Here’s a rundown of the top-rated anime TV shows in Japan for the week of March 24-30, 2024, based on average household ratings in the Kanto region.
Top Anime TV Shows in Japan (March 24-30, 2024)
Here’s a quick look at which shows captured the most viewers:
- Chibi Maruko-chan Minna ni Shiawase Ippai, Kimasu Yō ni! Haru no Otanoshimi SP (Fuji TV, March 24 (Sun), 18:00, 60 min.) – 8.3%
- Detective Conan (NTV, March 23 (Sat), 18:00, 30 min.) – 6.4%
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (finale) (NTV, March 22 (Fri), 23:45, 30 min.) – 4.9%
- Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange (finale), NTV, March 23 (Sat), 17:30, 30 min. – 3.7%
- Doraemon (TV Asahi, March 23 (Sat), 17:00, 30 min.) – 3.3%
- One Piece (Fuji TV, March 24 (Sun), 09:30, 30 min.) – 3.1%
- Wonderful Precure! (TV Asahi, March 24 (Sun), 08:30, 30 min.) – 3.0%
- Crayon Shin-chan (TV Asahi, March 23 (Sat), 16:30, 30 min.) – 2.5%
- The Apothecary Diaries (finale) (NTV, March 23 (Sat), 00:55, 30 min.) – 2.4%
- Pokémon Horizons: The Series (TV Tokyo, March 22 (Fri), 18:55, 30 min.) – 1.7%
- Animated O-saru no George (Curious George) (NHK-E, March 23 (Sat), 08:35, 25 min.) – 1.6%
- Note: These ratings are based on a survey of households in Japan’s Kanto region and do not include recordings watched later.
Series Spotlight
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top performers:
Chibi Maruko-chan
This enduring family-friendly anime continues to resonate with audiences. The episode on March 24th was a one-hour special titled “Minna ni Shiawase Ippai, Kimasu Yō ni! Haru no Otanoshimi SP,” which translates to “May Everyone Be Filled with Happiness! A Spring Fun Special.” Notably, this was the final episode featuring the late voice actress TARAKO, adding a poignant element for long-time viewers.
Detective Conan
Also known as Case Closed, this long-running detective series remains a Saturday evening staple for many. Its consistent performance speaks to its enduring appeal and clever mysteries.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
The finale of this acclaimed fantasy anime garnered significant attention. “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” follows the elf Frieren and her companions as they grapple with the passage of time and the meaning of their journey. Its thoughtful storytelling and beautiful animation have made it a fan favorite.
Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange
This series, focusing on the lives and work of firefighters, concluded its run during this period. Its themes of courage, teamwork, and dedication to saving lives likely resonated with viewers.
One Piece
A globally recognized and beloved anime, “One Piece” continues its run with new episodes. The series’ blend of adventure, humor, and heartwarming camaraderie keeps fans hooked week after week.
The Apothecary Diaries
The finale of “The Apothecary Diaries” also aired during this period. This series, which focuses on Maomao, an apothecary in the imperial court, has gained popularity for its intriguing mysteries and unique setting.
Other Notable Anime
- Doraemon: Another classic anime that remains popular with children and families.
- Wonderful Precure!: Part of the long-running Pretty Cure magical girl franchise.
- Crayon Shin-chan: A comedy anime known for its mischievous protagonist.
- Pokémon Horizons: The Series: The latest installment in the Pokémon anime franchise, continuing to capture the imaginations of younger viewers.
- Animated O-saru no George (Curious George): A children’s favorite that provides educational and entertaining content.
Trends and Insights
- Enduring Classics: Long-running series like “Chibi Maruko-chan,” “Detective Conan,” “Doraemon,” and “One Piece” demonstrate the power of established franchises and their ability to consistently attract viewers.
- Finale Impact: The finales of “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End,” “Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange,” and “The Apothecary Diaries” all drew considerable viewership, suggesting that fans were eager to see how these stories concluded.
- Variety of Genres: The rankings showcase a mix of genres, from slice-of-life and detective stories to fantasy and action, indicating the diverse tastes of Japanese anime viewers.
- Family-Friendly Content: Anime like “Chibi Maruko-chan,” “Doraemon,” and “Wonderful Precure!” continue to hold strong positions, highlighting the importance of content that appeals to a wide range of ages.
Looking Ahead
The anime landscape is ever-evolving, with new series constantly emerging and existing ones continuing to captivate audiences. As we move further into 2025, it will be interesting to see how these rankings shift and which new titles will rise to prominence.
- Upcoming Seasons and Movies: Keep an eye out for new seasons of popular series and theatrical releases, such as the “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle,” which is set to premiere in July 2025.
- Streaming Influence: Streaming platforms play a significant role in shaping anime popularity. Series like “The Apothecary Diaries,” “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc,” and “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” have all achieved high streaming numbers, demonstrating the growing importance of online viewing.
- New IPs and Genre Trends: Be on the lookout for original anime series that break genre conventions and offer fresh perspectives. The success of series like “Delicious in Dungeon” and “Dandadan” indicates a growing appetite for unique and innovative storytelling.
By staying informed about the latest trends and releases, anime fans can continue to discover new favorites and appreciate the rich and diverse world of Japanese animation.
