Buddhist temples across Japan are once again carrying on the joya no kane tradition as the New Year begins. At midnight, temple bells are rung exactly 108 times, a ritual believed to cleanse people of worldly desires. Yet, whether worldly or not, some desires persist. As the new year arrives, fans eagerly look forward to New Year’s greetings from the worlds of anime and manga—special illustrations, messages, and celebratory posts shared by creators and studios. Stepping into 2026, the quiet reflection of ancient rituals blends with the vibrant spirit of modern pop culture, spreading New Year cheer to fans around the globe.
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian
Kadokawa ©Sunsunsun,Momoco/KADOKAWA/Alya-san Partners2
Nobuyuki Anzai (Uruha no Sekai de Arisugawa )
“Oops…”
Keiichi Arawi (Nichijou)
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©あらゐけいいち
Atlus
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©ATLUS ©SEGA
Demon Slayer : Kimetsu no Yaiba
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©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable
Haikyu!!
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©2027「ハイキュー！！」製作委員会 ©古舘春一／集英社
Kaguya-sama : Love is War
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©赤坂アカ／集英社・かぐや様は告らせたい製作委員会
MAPPA
Hiro Mashima ( Fairy Tail )
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©真島ヒロ
Kaoru Mori ( A Bride’s Story )
One-Punch Man
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©ONE・村田雄介／集英社・ヒーロー協会本部
Though I Am an Inept Villainess
Naruto
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©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえる
Naoya Matsumoto ( Kaiju No. 8 )
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©松本直也
Odekake Kozame
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©ペンギンボックス・KADOKAWA／おでかけ子ザメ
As the sound of the bells gently fades and we step into a new year, we look ahead with hope. May the year bring plenty of inspiration, great stories, and moments that make anime and manga fans smile. Wishing everyone a wonderful year ahead.
