September 9 is now officially Attack on Titan Day, the Japan Anniversary Association confirmed this week, marking the date Hajime Isayama’s manga began serialization in 2009. The franchise is marking the date with a live broadcast, 99 hours of free manga access, and new art from Isayama himself.
Anime News Network and Anime Corner reported the certification on September 2-3, 2026: Japan’s Anniversary Association has registered September 9 as the franchise’s official day, tied to the date Attack on Titan’s first chapter ran in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine in 2009. It is the first time the 17-year-old franchise has held an officially recognized anniversary date, one built around a story whose strongest characters and nine inheritable Titan powers still drive most of the fan discussion three years after the anime ended.
What’s happening on September 9
The centerpiece is a live broadcast at 21:30 JST on September 9, hosted by three of the anime’s lead voice actors: Yuki Kaji (Eren Yeager), Yui Ishikawa (Mikasa Ackerman) and Hiro Shimono (Connie Springer). Kodansha is pairing the broadcast with a 99-hour free read of the manga through Chapter 99 on the Magazine Pocket app, newly drawn artwork from creator Hajime Isayama featuring Eren, Levi and Erwin, and a merchandise drop through Magazine Shop built around the new anniversary visual.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Official date | September 9 (registered by the Japan Anniversary Association) |
| Why that date | Manga serialization began September 9, 2009 |
| Live broadcast | 21:30 JST, September 9, 2026 |
| Broadcast hosts | Yuki Kaji, Yui Ishikawa, Hiro Shimono |
| Free manga access | 99 hours, up to Chapter 99, via Magazine Pocket |
| New artwork | Original Isayama art featuring Eren, Levi and Erwin |
A franchise that already ended is still growing its footprint
The anime concluded in November 2023 and the manga in 2021, so an official anniversary day is a notable step for a series without new episodes airing. It follows a themed Attack on Titan cafe that opened in Japan on September 3 and runs through October 12, 2026, part of a pattern of the franchise leaning on nostalgia and physical/retail activations rather than new animation to stay commercially active.
Kodansha has not said whether the live broadcast will include news of new projects beyond the announced art and merchandise; Anime News Network’s report notes only that “major announcements” are expected without specifying what they cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Attack on Titan Day?
September 9 is now officially registered as Attack on Titan Day by Japan’s Anniversary Association, marking the date the manga began serialization in 2009.
What’s happening for the first Attack on Titan Day?
A live broadcast on September 9 at 21:30 JST hosted by voice actors Yuki Kaji, Yui Ishikawa and Hiro Shimono, plus 99 hours of free manga access up to Chapter 99 and new art from creator Hajime Isayama.
Is Attack on Titan getting a new season?
Nothing has been confirmed. The anime ended in November 2023 and the manga in 2021; no new animated project has been announced alongside Attack on Titan Day.
Why is September 9 the chosen date?
It’s the date Hajime Isayama’s Attack on Titan manga began serialization in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine in 2009.
Where can I read Attack on Titan for free for Attack on Titan Day?
Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket app is offering free access to Attack on Titan up to Chapter 99 for a 99-hour window starting at midnight JST on September 9.
