Japan Expo Daruma Awards 2026 Full List of Winners: Kagurabachi, Chainsaw Man Win Big

The Japan Expo Daruma Awards remain one of Europe’s most prestigious honors, celebrating anime and manga, recognizing standout works released over the previous year through a combined vote from industry professionals and the public. Organized as part of France’s annual Japan Expo, the awards have become an important indicator of international popularity, often highlighting series that resonate well beyond Japan. The 2026 edition continued that tradition with an impressive mix of established franchises and breakout newcomers earning top recognition.

Among this year’s biggest winners, as per the anime’s official site, Gachiakuta claimed the coveted Anime of the Year award while also dominating the action category. The anime also won several awards at the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, further cementing its place as one of the shonen A-stars.

Additionally, as posted by the official X account @mujina0310, Mujina Into the Deep emerged as the standout manga, earning both Manga of the Year and Best Artwork. Meanwhile, Kagurabachi continued its remarkable global rise with Best Action Manga, and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc added another major accolade to the franchise by winning Best Animated Feature Film.

Together, the results reflect the growing international influence of both blockbuster franchises and critically acclaimed new series.

Japan Expo Daruma Awards 2026 Full Winners List

The 2026 Daruma Awards celebrated an impressive mix of acclaimed franchises and breakout newcomers across anime and manga. From Gachiakuta and Mujina Into the Deep claiming the night’s biggest honors to Kagurabachi and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc adding major international accolades, here is the complete list of winners announced at Japan Expo 2026:

1. Anime of the Year — Gachiakuta
2. Manga of the Year — Mujina Into the Deep
3. Best Action Anime — Gachiakuta
4. Best Action Manga — Kagurabachi
5. Best Animated Feature Film — Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
6. Best Story (Manga) — NIPPON SANGOKU: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun
7. Best New Manga — Ichi the Witch
8. Best Artwork (Manga) — Mujina Into the Deep
9. Best Suspense/Thriller Anime — Takopi’s Original Sin
10. Best Suspense/Thriller Manga — Centuria
11. Best Slice of Life Anime — CITY the Animation
12. Best Slice of Life Manga — RuriDragon
13. Best Romance Anime — The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
14. Best Romance Manga — The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
15. Best Anime Opening — “On the Way” by AiNA THE END (DAN DA DAN Season 2)
16. Best Anime Ending — “I” by BUMP OF CHICKEN (My Hero Academia: Final Season)
17. Best Original Soundtrack — The Apothecary Diaries Season 2

'CHAINSAW MAN – The Movie: Reze Arc' wins Best Animated Feature Film at the Japan Expo Daruma Awards 2026! pic.twitter.com/aC7ccsaO3m

The 2026 Japan Expo Daruma Awards clearly point toward a significant shift in European fan tastes, favoring raw, stylized action and complex psychological dramas. Breakout series like Kagurabachi and Gachiakuta emerged as undisputed juggernauts, signaling that audiences are hungry for high-stakes, unconventional narratives over traditional battle shonen tropes.

Simultaneously, multiple-category triumphs, such as Mujina Into the Deep claiming both Manga of the Year and Best Artwork, alongside The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity sweeping the romance categories, displayed that artistic precision and deep, character-driven storytelling resonate more than ever. Established mega-franchises like Chainsaw Man and My Hero Academia still hold their ground, but this year’s results make one thing clear: a bold new generation of creators has officially taken center stage to redefine the global landscape of anime and manga.

Which Daruma Awards 2026 win surprised you the most, and which series do you think deserved more recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!