The Japanese animation TV rankings for March 17-23 have been released, providing a snapshot of the most-watched anime programs in Japan during that period. These rankings, compiled by Video Research, reflect the estimated percentage of households in the Kanto region tuning into specific shows. It’s important to note that these ratings do not include viewership from recorded programs watched at a later time.
Top Anime TV Rankings (March 17-23)
Here’s a breakdown of the top-rated anime programs during the week of March 17-23:
| Title | Station | Date | Time | Length | Average Household Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sazae-san | Fuji TV | March 23 (Sun) | 18:30 | 30 min | 7.6 |
| Detective Conan | NTV | March 22 (Sat) | 18:00 | 30 min | 5.4 |
| Chibi Maruko-chan | Fuji TV | March 23 (Sun) | 18:00 | 30 min | 5.3 |
| The Apothecary Diaries | NTV | March 21 (Fri) | 23:45 | 30 min | 3.5 |
| You and Idol Precure♪ | TV Asahi | March 23 (Sun) | 08:30 | 30 min | 2.9 |
| Phoenix (2004) | NHK General | March 19 (Wed) | 23:00 | 25 min | 2.8 |
| Doraemon | TV Asahi | March 22 (Sat) | 17:00 | 30 min | 2.6 |
| One Piece | Fuji TV | March 23 (Sun) | 09:30 | 30 min | 2.4 |
| Crayon Shin-chan | TV Asahi | March 22 (Sat) | 16:30 | 30 min | 2.2 |
| Blue Miburo | NTV | March 22 (Sat) | 17:30 | 30 min | 2.1 |
| Baban Baban Ban Vampire | TV Asahi | March 22 (Sat) | 23:30 | 30 min | 2.1 |
| Animation Hitsuji no Shaun (Shaun the Sheep) | NHK-E | March 22 (Sat) | 08:10 | 20 min | 1.5 |
Key Observations:
- Sazae-san Remains on Top: As a long-standing family favorite, Sazae-san continues to hold the top spot in the rankings, demonstrating its enduring popularity across generations.
- Detective Conan and Chibi Maruko-chan Strong: Detective Conan and Chibi Maruko-chan also maintain strong viewership, securing their positions as staples in Japanese animation.
- The Apothecary Diaries Climbs: The Apothecary Diaries showcases a notable performance, reflecting growing interest in its intriguing storyline and historical setting.
- Diverse Genre Representation: The list includes a variety of genres, from family-oriented anime to mystery and adventure, indicating the diverse tastes of Japanese audiences.
- Movie Airings Impact Ratings: The airing of the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 film on TBS on Wednesday, March 19, at 7:50 p.m. earned a 2.5% rating, demonstrating the potential of film broadcasts to attract significant viewership.
Other Anime to Watch in 2025
Beyond the top-rated programs, several other anime series are generating buzz and excitement among fans in 2025. These include both continuations of beloved series and promising new titles:
- Sakamoto Days: A new action-comedy anime, adapted from Yuto Suzuki’s hit manga, has captivated anime fans with its perfect mix of high-energy action, hilarious comedy and a refreshingly unique protagonist.
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2: A highly anticipated second season, Frieren continues to captivate audiences with its rich historical setting, intricate mysteries, and a sharp-witted protagonist.
- Ave Mujica: A music anime quickly rising to the top, this series takes a fresh approach by diving into the journey of the band Ave Mujica, delivering a gripping blend of drama, breathtaking performances and raw emotion.
- Fire Force Season 3: A post-apocalyptic superhero epic about a world plagued by creatures which cause humans to spontaneously burst into flame. To protect humanity, main protagonist Shinra Kusakabe fights alongside Company 8 of the titular Fire Force.
- Wind Breaker Season 2 Revolves around Haruka Sakura, a middle school student who loves to fight. While he is used to life as an outcast, he is accepted with open arms when he enrolls at Furin High School, an institution known for valuing brawling skills above academics.
AnimeJapan 2025 Highlights
AnimeJapan 2025 took place between March 22-25 in the Big Sight exhibition centre in Tokyo. AnimeJapan is an event and expo aimed at both fans of anime as well as the business side of the industry – including marketing, distribution, and more.
Here is a list of panels with big announcements that took place at AnimeJapan 2025:
Saturday, March 22
- Netflix
- Blue Lock
- Tokyo Revengers
- Demon Slayer
- Kaiju No. 8
- Oshi no Ko
- My Hero Academia
- Sakamoto Days
Sunday, March 23
- Jujutsu Kaisen
- Black Butler
- Fate/strange Fake
- Dr. Stone
- The Apothecary Diaries
- ReZero season 3
- Digimon
- Chainsaw Man The Movie – Reze Arc
- Gundam
Spring 2025 Anime
With the Winter 2025 anime season ending in March, here are the top 10 anticipated anime of Spring 2025:
- From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman
- Wind Breaker Season 2
- Fire Force Season 3
- The Dinner Table Detective
- I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level Season 2
- Witch Watch
- Uma Musume Cinderella Gray
- Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc
- The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold to Another Kingdom
- My Hero Academia: Vigilantes
Factors Influencing Anime Popularity
Several factors contribute to the popularity and viewership of anime in Japan:
- Originality and Storytelling: Anime with unique storylines, compelling characters, and creative concepts tend to attract a larger audience.
- Animation Quality: High-quality animation, fluid action sequences, and detailed visuals enhance the viewing experience and contribute to a show’s popularity.
- Adaptation Accuracy: For anime based on manga or other source materials, faithful adaptations that capture the essence of the original work are often well-received.
- Cultural Relevance: Anime that incorporates Japanese culture, history, or social themes can resonate deeply with domestic audiences.
- Marketing and Promotion: Effective marketing campaigns, collaborations, and merchandise can generate buzz and increase awareness of a particular anime series.
Conclusion
The Japanese animation TV rankings provide valuable insights into the viewing habits and preferences of anime fans in Japan. While long-running series continue to dominate, new and innovative anime are also making their mark, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of the anime industry. With a diverse range of genres and styles, anime continues to be a significant form of entertainment and cultural expression in Japan and around the world.
