The Japanese animation scene is always bustling with exciting new shows and returning favorites. This week, from April 7th to April 13th, 2025, the TV rankings showcase a mix of established hits and rising stars, reflecting the diverse tastes of anime fans across Japan. Here’s a breakdown of which series captured the most attention.
Top Anime Series: A Household Ratings Overview
The TV ratings provide a glimpse into the popularity of different anime series among households in Japan’s Kanto region. These ratings estimate the percentage of the population watching a particular program, offering a snapshot of the most-viewed anime during the specified period. Keep in mind that these ratings don’t account for recordings watched later.
| Title | Station | Date | Time | Length | Average Household Rating |
| ————————– | ——— | ———– | —— | —— | ———————— |
| Sazae-san | Fuji TV | April 13 (Sun) | 18:30 | 30 min | 8.1 |
| Chibi Maruko-chan | Fuji TV | April 13 (Sun) | 18:00 | 30 min | 6.2 |
| Detective Conan | NTV | April 12 (Sat) | 18:00 | 30 min | 5.6 |
| The Apothecary Diaries | NTV | April 11 (Fri) | 23:00 | 30 min | 4.9 |
| Doraemon | TV Asahi | April 12 (Sat) | 17:00 | 30 min | 3.4 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX| NTV | April 8 (Tues) | 23:59 | 60 min | 3.4 |
| One Piece | Fuji TV | April 13 (Sun) | 23:15 | 30 min | 3.1 |
| Yaiba: Samurai Legend | NTV | April 12 (Sat) | 17:30 | 30 min | 3.0 |
| You and Idol Precure♪ | TV Asahi | April 13 (Sun) | 08:30 | 30 min | 2.9 |
| Crayon Shin-chan | TV Asahi | April 12 (Sat) | 16:30 | 30 min | 2.9 |
Sazae-san: Still on Top
Sazae-san remains a long-standing favorite, securing the top spot with an 8.1% rating. This classic anime has been a staple of Japanese television for decades, appealing to a wide audience with its heartwarming stories of family life. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and cultural significance. The series started broadcasting October 5, 1969 and is currently still in production with 2,771 episodes.
Chibi Maruko-chan: Slice-of-Life Charm
Following closely behind is Chibi Maruko-chan, another beloved series that captures the essence of everyday life. With a 6.2% rating, this anime continues to resonate with viewers of all ages, offering relatable characters and humorous situations. This series started broadcasting January 8, 1995 and is currently still in production with 1,468 episodes.
Detective Conan: Mystery and Intrigue
Detective Conan maintains its strong presence with a 5.6% rating. Known for its intricate mysteries and clever plot twists, this series keeps audiences engaged and eager to solve each case alongside the brilliant young detective.
The Apothecary Diaries: A Rising Star
The Apothecary Diaries is making waves, earning a 4.9% rating. This historical drama, with its intriguing plot and sharp-witted protagonist, has quickly become a favorite among Japanese audiences. Season 2 continues to captivate audiences in Japan and beyond with its rich historical setting, intricate mysteries and a sharp-witted protagonist.
Doraemon and Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: A Tie
Doraemon and Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX share the same rating of 3.4%. Doraemon, a classic children’s anime, continues to entertain with its imaginative gadgets and heartwarming stories. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, the latest entry in the long-running Gundam franchise, is also gaining traction, appealing to mecha fans with its action-packed battles and compelling characters.
One Piece, Yaiba: Samurai Legend, You and Idol Precure♪, Crayon Shin-chan
One Piece is still going strong with a 3.1% rating. The series remains one of the most popular anime of all time, as One Piece’s animation team continues its never-ending warpath. Yaiba: Samurai Legend is close behind with a 3.0% rating. You and Idol Precure♪ and Crayon Shin-chan both got a rating of 2.9%.
Spring 2025 Anime Highlights
As the spring 2025 anime season kicks off, several new and returning series are generating buzz. Here are a few notable mentions:
- My Hero Academia: Vigilantes: A spin-off of the popular My Hero Academia series, Vigilantes explores the world of unsanctioned heroes.
- Wind Breaker Season 2: A return to the popular sports anime, which promises to be epic for fans of sports anime!
- Fire Force Season 3: The highly anticipated third season of Fire Force is plunging viewers straight into the Great Cataclysm arc.
- Devil May Cry: Adapted by Adi Shankar and produced by Studio Mir, Devil May Cry is an upcoming anime series based on the Japanese video game franchise of the same name.
- Moonrise: An exciting new series that is worth the watch.
- Lazarus: A new series by Shinichirō Watanabe.
Ongoing and Upcoming Anime to Watch
Several other anime series are also worth keeping an eye on in 2025:
- Sakamoto Days: Known for its explosive mix of action, humor, and everyday life moments.
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End: Which follows the saga of elven mage Frieren who, long after defeating a great evil, returns to see her fellow heroes ravaged by an unstoppable enemy: time itself.
- The Apothecary Diaries Season 2: Delves even deeper into Maomao’s journey as she navigates palace life, solving complex medical and political mysteries.
- One Piece: The expertly animated Egghead arc for season 21.
Final Thoughts
The Japanese animation TV rankings for April 7-13, 2025, highlight a mix of enduring classics and exciting new releases. From the long-standing popularity of Sazae-san to the rising star power of The Apothecary Diaries, the anime landscape continues to offer something for everyone. As the spring 2025 season progresses, fans can look forward to more captivating stories, stunning animation, and unforgettable characters.
