The latest Japanese Animation TV Rankings are in, covering February 17-23, offering insights into the most-watched anime series in Japan. These rankings, which estimate the percentage of the population watching a program, provide a snapshot of anime popularity in the Kanto region.
Top Anime Series in Japan: February 17-23
Here’s a breakdown of the top-rated anime during this period, revealing which series captured the attention of Japanese viewers:
- Sazae-san: This classic family anime continues its reign, securing the top spot with a 7.2% rating. Sazae-san airs on Fuji TV on Sundays at 6:30 PM for 30 minutes.
- Detective Conan: The ever-popular detective series maintains a strong presence, ranking second with a 6.3% rating. Detective Conan airs on NTV on Saturdays at 6:00 PM for 30 minutes.
- Chibi Maruko-chan: This slice-of-life anime remains a consistent favorite, earning a 5.7% rating. Chibi Maruko-chan airs on Fuji TV on Sundays at 6:00 PM for 30 minutes.
- The Apothecary Diaries: The second season of this series is making waves, achieving a 4.1% rating. The Apothecary Diaries airs on NTV on Fridays at 11:25 PM for 30 minutes.
- Blue Miburo: This anime secured a 3.5% rating. Blue Miburo airs on NTV on Saturdays at 5:30 PM for 30 minutes.
- Doraemon: The timeless adventures of Doraemon continue to captivate audiences, earning a 3.4% rating. Doraemon airs on TV Asahi on Saturdays at 5:00 PM for 30 minutes.
- You and Idol Precure♪: This magical girl anime maintains a solid viewership, achieving a 3.1% rating. You and Idol Precure♪ airs on TV Asahi on Sundays at 8:30 AM for 30 minutes.
- Crayon Shin-chan: The mischievous antics of Shin-chan secured a 3.1% rating. Crayon Shin-chan airs on TV Asahi on Saturdays at 4:30 PM for 30 minutes.
- Animated O-saru no George (Curious George): This anime earned a 2.1% rating. Animated O-saru no George (Curious George) airs on NHK-E on Saturdays at 8:35 AM for 25 minutes.
- Oshiri Tantei: This detective anime for children also earned a 2.1% rating. Oshiri Tantei airs on NHK-E on Saturdays at 9:00 AM for 20 minutes.
It’s important to note that these ratings are based on a survey of households in Japan’s Kanto region and do not include recordings watched later.
Other Popular Anime in Japan
While the TV rankings provide valuable data, other sources offer insights into anime popularity across different platforms:
- Top Anime Charts (Winter 2025): Anime Trending’s charts reveal the top anime based on online engagement and fan voting. For Week 6 of the Winter 2025 season, the top contenders included Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- S3, Toilet-bound Hanako-kun S2, and The Apothecary Diaries S2.
- Most Popular Anime (February 2025): TV Fandom Lounge reported The Apothecary Diaries as the most popular anime in Japan across streaming and VOD services. Other popular titles included Sakamoto Days, Detective Conan, One Piece, and Solo Leveling.
Trends and Highlights
Several key trends emerge from these rankings and reports:
- Established Series Dominate: Long-running anime like Sazae-san, Detective Conan, and Chibi Maruko-chan continue to hold strong viewership, demonstrating their enduring appeal.
- The Apothecary Diaries’ Rise: The second season of The Apothecary Diaries is a clear hit, achieving high TV ratings and topping streaming charts. Its blend of mystery, medicine, and historical setting resonates with a wide audience.
- Newcomers Gain Traction: Series like Sakamoto Days are quickly gaining popularity, indicating a dynamic anime landscape where new titles can break through.
- Sequels Thrive: The success of Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- S3 and Solo Leveling Season 2 highlights the strong interest in continuing storylines and familiar characters.
The Japanese animation scene remains vibrant and diverse, with a mix of classic favorites and exciting new series captivating audiences. These rankings offer a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of anime and its cultural impact.
