Solo Leveling's reign ends in Japan! Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines shockingly won Anime of the Year at the Newtype Awards, dethroning the global phenomenon.
- October 21, 2025
AceShowbiz - While Solo Leveling captivated audiences worldwide and dominated the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, its undisputed reign has officially concluded in Japan. A surprising new champion has emerged, dethroning the global phenomenon as the nation's top anime for the year.
The prestigious Newtype Anime Awards, presented by Newtype Magazine and the Kadokawa Group, recently unveiled its highly anticipated results. In a turn that has astonished many fans, the romantic comedy Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines clinched the coveted Anime of the Year title. This victory is particularly noteworthy given that both the triumphant Makeine and the acclaimed Solo Leveling originate from the same animation powerhouse, A-1 Pictures.
Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines, a romcom celebrated for its engaging narrative, managed to secure the top spot against a formidable lineup of popular and critically lauded series. Its success at the Newtype Anime Awards highlights a distinct divergence between global popularity and domestic Japanese critical reception.
Despite its immense international success, Solo Leveling found itself in 4th place among Newtype voters in Japan. It was outranked not only by the charming romcom winner but also by a new installment in a legendary franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, which took 2nd place. The fan-favorite court drama, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, also surpassed it, securing 3rd place.
The full list of top contenders, reflecting the diverse tastes of Japanese anime enthusiasts, includes:
- 1st Place: Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines
- 2nd Place: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
- 3rd Place: The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
- 4th Place: Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-
- 5th Place: Uma Musume Cinderella Gray
- 6th Place: Medalist
- 7th Place: Dandadan
- 8th Place: Apocalypse Hotel
- 9th Place: Re:Zero Starting Life in Another World 3rd Season
- 10th Place: Oshi no Ko Season 2
This outcome underscores that while some anime achieve widespread international recognition, the domestic Japanese audience, as represented by the Newtype Anime Awards, often holds unique preferences. The coronation of Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines marks a significant moment, signaling a shift in perceived hierarchies and celebrating diverse genres.
