One of 2025’s Best Anime Is Here and No, It Has Nothing to Do With Japan
Anime fans around the world are used to looking toward Japan for the latest hits, but in 2025, one of the year’s most talked-about series, To Be Hero X, does not come from Tokyo or Kyoto, it hails from China. To Be Hero X is the latest release by Bilibili and is already making waves internationally for its stunning animation, enjoyable story, and bold creative choices. With rave reviews pouring in, it is becoming clear that To Be Hero X is not just a surprise success, it is a game-changer.
The show’s popularity is more than just a one-off triumph; it is part of a broader trend in the anime industry. As audiences become more global, so too does the production of the content they consume. To Be Hero X is possibly the most striking example yet of how high-quality anime animation and storytelling can now come from anywhere, not just Japan. It is a sign that anime is no longer defined solely by its geographic roots but by its artistic spirit.
To Be Hero X is a New Anime Challenger
China’s New Anime May Be One of the Best of the Season
Bilibili, the Chinese streaming platform behind To Be Hero X, is not exactly new to the anime world. It has been involved in co-productions and licensing deals for years. But this series marks a significant step forward with a fully Chinese-produced anime that is competing with the very best from Japan. From its crisp animation to its unique humor and emotional beats, the show feels fresh yet familiar, striking a balance that resonates with fans around the world.
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What truly sets To Be Hero X apart is its fearless approach to creativity. While it borrows from traditional anime tropes, it injects them with a distinctly Chinese flavor, both in aesthetic and cultural tone. The result is a series that feels global in its appeal but rooted in a different cultural perspective. It is proof that the anime format can evolve and thrive beyond Japan, giving rise to new voices and visions that still honor the genre’s legacy.
The Globalization of Anime
Anime is Starting to be Produced Around the World, Not Just in Japan
The success of To Be Hero X shows a larger shift in how anime is produced and consumed. Streaming services and international fanbases have broken down many of the traditional barriers, making room for creators from all corners of the world. While Japanese studios still dominate the scene, the emergence of quality content from places like China signals a new era and one where anime is more a style and sensibility than a nationality.
This globalization has its advantages. Audiences benefit from a wider variety of stories, artistic styles, and cultural nuances. Meanwhile, competition from international studios encourages innovation within the industry. If To Be Hero X is any indication, fans are likely to see even more standout anime coming from unexpected places. And that is a win for fans everywhere, because great storytelling knows no borders.
- Release Date
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April 6, 2025
- Network
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Fuji TV, bilibili
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Zhangtaikang Chen
Dragon Boy (voice)
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Jinwen Chen
The Johnnies (voice)
