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Crunchyroll Teases 'Ani-May' Event


Anime is bigger than ever globally. Powered by the rise of streaming services and successes on the big screen, Japanese animation is on the rise. Crunchyroll is one of the biggest names in anime worldwide, through their streaming site, home video and theatrical releases. And they will be launching (for the second year) the Ani-May event throughout the month of May.

From May 1, right through until the end of the month, Crunchyroll will be releasing a slew of series as free with ads. These series were previously available only to premium subscribers but will be made available to all free members. 20 shows will be released in all, and the list features several of the biggest and most recent series. They include Chainsaw Man, Haikyu!!, Solo Leveling, Dr. STONE, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Rent-a-Girlfriend, Cowboy Bebop and Vinland Saga.

“The love and excitement around anime continues to grow and for Ani-May, we’re revealing a fresh lineup of apparel, home goods, and more to empower fans to live authentically into their fandom,” said Anna Songco Adamian, Vice President, Global Consumer Products, Crunchyroll. “We have lined up an incredible slate of international retail partners who, like us, are passionate about providing fans with a variety of ways to enjoy and display their love for their favourite films, series, and characters.” 

Fans will be able to nab exclusive merchandise representing their favourite shows, Represented shows include Black Butler, Tokyo Ghoul, Chainsaw Man, Solo Leveling, Spy x Family, Kaiju No 8, Haikyuu!! and Jujutsu Kaisen. Additionally, more merch from a wide variety of shows will be available at a range of retailers.

In the United States, specialist retailer Hot Topic will celebrate with special promotions and month-long activations. They will carry exclusive anime merchandise and offer a limited edition Crunchyroll-Hime sticker gift with anime purchases.Barnes and Noble will run an Ani-May sale on anime Blu-Ray/DVD titles both online and at their stores across the country.

Meanwhile, Crunchyroll Store will offer new releases, sales and specials for Ani-May for customers in the US, Australia and New Zealand., with new offers rolled out each week.

Customers in the US customers can save 60% off home video up until May 14 and an Ani-May sale offering 70% off items from May 15. Fans can also get an exclusive 2024 Hime Ani-May pin with orders over $75 (while stocks last). The store will also run themed weeks featuring the most popular series.

May 1 - Chainsaw Man
May 8 - Kaiju No. 8 & Solo-Leveling
May 22 - Dragon Ball Super
May 29 - JUJUTSU KAISEN

In the UK, Ireland and Belgium Ani-May is taking over 120 HMV stores. The retailer will be rebranded for the month and will host early releases for several keenly anticipated series such as Mob Psycho Season 3, KONOSUBA - An Explosion on This Wonderful World!,  and Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!,  Additionally, there will be a chance to win a weekend in Paris with VIP access to Japan Expo. There will also be promotional prices on a lot of back catalogue titles

Ani-May will also be celebrated in countries all around the world including promotions in Mexico, Brazil,  Italy, Spain, France and more.