The world of Japanese animation continues to captivate audiences both in Japan and globally. From long-running favorites to highly anticipated premieres, the anime landscape is ever-evolving. During the week of January 6-12, 2025, several series and films stood out, capturing significant viewership in Japan. Let’s dive into the rankings and see which titles reigned supreme.
The Reigning Champions
“Howl’s Moving Castle” Soars to the Top
Hayao Miyazaki’s and Studio Ghibli’s timeless classic, “Howl’s Moving Castle,” proved its enduring appeal. Aired on NTV on Friday, January 10, at 9:00 p.m., the film secured an impressive 11.0% rating. This figure demonstrates the movie’s lasting popularity and its ability to draw in a large audience, even years after its initial release.
“Sazae-san” Maintains its Stronghold
“Sazae-san,” a long-running family-oriented anime series, continues to be a reliable performer in the ratings. Airing on Fuji TV on Sunday, January 12, at 6:30 p.m., it achieved a 7.5% rating. Its consistent performance underscores its status as a cultural staple in Japan.
The Top Anime Series of the Week
Here’s a breakdown of the top-rated anime series during the specified period:
- Sazae-san (Fuji TV, January 12, 6:30 p.m.): 7.5%
- Detective Conan (NTV, January 11, 6:00 p.m.): 6.5%
- Chibi Maruko-chan (Fuji TV, January 12, 6:00 p.m.): 5.2%
- The Apothecary Diaries (premiere) (NTV, January 10, 11:40 p.m.): 4.8%
- Doraemon (TV Asahi, January 11, 5:00 p.m.): 3.8%
- Crayon Shin-chan (TV Asahi, January 11, 4:30 p.m.): 3.6%
- Blue Miburo (NTV, January 11, 5:30 p.m.): 3.2%
- Wonderful Precure! (TV Asahi, January 12, 8:30 a.m.): 2.7%
- Phoenix (NHK, January 8, 11:00 p.m.): 2.6%
- Animated O-saru no George (Curious George) (NHK-E, January 11, 8:35 a.m.): 1.6%
- Oshiri Tantei (NHK-E, January 11, 9:00 a.m.): 1.6%
New Premieres and Continuing Popularity
“The Apothecary Diaries” Makes a Strong Debut
The premiere of the second season of “The Apothecary Diaries” made a notable entrance, securing a 4.8% rating on NTV. This series has garnered significant attention, and its strong debut indicates a promising season ahead. The series follows Maomao, a former apothecary who uses her knowledge and wit to solve mysteries in the imperial court.
Returning Favorites Hold Their Ground
Series like “Detective Conan,” “Chibi Maruko-chan,” and “Doraemon” continue to maintain their popularity, consistently appearing in the top rankings. These shows have established themselves as mainstays of Japanese television, appealing to a broad audience across different age groups.
Winter 2025 Anime: What’s Trending
Beyond the specific rankings for January 6-12, the Winter 2025 anime season boasts several highly anticipated titles. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most talked-about series:
“Solo Leveling” Season 2: Arise from the Shadow
The return of “Solo Leveling” is generating massive excitement. This anime adaptation of the popular manhwa series follows Sung Jinwoo’s journey to become the strongest Hunter. Season 2 promises even more action and answers to the mysteries surrounding Jinwoo’s powers. The theme songs are performed by J-pop artist LiSA and K-pop singer Felix of Stray Kids, further amplifying the hype.
“Sakamoto Days”
Adapted from a popular shonen manga, “Sakamoto Days” is a highly anticipated series. The anime centers on a former hitman who abandons his profession after falling in love and now works as a convenience store clerk. With TMS Entertainment handling the animation, the series promises dynamic fight choreography and engaging storytelling.
“Zenshu”
An original work produced by MAPPA, the studio behind “Attack on Titan,” “Zenshu” is garnering attention for its unique premise. The series follows Natsuko Hirose as she embarks on an animation career, and her debut anime becomes a smash hit. However, the story takes a dark turn when an animator dies and is reincarnated into her favorite anime, which changes into a bleak and bloody tragedy.
“My Happy Marriage” Season 2
Following a successful first season, “My Happy Marriage” returns with a second season. This series blends romance and historical fantasy, following Miyo Saimori, who is forced into an arranged marriage with Kiyoka Kudou, a military commander with a fearsome reputation.
Other Notable Mentions
- “The Apothecary Diaries” Season 2: As mentioned earlier, this series is already making waves with its strong premiere.
- “Dr. Stone: Science Future”: The continuation of the popular science-adventure series.
- “Blue Exorcist: The Blue Night Saga”: A new installment in the “Blue Exorcist” franchise.
- “Medalist”: A sports anime based on the manga by Tsurumai Ikada, currently ranked as the #1 series in Japan by NicoNico.
- “I’m Getting Married to a Girl I Hate in My Class”: Two high school students hide their arranged marriage as their mutual hatred slowly turns into something softer.
The Evolving Anime Landscape
The anime industry is constantly evolving, with new series and films emerging regularly. Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix play a significant role in bringing anime to international audiences, further expanding its reach and influence.
The Impact of Streaming Services
Streaming services have revolutionized the way anime is consumed. They offer a vast library of titles, making it easier for viewers to discover new series and revisit old favorites. This accessibility has contributed to the growing popularity of anime worldwide.
Original Anime and Adaptations
The anime landscape is a mix of original works and adaptations of manga, light novels, and video games. Original anime series like “Zenshu” offer fresh perspectives and creative storytelling, while adaptations bring beloved stories to life on screen.
The Enduring Appeal of Anime
Anime’s enduring appeal lies in its diverse range of genres, compelling characters, and visually stunning animation. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming romances, anime offers something for everyone. Its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level has solidified its place as a global cultural phenomenon.
Methodology
It’s important to note that the television ratings mentioned are estimates based on a survey of households in Japan’s Kanto region. These ratings provide a snapshot of viewership at a specific point in time and do not include recordings watched later.
Conclusion
The Japanese animation TV rankings for January 6-12, 2025, highlight the continued popularity of established titles like “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Sazae-san,” as well as the successful debut of “The Apothecary Diaries” Season 2. The Winter 2025 anime season promises a wealth of exciting new series and returning favorites, ensuring that the world of anime will continue to captivate audiences for years to come. With the rise of streaming services and the constant influx of creative content, the anime landscape remains vibrant and dynamic, offering endless possibilities for storytelling and entertainment.
