During the week of August 18-24, Japanese television audiences showed strong preferences for both beloved animated classics and a Studio Ghibli film, with Hayao Miyazaki’s Ponyo film airing on NTV securing a notable 8.3% rating. Traditional Sunday evening staples like Sazae-san and Detective Conan also continued their consistent performance, capturing significant viewership in the Kanto region.
Top Animated Programs and Films (August 18-24, 2025)
The latest television ratings, compiled from data in Japan’s Kanto region by Video Research, highlight a mix of long-running series and a popular animated feature. These ratings provide an estimate of the percentage of the population watching a given program and do not include later recordings.
Here’s a breakdown of the top-performing Japanese animation on television for the specified week:
- Ponyo (NTV, August 22, 9:00 p.m.): 8.3%
- Sazae-san (Fuji TV, August 24, 6:30 p.m.): 6.4%
- Detective Conan (NTV, August 23, 6:00 p.m.): 5.1%
- Chibi Maruko-chan (Fuji TV, August 24, 6:00 p.m.): 4.2%
- You and Idol Precure♪ (TV Asahi, August 24, 8:30 a.m.): 2.7%
- One Piece (Fuji TV, August 24, 11:15 p.m.): 2.7%
- Tougen Anki (NTV, August 22, 11:15 p.m.): 2.6%
- Doraemon (TV Asahi, August 23, 5:00 p.m.): 2.4%
- Crayon Shin-chan (TV Asahi, August 23, 4:30 p.m.): 2.3%
- Animated O-saru no George (Curious George) (NHK-E, August 23, 8:35 a.m.): 1.5%
- The Adventures of Paddington (NHK-E, August 23, 8:10 a.m.): 1.4%
Studio Ghibli’s Enduring Appeal
The broadcast of Ponyo, a beloved film from Studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki, on Friday, August 22, captured the highest rating for animated content during this period. This strong performance underscores the lasting popularity of Ghibli films with Japanese audiences, often drawing significant viewership during prime-time slots.
Consistent Performance of Long-Running Series
Traditional anime mainstays such as Sazae-san, Detective Conan, and Chibi Maruko-chan continue to be formidable contenders in the weekly rankings. These series, which have been on air for decades, demonstrate a remarkable ability to retain loyal audiences, especially in their consistent Sunday and Saturday evening slots. Their family-friendly content and familiar characters contribute to their enduring success in the competitive Japanese television landscape.
Newer Entries and Children’s Programming
While classic films and long-running series dominated the top spots, newer anime like Tougen Anki also made an appearance in the rankings. Additionally, children’s programming, including You and Idol Precure♪, Doraemon, Crayon Shin-chan, Animated O-saru no George, and The Adventures of Paddington, consistently garnered viewership during their morning and afternoon airings, highlighting their importance for younger audiences.
