The latest Japanese Animation TV Rankings are in, covering the period of January 20th to 26th, 2025. These rankings offer a glimpse into the most-watched anime programs in Japan, reflecting the tastes and preferences of a broad audience. From long-running family favorites to newer, buzz-worthy series, the list showcases the diversity of the anime landscape.
Top Anime Series: A Household Affair?
As always, the list is dominated by established, long-running series that have become staples of Japanese television. These shows benefit from intergenerational viewership and consistent airing schedules, making them reliable performers in the ratings.
Here’s a breakdown of the top performers during the January 20-26, 2025 period:
Sazae-san (Fuji TV): Continuing its reign, the evergreen Sazae-san tops the chart with an impressive 8.5% rating. Airing on Sundays at 6:30 PM for 30 minutes, this family-oriented anime remains a cultural touchstone in Japan.
Detective Conan (NTV): The ever-popular detective series, Detective Conan, secures the second spot with a 6.4% rating. Broadcast on Saturdays at 6:00 PM for 30 minutes, the show continues to captivate audiences with its intricate mysteries.
Chibi Maruko-chan (Fuji TV): Another family favorite, Chibi Maruko-chan, lands in third place with a 5.6% rating. Airing on Sundays at 6:00 PM for 30 minutes, its slice-of-life stories resonate with viewers of all ages.
Newcomers and Noteworthy Mentions
While familiar faces dominate the top spots, the rankings also highlight some noteworthy performances from newer and ongoing series:
Blue Miburo (NTV): Earning a 3.5% rating, Blue Miburo showcases the diversity of anime beyond the typical shonen and slice-of-life genres. Airing on Saturdays at 5:30 PM for 30 minutes.
The Apothecary Diaries (NTV): The second season of The Apothecary Diaries continues to perform well, earning a 3.5% rating. This series, airing on Fridays at 11:30 PM for 30 minutes, has been gaining popularity and is even topping anticipation polls for the Winter 2025 season.
Doraemon (TV Asahi): This classic children’s anime remains a consistent performer, achieving a 3.0% rating. Airing on Saturdays at 5:00 PM for 30 minutes.
Crayon Shin-chan (TV Asahi): Another long-running favorite with kids, Crayon Shin-chan, secures a 2.7% rating. Airing on Saturdays at 4:30 PM for 30 minutes.
Dragon Ball Daima (Fuji TV): Garnering a 2.7% rating, Dragon Ball Daima demonstrates the enduring appeal of the Dragon Ball franchise. Airing late on Fridays at 11:40 PM for 30 minutes.
Wonderful Precure! (TV Asahi): The finale of Wonderful Precure! earned a 2.6% rating. Airing on Sundays at 8:30 AM for 30 minutes.
One Piece (Fuji TV): As one of the most popular anime series worldwide, One Piece pulled in a 2.5% rating. Airing on Sundays at 9:30 AM for 30 minutes.
Live-Action Adaptation Scores
Interestingly, live-action adaptations also made their mark during this period:
- The second Tokyo Revengers 2 live-action film aired on Fuji TV on Saturday, January 25th, at 9:00 PM, securing a 4.4% rating. This highlights the potential for cross-media success in the Japanese entertainment industry. The first film aired the week before and earned a 4.8% rating.
Methodology and Considerations
It’s important to understand the methodology behind these rankings. The television ratings are an estimate of the percentage of the population watching a specific program, based on a survey of households in the Kanto region of Japan. These ratings do not account for recordings watched later. Therefore, they provide a snapshot of live viewership within a specific geographic area.
The Enduring Appeal of Anime
The Japanese Animation TV Rankings offer valuable insights into the anime landscape and the viewing habits of Japanese audiences. The dominance of long-running series highlights the importance of established franchises and family-friendly content. However, the presence of newer series like The Apothecary Diaries demonstrates the potential for fresh stories and diverse genres to capture audience attention. As the Winter 2025 season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these rankings evolve and which new series will emerge as frontrunners.
Key Takeaways:
- Sazae-san remains the undisputed king of Japanese animation TV ratings.
- Long-running series continue to dominate the top spots.
- The Apothecary Diaries is a rising star to watch.
- Live-action adaptations can achieve significant viewership.
- The rankings reflect live viewership in the Kanto region.
Future Trends:
- The increasing popularity of streaming services may impact traditional TV ratings.
- The rise of new genres and innovative storytelling could challenge established franchises.
- Cross-media collaborations between anime, manga, and live-action adaptations are likely to continue.
AnimeJapan 2025: What Manga Do Fans Want Animated?
While TV ratings offer a measure of current popularity, another event, AnimeJapan 2025, is gauging future interest in potential anime adaptations. Their “Manga We Want To See Animated Ranking” is currently underway, with voting open until February 12, 2025. The top 10 entries will be exhibited at AnimeJapan 2025 in March, providing valuable insights into what fans are eager to see brought to life on screen. Nominees include titles from various publishers and genres, showcasing the breadth of the manga world.
Some of the Nominees:
- IDOL×IDOL STORY！
- Honeko Akabane’s Bodyguards
- Akuyakureijou no nakanohito ~danzaisareta tenseisya no tame usotsukiheroine ni fukusyuu itashimasu~
- She is fed up with her siscon brother
- USOTSUKI! GOKUO-KUN
Winter 2025 Anime Season: What’s Hot?
As the Winter 2025 anime season unfolds, several new and returning series are generating buzz. While the TV rankings provide a snapshot of overall viewership, other platforms and polls offer insights into critical acclaim and fan anticipation.
The Apothecary Diaries is winning over major Shonen Jump IPs as Japan’s most highly-anticipated anime of 2025. Season 2 of Netflix’s popular romance anime, My Happy Marriage, holds the #2 spot.
Criteria for Winter 2025 Anime:
- Only anime that debuted in Winter 2025 will be considered, and this includes sequel seasons.
- Fall 2024 leftovers (Shangri-La Frontier, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, Blue Box, and Re:Zero) will not be included.
The world of anime is constantly evolving, with new series, adaptations, and trends emerging all the time. By monitoring TV rankings, fan polls, and industry events, we can gain a deeper understanding of this dynamic and exciting entertainment landscape.
