The latest Japanese Animation TV Ranking for June 2-8 is here, offering a glimpse into the anime landscape in Japan. From long-running favorites to new hits, the list reflects viewing trends among households in the Kanto region. Let’s dive into the rankings and explore the anime capturing audiences’ attention!
Top Anime Series of the Week
Based on data collected from a survey of households in Japan’s Kanto region, here’s a breakdown of the top-rated anime programs:
- Sazae-san (Fuji TV, June 8 (Sun), 18:30, 30 min.) – 6.8%
- Detective Conan (NTV, June 7 (Sat), 18:00, 30 min.) – 5.4%
- Chibi Maruko-chan (Fuji TV, June 8 (Sun), 18:00, 30 min.) – 4.9%
- The Apothecary Diaries (NTV, June 6 (Fri), 23:00, 30 min.) – 4.2%
- Doraemon (TV Asahi, June 7 (Sat), 17:00, 30 min.) – 3.3%
- Ueda to Onna ga DEEP ni Hoeru Yoru (variety show) and Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX (both shows are listed together), (NTV, June 3 (Tues), 00:04, 60 min.) – 3.2%
- Crayon Shin-chan (TV Asahi, June 7 (Sat), 16:30, 30 min.) – 2.9%
- You and Idol Precure♪ (TV Asahi, June 8 (Sun), 08:30, 30 min.) – 2.7%
- The Dinner Table Detective (Fuji TV, June 6 (Fri), 23:30, 30 min.) – 2.7%
- Yaiba: Samurai Legend (NTV, June 7 (Sat), 17:30, 30 min.) – 2.5%
- Animated O-saru no George (Curious George) (NHK-E, June 7 (Sat), 08:35, 25 min.) – 1.7%
Analyzing the Top Performers
Sazae-san: A classic, long-running family anime, Sazae-san continues to hold its top spot. Its enduring appeal lies in its portrayal of everyday Japanese family life, resonating with viewers of all ages.
Detective Conan: Also known as Case Closed, this detective series maintains a strong following with its intricate mysteries and engaging characters. The series captivates audiences with its clever plots and the protagonist’s ability to solve complex cases despite his youthful appearance.
Chibi Maruko-chan: This slice-of-life anime, set in the 1970s, follows the everyday adventures of a young girl named Maruko. Its nostalgic charm and relatable characters contribute to its consistent popularity.
The Apothecary Diaries: This series has garnered attention for its intriguing plot set in historical China. The story revolves around Maomao, a skilled apothecary who solves mysteries within the imperial court. Its blend of historical fiction, mystery, and romance has resonated well with viewers.
Doraemon: A timeless favorite, Doraemon follows the adventures of a robotic cat from the future and a young boy named Nobita. The series is known for its imaginative gadgets and heartwarming stories, making it a staple in Japanese animation.
Other Notable Programs
Anpan: An episode of Anpan, the newest entry in NHK’s long-running Renzoku Terebi Shōsetsu (Serialized TV Novel), earned a 16.2% rating on June 5. This live-action series is inspired by the life of Anpanman creator Takashi Yanase and his wife. A separate episode aired on June 3 and earned a 5.4% rating.
Ameku Takao no Suiri Karte: This week’s episode of the live-action series, based on Mikito Chinen’s novel series, aired on June 3 and earned a 5.7% rating.
Nobunaga Concerto: The 2016 live-action film based on Ayumi Ishii’s manga aired on June 7 and earned a 5.6% rating.
Trends and Observations
- Long-Running Series Dominate: Many of the top-rated anime are long-standing favorites, indicating a strong preference for familiar and established series among Japanese viewers.
- Live-Action Adaptations: The presence of live-action adaptations, such as Anpan and Nobunaga Concerto, suggests a growing interest in seeing popular manga and anime stories brought to life in live-action format.
- Variety of Genres: The list includes a mix of genres, from slice-of-life and comedy to mystery and historical fiction, showcasing the diverse tastes of the Japanese audience.
- Influence of Manga: Several of the listed programs, like Detective Conan, Chibi Maruko-chan, and Nobunaga Concerto, are based on popular manga series, highlighting the significant influence of manga on the anime industry.
Anime Industry Highlights in 2024
2024 was a big year for anime, with several new and returning series making waves in Japan and internationally.
Top-Earning Franchises: Jujutsu Kaisen was revealed as 2024’s best-selling anime and manga franchise in Japan, surpassing names like One Piece and Haikyu!!. The Apothecary Diaries was also a strong performer.
Popular Streaming Anime: According to U-Next streaming numbers, The Apothecary Diaries, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc, and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End were among the most popular anime of 2024.
Award-Winning Series: Oshi no Ko Season 2 was ranked as the most popular anime of the year, followed by Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! and Dandadan.
Critically Acclaimed Anime: Series like Dandadan, Delicious in Dungeon, and Monogatari were recognized as some of the best anime of 2024.
Fan Favorites: Oshi no Ko Season 2 dominated ABEMA’s annual anime rankings, with the first episode recording the highest premiere viewership in ABEMA’s anime history. Crayon Shin-chan Movie, Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc, and The Apothecary Diaries Season 1 also performed well.
Highly Anticipated Anime Series in 2024-2025
Delicious in Dungeon: This anime gained attention for its unique fantasy setting, where adventurers create tasty recipes using monster parts.
Kaiju No. 8: This series follows Kafka Hibino as he becomes entangled in the world of Kaiju. The anime adaptation aired in 2024, with a second season set to premiere in July 2025.
Oshi no Ko: This series follows Aqua as he seeks revenge for his mother’s murder. The second season premiered in 2024 and explores the drama of the Japanese entertainment industry.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End: This fantasy series captivated audiences with its emotional depth.
The Apothecary Diaries: Set in medieval China, this series follows Maomao as she solves mysteries within the palace walls. Season 2 is slated to premiere in January 2025.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: This series continues to be a hit, with the Hashira Training Arc captivating audiences.
Sakamoto Days: This series follows Taro Sakamoto, a retired hitman who now runs a convenience store.
Fire Force: The final season of this action-packed anime is highly anticipated.
Anime Movies in 2024
2024 also saw the release of several notable anime movies, including:
Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram: This movie became the highest-grossing film in the Detective Conan franchise.
My Oni Girl: A heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure.
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom
Mononoke The Movie: Phantom In The Rain
Final Thoughts
The Japanese Animation TV Ranking for June 2-8 provides valuable insights into the viewing habits and preferences of anime fans in Japan. The enduring popularity of long-running series, the emergence of new hits, and the growing interest in live-action adaptations all contribute to the dynamic landscape of the anime industry. As the year progresses, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve and which new anime will capture the hearts of audiences.
