The Japanese animation television landscape is ever-evolving, with a mix of classic favorites and new contenders vying for viewership. Here’s a look at the anime TV rankings in Japan for May 5-11, 2025, highlighting top performers and notable trends.
Top Anime TV Rankings: A Detailed Overview
The ratings provided are an estimate of the percentage of the population watching a particular program, based on a survey of households in the Kanto region of Japan. It’s important to note that these ratings do not account for later viewing via recordings.
Here’s a breakdown of the top anime and related programs during the specified period:
- Sazae-san: This long-running family anime continues its reign, securing the top spot with a 6.4% rating. Airing on Fuji TV on May 11 at 6:30 PM, this classic remains a Sunday evening staple.
- Detective Conan: The popular detective series maintains a strong presence, earning a 5.1% rating. It aired on NTV on May 10 at 6:00 PM, drawing in viewers with its captivating mysteries.
- The Apothecary Diaries: This series continues to captivate audiences, achieving a 4.6% rating. Shown on NTV on May 9 at 11:00 PM, the show blends mystery with historical elements.
- Chibi Maruko-chan: Another beloved family anime, Chibi Maruko-chan, secured a 4.5% rating. Broadcasting on Fuji TV on May 11 at 6:00 PM, this series charms viewers with its slice-of-life stories.
- One Piece: The legendary pirate adventure continues to perform well, earning a 4.1% rating. Airing on Fuji TV on May 11 at 9:30 AM, One Piece showcases its enduring popularity.
Other Notable Programs
Several other programs also made a mark during this period:
- Anpan: The new live-action series inspired by Anpanman’s creator, Takashi Yanase, saw an episode on May 9 at 8:00 AM garner a 16.1% rating. Another episode on May 6 at 12:45 PM earned a 6.0% rating.
- Porco Rosso: Hayao Miyazaki’s classic film aired on NTV on May 9 at 9:00 PM and received an 8.8% rating, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Studio Ghibli films.
Live-Action Adaptations
Live-action adaptations of popular manga and novel series also made their mark:
- An episode of Ameku Takao no Suiri Karte, a live-action series based on Mikito Chinen’s novel, aired on May 6 at 9:00 PM and earned a 5.8% rating.
- The live-action film of Hirohiko Araki’s Kishibe Rohan Louvre e Iku aired on TV Tokyo on May 6, achieving a 2.4% rating.
Trends and Insights
- Classic Anime Dominance: Series like Sazae-san and Chibi Maruko-chan continue to hold their ground, indicating the enduring appeal of family-friendly anime.
- Studio Ghibli’s Enduring Popularity: The strong showing of Porco Rosso highlights the timeless appeal of Hayao Miyazaki’s work and Studio Ghibli’s influence.
- Live-Action Adaptations: Live-action adaptations provide an alternative for fans to enjoy their favorite stories in a different format, attracting considerable viewership.
- New Series Impact: The success of Anpan illustrates how new series can quickly capture audience attention, especially those with ties to beloved characters and creators.
How TV Ratings Work in Japan
Japanese TV ratings are based on surveys conducted in the Kanto region by Video Research. These ratings represent the estimated percentage of households watching a particular program. It’s important to remember that these figures don’t include views from recordings or online streaming.
Streaming Services Impact
While TV ratings offer insights into traditional viewership, streaming services like Abema, Amazon Japan, and Netflix also play a significant role in anime consumption. These platforms often feature different rankings based on views and fan engagement. For instance, Abema’s 2024 rankings highlighted Oshi no Ko Season 2 as the top title based on average views per episode.
Revenue for Japanese Animation Studios
In 2023, Japanese animation studios generated approximately $2.34 billion in revenue, marking a 30% year-on-year increase. Animated films like Makoto Shinkai’s Suzume and Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron significantly contributed to this growth. Larger studios benefited most from this revenue increase due to their involvement in major financing groups.
Popular Anime on Streaming Platforms
Several anime series have gained immense popularity on various streaming platforms:
- Oshi no Ko: Season 2 of Oshi no Ko has dominated Abema’s streaming charts, securing the top spot in the Annual Views Ranking for the second consecutive year.
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Despite the conclusion of Season 4, Demon Slayer remains a favorite on Netflix’s global chart and continues to attract millions of views.
- Solo Leveling: This series has garnered attention on IMDb and other platforms, with a strong fanbase and high ratings.
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End: Known for its emotional depth and engaging storyline, Frieren has achieved high ratings and positive reviews.
- Dandadan: Despite mixed reactions, Dandadan has maintained a presence on various ranking sites and streaming platforms.
Looking Ahead
The anime landscape is set to evolve with upcoming releases and continuations of popular series. The return of My Hero Academia for Season 7 Part 2 is highly anticipated, promising a potential resurgence on the charts. Additionally, new titles and adaptations will likely emerge, contributing to the dynamic nature of Japanese animation.
Conclusion
The Japanese Animation TV Ranking for May 5-11, 2025, reflects a blend of enduring classics, popular series, and intriguing new content. While traditional TV ratings offer valuable insights, the growing influence of streaming platforms and evolving viewer preferences shape the anime landscape. As the industry continues to innovate and adapt, anime fans can look forward to a diverse array of captivating stories and unforgettable characters.
