions to the country’s anime community.

Cultural Ambassadors and Global Reach

The Ani-May campaign also introduces a lineup of ambassadors, including musical artists REI AMI and Big Sean, and Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles. These ambassadors, alongside Crunchyroll’s character Hime, are set to engage with the celebration through cosplay, curated Spotify playlists, and anime-inspired content, amplifying the event’s reach across various cultural touchpoints. Scott Donaton, Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Community at Crunchyroll, highlighted the increasing recognition of anime as a “powerful cultural connector” by partners worldwide.

Further details regarding global and localized activities can be accessed via Ani-May Central on Crunchyroll’s official platform (https://www.crunchyroll.com/). For more information on broader industry developments and the latest tech appliance news, readers can visit TechnoSports (https://technosports.co.in/).