The latest Japanese animation TV rankings are in, offering a glimpse into the most-watched anime and live-action series in Japan. This report covers the period from May 26 to June 1, 2025, revealing which shows captured the hearts of Japanese viewers. Let’s dive into the rankings and explore the standout programs.
Top Anime and Live-Action TV Shows
Here’s a breakdown of the top shows, based on average household ratings in Japan’s Kanto region:
| Title | Station | Date | Time | Length | Average Household Rating |
| ————————— | ——— | ———– | ——- | —— | ———————— |
| Sazae-san | Fuji TV | June 1 (Sun) | 18:30 | 30 min | 7.1 |
| Detective Conan | NTV | May 31 (Sat) | 18:00 | 30 min | 6.2 |
| Chibi Maruko-chan | Fuji TV | June 1 (Sun) | 18:00 | 30 min | 5.1 |
| The Apothecary Diaries | NTV | May 30 (Fri) | 00:05 | 30 min | 3.6 |
| Yaiba: Samurai Legend | NTV | May 31 (Sat) | 17:30 | 30 min | 3.5 |
| Ueda to Onna ga DEEP ni Hoeru Yoru / Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX | NTV | May 27 (Tues) | 23:59 | 60 min | 3.3 |
| One Piece | Fuji TV | June 1 (Sun) | 23:15 | 30 min | 2.9 |
| Doraemon | TV Asahi | May 31 (Sat) | 17:00 | 30 min | 2.6 |
| Crayon Shin-chan | TV Asahi | May 31 (Sat) | 16:30 | 30 min | 2.5 |
| You and Idol Precure♪ | TV Asahi | June 1 (Sun) | 08:30 | 30 min | 2.4 |
Highlights and Key Observations
Sazae-san Remains on Top: The evergreen anime series Sazae-san continues its reign as the most-watched program, securing a 7.1% rating. Its enduring popularity highlights its cultural significance and appeal to a broad audience.
Detective Conan Holds Strong: Detective Conan maintains a strong position with a 6.2% rating, proving its consistent appeal among mystery and anime fans.
Chibi Maruko-chan’s Steady Performance: Chibi Maruko-chan secures a solid 5.1% rating, indicating its continued popularity as a family-friendly anime.
The Apothecary Diaries Gains Traction: The Apothecary Diaries makes a notable appearance with a 3.6% rating, showcasing its growing fanbase and captivating storyline.
Anpanman’s Impact: An episode of Anpan, the newest entry in NHK’s long-running Renzoku Terebi Shōsetsu, earned impressive ratings, with the Thursday morning broadcast achieving 16.3%. This live-action series, inspired by the life of Anpanman’s creator Takashi Yanase, is clearly resonating with viewers.
Live-Action Series Success: Ameku Takao no Suiri Karte, a live-action series based on Mikito Chinen’s novel, garnered a 5.6% rating, demonstrating the appeal of live-action adaptations in the Japanese television landscape.
Notable Mentions and Trends
Long-Running Anime Series Dominate: The consistent presence of long-running anime like Sazae-san, Detective Conan, Chibi Maruko-chan, Doraemon, and Crayon Shin-chan underscores the enduring popularity of these shows across generations.
Variety in Programming: The list includes a mix of anime, live-action series, and variety shows, reflecting the diverse viewing preferences of the Japanese audience.
Morning Dramas’ Popularity: The high rating for Anpan highlights the strong appeal of NHK’s Renzoku Terebi Shōsetsu (Asadora) franchise, which continues to attract a significant viewership.
Anime Soundtracks Top Charts
Adding to the anime buzz, Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s song “Lilac,” the opening theme for the anime Oblivion Battery, has topped Billboard Japan’s overall song charts for the first half of 2025. This song has been streamed over 270 million times, showcasing the powerful connection between anime and music. Other popular anime theme songs include:
- “Otonoke” by Creepy Nuts (DAN DA DAN opening)
- “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” by Creepy Nuts (MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES season 2 opening)
- “Kaiju” by Sakanaction (Orb: On the Movements of the Earth opening)
- “Plazma” by Kenshi Yonezu (Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX opening)
- “BOW AND ARROW” by Kenshi Yonezu (Medalist opening)
- “Kusushiki” by Mrs. GREEN APPLE (The Apothecary Diaries season 2 2nd opening)
- “UNDEAD” by YOASOBI (MONOGATARI Series OFF & MONSTER Season ending)
- “Idol” by YOASOBI (Oshi no Ko opening)
Analysis of the Rankings
The Japanese animation TV rankings offer valuable insights into the viewing habits and preferences of the Japanese audience. The dominance of long-running anime series indicates a strong sense of nostalgia and comfort among viewers, while the success of newer titles like The Apothecary Diaries suggests a willingness to embrace fresh and engaging content.
The popularity of live-action adaptations, such as Ameku Takao no Suiri Karte, highlights the potential for cross-media success and the appeal of bringing beloved stories to life in different formats.
The impressive ratings for NHK’s morning drama Anpan underscore the enduring popularity of this genre and its ability to capture a wide audience.
The Enduring Appeal of Anime
Anime’s influence extends beyond television ratings, as evidenced by the chart-topping success of anime theme songs. The connection between anime and music is a powerful force, driving engagement and creating memorable experiences for fans.
The blend of classic and contemporary anime series, along with the emergence of successful live-action adaptations and variety shows, paints a vibrant picture of the Japanese television landscape. As viewing habits evolve and new platforms emerge, it will be fascinating to see how these trends continue to shape the future of Japanese entertainment.
Final Thoughts
The Japanese Animation TV Ranking for May 26 – June 1, 2025, provides a comprehensive overview of the most-watched programs in Japan. From enduring anime classics to captivating live-action series and chart-topping theme songs, the Japanese television landscape offers a rich and diverse array of entertainment options for viewers of all ages.
