Sazae-san once again led the Japanese animation TV rankings for the week of September 15-21, 2025, continuing its long-standing popularity with a 6.2% average household rating. Classic series like Detective Conan and Chibi Maruko-chan also secured top spots, highlighting the enduring appeal of established franchises in the Kanto region.
Top Animated Programs
The latest television ratings, compiled by Video Research based on data from Japan’s Kanto region, demonstrate a consistent viewership for staple anime programs. While the live-action morning drama Anpan garnered significant ratings, topping the overall list with a 17.7% rating on Thursday, September 18, and 11.6% on Saturday, September 20, the animated landscape saw familiar titles holding strong.
Long-Running Classics Maintain Stronghold
- Sazae-san (Fuji TV): Airing on Sunday, September 21, at 6:30 p.m., the beloved family anime achieved a 6.2% rating, reinforcing its position as a weekend viewing tradition.
- Detective Conan (NTV): The popular detective series, broadcast on Saturday, September 20, at 6:00 p.m., secured a robust 5.1% rating.
- Chibi Maruko-chan (Fuji TV): Another Sunday evening favorite, Chibi Maruko-chan, which aired at 6:00 p.m. on September 21, recorded a 4.9% rating.
These programs consistently appear at the top of weekly rankings, underscoring their cultural significance and loyal viewership across generations.
Other Noteworthy Animated Series
Beyond the top three, several other animated series captured significant viewership during the week:
- Doraemon (TV Asahi): The iconic robotic cat’s adventures on Saturday, September 20, at 5:00 p.m. earned a 2.7% rating.
- You and Idol Precure♪ (TV Asahi): This magical girl series, airing on Sunday, September 21, at 8:30 a.m., achieved a 2.6% rating.
- One Piece (Fuji TV): The long-running pirate epic, shown on Sunday, September 21, at 11:15 p.m., also garnered a 2.6% rating.
- GeGeGe no Kitarō Watashi no Aishita Rekidai Gegege (finale) (Fuji TV): The rerun’s finale on Sunday, September 21, at 9:00 a.m., along with Gachiakuta, both received a 2.3% rating.
- Gachiakuta (TBS): This series, airing Sunday, September 21, at 11:30 p.m., matched GeGeGe no Kitarō‘s 2.3% rating.
- Yaiba: Samurai Legend (NTV): Broadcast on Saturday, September 20, at 5:30 p.m., it also earned a 2.3% rating.
- Crayon Shin-chan (TV Asahi): The mischievous kindergartner’s show on Saturday, September 20, at 4:30 p.m., registered a 2.2% rating.
- Animated O-saru no George (Curious George) (NHK-E): This animated adaptation, shown Saturday, September 20, at 8:35 a.m., had a 1.6% rating.
Methodology of Ratings
The reported television ratings are estimates representing the percentage of the population watching a given program. These figures are based on data collected from a survey of households within Japan’s Kanto region and do not account for recordings viewed at a later time.
