Anime News Network: Your Complete Guide To The Top Anime Information Site

If you’re a fan of anime, chances are you’ve heard of Anime News Network—often abbreviated as ANN. For over two decades, it’s been the go-to destination for anime lovers around the world who want the latest updates, in-depth reviews, and trusted insights into the anime and manga industry. Whether you’re looking for breaking news about upcoming releases, details about your favorite voice actors, or just want to explore the history behind a beloved series, ANN is the place where fans and professionals meet. In this complete guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Anime News Network in 2025—how it started, what it offers, why it matters, and how to use it like a pro.

Quick Bio Information

Name: Anime News Network
Founded: July 1998
Founder: Justin Sevakis
Current CEO/Publisher: Christopher Macdonald
Owner: Kadokawa World Entertainment (majority stake since 2022)
Headquarters: United States (with global editorial presence)
Main Features: News, Reviews, Encyclopedia, Forums, Columns
Regional Editions: USA/Canada, UK/Ireland, ANZ, Southeast Asia, India
Language: English (global)
Purpose: To deliver trusted anime and manga news to fans worldwide

What Is Anime News Network?

Anime News Network is a leading online platform dedicated to covering anime, manga, Japanese pop culture, and related entertainment industries. Established in 1998, ANN serves as both a news outlet and a comprehensive database for fans across the globe. The site provides everything from daily news articles and previews to editorials, opinion columns, and an extensive encyclopedia of anime and manga titles. It also features community forums, user reviews, and regional news tailored to different countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Today, it remains one of the most respected and visited anime websites in the world.

How Anime News Network Got Started

Anime News Network was founded in July 1998 by Justin Sevakis, an American anime fan who wanted to create a reliable source of news for the growing anime community online. What started as a hobby project quickly gained traction as fans discovered its accurate reporting and timely updates. In 2000, Christopher Macdonald joined the editorial team and soon became CEO, helping to expand the site’s reach and professionalism. By 2002, ANN launched its famous Encyclopedia, which remains one of the most complete anime and manga databases available. Over time, the site grew with the industry, launching region-specific versions, developing new features like ANNtv, and gaining recognition as a leading media outlet.

Ownership And Kadokawa’s Acquisition

In November 2022, ANN entered a new chapter when Kadokawa Corporation, a major Japanese media group, acquired a majority stake in the site. This move brought ANN under the umbrella of Kadokawa World Entertainment, while ensuring that key figures like Christopher Macdonald remained involved. Kadokawa is also the parent company behind many popular light novels, manga, and anime titles, which led some fans to wonder how this would affect ANN’s editorial independence. However, both parties emphasized that ANN would retain its autonomy and continue to operate as a trusted voice in the anime world. As of 2025, ANN still maintains its editorial standards and remains a reliable, independent source of information.

What Makes Anime News Network So Valuable

The value of Anime News Network lies in its depth, accuracy, and community engagement. Unlike social media or casual blogs, ANN provides well-researched, timely, and professional journalism. Its articles cover everything from major licensing announcements to in-depth interviews with creators. It also provides English-language access to Japanese press releases, fan reactions, and studio updates. For newcomers, it offers entry points into anime culture, while longtime fans benefit from the site’s extensive archives and thoughtful editorial pieces. ANN strikes a rare balance between fan passion and professional integrity, making it both credible and enjoyable to read.

A Look Inside The ANN Encyclopedia

One of ANN’s most celebrated features is its Encyclopedia—a massive online database filled with information about anime and manga titles, production staff, studios, release dates, voice actors, music composers, and more. Users can search by series title, person, company, or character to explore detailed listings. Each entry typically includes a synopsis, episode guide, cast and crew information, theme song details, and user-generated ratings. The database is collaboratively updated, which means it grows with the community while still being moderated for accuracy. Whether you’re researching a rare OVA from the ’80s or looking up the latest anime simulcast, the Encyclopedia is your best bet.

Editorial Content, Columns, And Reviews

ANN isn’t just about news—it also publishes regular editorial content that dives deeper into the anime world. Popular recurring columns like Shelf Life, Hey Answerman, and Buried Treasure have built loyal followings for their smart, humorous, and heartfelt takes on anime trends, history, and fandom. Reviews are another major draw: each season, ANN’s team of critics reviews new episodes, films, and manga titles. These reviews often help fans decide what to watch or read and offer fresh perspectives even on long-running franchises. Editorials and features also tackle serious topics such as industry labor issues, diversity, and the global impact of anime culture.

Global Reach And Regional Versions

To better serve its international audience, Anime News Network has launched regional versions of the site, including editions for the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and India. These localized sites provide news that is more relevant to their respective regions, such as country-specific release dates, streaming availability, and licensing updates. This global structure ensures that ANN stays relevant and accessible to anime fans worldwide. It also helps localize fan conversations and reflect the diversity of the international anime community.

Community Features And Forums

Anime News Network has cultivated an active community through its forums and comment sections. Each news story includes a thread where users can discuss and debate the topic. The forums host broader conversations about anime, manga, games, conventions, and general pop culture. For fans who enjoy sharing opinions or keeping up with the buzz, ANN’s community is a great space to connect. The site also maintains an IRC channel called #animenewsnetwork for real-time conversations. While modern social media dominates much of today’s online chatter, ANN’s dedicated forums remain a meaningful place for long-form discussion.

ANN And Industry Impact

ANN is not only a fan site—it’s a trusted resource for professionals in the anime and entertainment industries. Studios, publishers, and journalists frequently cite ANN in press releases and reports. Because of its editorial credibility, it’s also a platform that creators take seriously. ANN has conducted interviews with top voice actors, directors, and producers from Japan and around the world. It helps bridge the gap between Western audiences and the Japanese anime ecosystem, giving fans more access than ever before to the inner workings of the industry. In 2025, as anime becomes increasingly global, ANN’s role as an information hub is more important than ever.

Challenges And Resilience

Like many digital platforms, Anime News Network has faced its share of challenges. In 2017, a hacker took control of the ANN.com domain, forcing the site to temporarily operate from a different address. The team responded with transparency, publishing a full account of the incident and restoring services quickly. Despite such setbacks, ANN has maintained a solid reputation. It has also navigated shifting advertising models, changing algorithms, and new competition from platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Through it all, its commitment to journalistic integrity and community service has remained strong.

Final Thoughts

Anime News Network stands as a pillar in the anime world—a blend of professionalism, passion, and persistence. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a global leader in anime journalism, ANN has helped shape how fans experience and understand the medium. Its combination of news, reviews, forums, and reference tools makes it a one-stop destination for anime lovers at all levels. In a time when content is everywhere but credibility is rare, ANN continues to offer clarity, context, and community. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a dedicated fan, Anime News Network is the place to stay informed, inspired, and connected.

FAQs About Anime News Network

What Is Anime News Network Used For?
It’s used to get up-to-date news about anime and manga, read reviews, access a massive database of titles, and participate in community discussions.

Who Owns Anime News Network Now?
As of 2025, Anime News Network is majority-owned by Kadokawa Corporation through its subsidiary, Kadokawa World Entertainment.

Is Anime News Network Still Independent?
Yes, despite being owned by Kadokawa, ANN continues to operate independently and maintains editorial freedom.

What Is The ANN Encyclopedia?
It’s an online database of anime and manga titles that includes information about cast, crew, studios, music, plot summaries, and user ratings.

How Can I Use ANN To Find Anime Info?
You can search the site using titles, voice actors, or studio names. Each entry has a detailed page with all related data.

Is Anime News Network Free To Use?
Yes, the core content—including news, reviews, and the Encyclopedia—is free to access. Some premium features or ad-free options may require registration.

Why Is ANN Trusted In The Anime Industry?
Because it provides accurate, timely, and professional reporting, it has earned trust from both fans and industry insiders worldwide.

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