On January 18, the highly anticipated MBS Anime Fes 2025 kicked off at the Kobe World Memorial Hall, marking the event’s first return in seven years. Fans packed the venue and live viewing theaters across Japan to witness the ultimate celebration of anime.

The festivities began with a tradition: a pre-show etiquette video featuring Hanji (voiced by Romi Park) from Attack on Titan. Her rousing “Dedicate your hearts to the MBS Anime Fes!” message electrified the audience even before the event officially started.

Highlights from DAY 1

WIND BREAKER Ignites the Stage
The first act featured WIND BREAKER, with artist Natori performing the anime's opening theme, "Absolute Zero," accompanied by iconic scenes from the show. Fans erupted in cheers as the performance transitioned into a live voice-acting session featuring Yuma Uchida (Haruka Sakura), Nobunaga Shimazaki (Hayato Suo), Yuichi Nakamura (Hajime Umemiya), and Yuichiro Umehara (Jo Togame). The dynamic reenactment of intense battles sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Shangri-La Frontier Delivers Laughter and Drama
Next came Shangri-La Frontier, currently airing its second season in the "Nichigo" slot. Singer CHiCO surprised the audience with a performance of "Ace," setting the tone for the segment. Yuma Uchida (Sunraku/Yakuro Hinomu) captivated fans with an exclusive reading drama tailored for the event, blending Kobe landmarks into the anime’s world. The highlight was a live reenactment of the "Gravekeeper Wezaemon" battle, featuring stellar performances by Yoko Hikasa (Arthur Pencilgon/Towa Amane), Makoto Koichi (Oikatz/Kei Uomi), and Sho Hayami (Wezaemon). ReoNa closed the act with her heartfelt ballad, "Gajumaru," leaving the audience deeply moved.

Jujutsu Kaisen Raises the Stakes
The third segment featured Jujutsu Kaisen. Who-ya Extended energized the audience with a live performance of "VIVID VICE," followed by a spectacular voice-acting session. Yuma Uchida (Megumi Fushiguro), Junya Enoki (Yuji Itadori), Junichi Suwabe (Ryomen Sukuna), Yuichi Nakamura (Satoru Gojo), and Nobunaga Shimazaki (Mahito) recreated pivotal moments from "Cursed Womb Arc" and "Young Fish and Reverse Punishment." The electrifying performances, combined with iconic scenes, left fans spellbound. The segment ended with ALI performing "LOST IN PARADISE feat. AKLO," bringing the audience to its feet.

Haikyuu!!: Battle at the Garbage Dump Stuns as the Secret Act
In true MBS Anime Fes fashion, a surprise awaited. The lights dimmed, and the title logo for Haikyuu!!: Battle at the Garbage Dump appeared on screen, eliciting deafening cheers. Ayumu Murase (Shoyo Hinata), Kaito Ishikawa (Tobio Kageyama), Yuki Kaji (Kenma Kozume), and Yuichi Nakamura (Tetsuro Kuroo) took the stage, reenacting the gripping Karasuno vs. Nekoma match. The live voice acting, paired with powerful visuals, brought the emotional intensity of the beloved match to life, leaving fans in tears. SPYAIR closed the act with "Orange," the movie's theme song, wrapping the day in a wave of nostalgia and joy.

Closing the Curtain on DAY 1

The 3-hour spectacle ended with all cast members gathering for a heartfelt farewell. Together with the audience, they called out “MBS Anime Fes!” to close DAY 1. Adding to the excitement, it was announced that Yuki Kaji would return for DAY 2, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter of the event.

Source : ORICON NEWS