Throughout the month of May, anime streaming giant Crunchyroll is taking the month-long Ani-May (a pun on pronouncing “anime”) celebration global, offering fans exclusive products and promotions through major retailers around the world.
“Anime isn’t just an entertainment medium; it’s a lifestyle. To celebrate anime’s explosive growth, we’re giving fans a variety of ways to express their anime passion during Ani-May – from all-new products across apparel, collectibles, global activations, game collaborations, and new series streaming for free on Crunchyroll,” stated Anna Songco Adamian, Vice President, Global Consumer Products in a press release.
Canada
Anime aficionados here in Canada can pop into their local Hot Topic for Crunchyroll trial account activations, special promotions, and limited-edition merchandise.
United States
In the United States, fans will have a wider range of opportunities: Select purchases made at UNIQLO will include a coupon for a 30-day free trial on Crunchyroll. Remi Yamamoto will also make an appearance at the 5th Avenue location in New York City on May 18th, 2025.
Best Buy will have select products available in-store and online, with a SPY×FAMILY pin included on eligible products at select stores.
Snack on anime-inspired treats and drinks at Planet Hollywood with popular anime characters from select series.
Funko has summoned the English voice cast of Jujutsu Kaisen — Adam McArthur, Kaiji Tang, and Robbie Daymond — for autographs at their Hollywood, California location on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.
Fall Guys players can snag limited-edition skins from Bananya, featuring characters Bananya and Droopy Eared Bananya. They’re available only between Wednesday, May 1st, and Thursday, May 8th, 2025.
Mexico
In Mexico, Spanish-language voice actors will make an appearance for meet-and-greets at home and fashion purveyor Liverpool all month long. Additionally, fashion chain Suburbia will hand out 20,000 free trial subscription codes for Crunchyroll on eligible purchases made in-store.
Europe
Throughout Europe, various retailers are participating in a contest where the grand prize is a weekend with VIP access to the Crunchyroll booth at Japan Expo in Paris, France. Participating merchants include Italy’s Funside/Games Academy, HMV in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Belgium, and Cultura in France. Stores in these chains will see an makeover with signage and window displays for the full experience.
Still in the Eurozone, fans can grab manga, merch and more at Thalia and Müller locations across Germany and Austria.
Oceania
Check out JB Hi-Fi for home media and collectibles, as well as custom in-store signage created by store staff! The brand’s own STACK magazine May issue has cool editorial all about anime inside.
EB Games and Zing Pop Culture are also jumping on the Ani-May bandwagon, with in-store decorations, and EB WORLD PLUS members can grab for a 30-day Crunchyroll premium trial membership.
On top of all that, Crunchyroll is going all out with their online webstore. Each week, the Crunchyroll Store will feature a different genre of products, through deals, exclusive gifts and product launches. Qualifying orders placed in Europe will include a limited-edition Ani-May pin.
Crunchyroll Mega and Ultimate Fan members can take advantage of new games launching weekly in the Crunchyroll Game Vault. Starting with Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth on Wednesday, April 30th, followed by others, including Grisaia Phantom Trigger and Corpse Party.
Don’t have a paid account on Crunchyroll? Over 20 titles are streaming free with ads all month long, many of which are fan favourites: Cowboy Bebop, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Haikyu!!, Jujutsu Kaisen, Shangri-La Frontier, Solo Leveling and The Apothecary Diaries.
Ani-May concludes on Saturday, May 31st, 2025.
Source: Crunchyroll press release
Did you find a typographical or factual error in this article? Please let us know!
All comments are subject to our comment policy. Your comment may be held for moderation, censored, or removed if it does not meet our standards.