The 2025 Weibo Cultural Exchange Night, a major entertainment and cultural event organized by China’s largest social media platform Weibo, was held on April 15 in Kanagawa, Japan. The TV anime ONE PIECE was honored with the Weibo Japan Annual Animation Cultural Contribution Award, with Tony Tony Chopper making a surprise appearance at the award ceremony.

Chopper Takes the Stage and Delivers a Heartfelt Message

Chopper made his way down the red carpet at a leisurely pace and posed cheerfully in front of the signboard. Once on stage, event MC Toshiaki Megumi read a letter from Toei Animation, expressing gratitude:

“We are deeply honored to receive this award. ONE PIECE has been on the air for over 25 years, and it is all thanks to the unwavering support of our fans. This award belongs to them. We will continue to create anime that is loved not only in Japan but around the world.”

Upon hearing the message, Chopper jumped up with joy, his excitement lighting up the stage.

Event Showcased Japan-China Cultural Exchange and Celebrated Diverse Talents

The Weibo Cultural Exchange Night brought together top Japanese artists and emerging talents, with live performances and awards given to individuals and groups that contributed to cultural exchange between Japan and China. The event celebrated excellence in a wide range of fields including anime, music, literature, tourism, and digital technology.

Full List of Major Award Winners at the 2025 Weibo Cultural Exchange Night

Best Traditional Performing Arts Award: DRUM TAO
Most Moving News Story Award: Captain Takashi Inoda & Masaki Kimura
Best Documentary Director Award: Ryo Takeuchi
Social Contribution Award: Chizuko Ueno
Innovative Novelist Award: Shogo Imamura
Japan-China Cultural Exchange Award: Yokohama Yamate Chinese School
Travel Exchange Award: Japan National Tourism Organization
Tourism Promotion Award: Aomori Prefecture
Most Attention-Grabbing Theme Park Award: Ghibli Park
Best Live Show Award: DINO-A-LIVE
Most Popular Character Award: Chiikawa
User-Generated Entertainment Platform Award: Niconico
Sports Influencer Award: Chiharu Shida
Most Noteworthy Group Award: EBiDAN
Rising Star Award: Kento Nakajima
Best Performer Award: EXILE AKIRA (Ryohei Kurosawa)
Breakthrough Award: SANTA (Santaro)
Best Cover Song Award: Aya Shimazu
Entertainment Icon Award: Kyoko Fukada
Best Actor Award: Kento Yamazaki
Visual Poet Award: Shunji Iwai
Best Artist Award: Ayumi Hamasaki
Next-Gen Music Artist Award: ATARASHII GAKKO!
Best Film Director Award: Hirokazu Kore-eda
Asian Music Icon Award: w-inds.
Global Peace Contribution Award: Peace Boat
Animation Cultural Contribution Award: ONE PIECE
Next-Gen Virtual Technology Award: Junon Noct (PortaMeta Project)

Source : ORICON NEWS