Here’s a look at the top-rated anime and animated shows in Japan from April 28th to May 4th, offering insights into viewing trends in the Kanto region. These ratings reflect the percentage of households that tuned into each program. Note that these figures don’t account for delayed viewing via recordings.
Top Anime and Animated TV Shows (April 28 – May 4)
Here’s the ranking of anime and animated shows during the specified period:
April 28, 2024
- Sazae-san, Fuji TV, 6:30 PM, 30 min – 6.7%
- Detective Conan, NTV, 6:00 PM, 30 min – 6.3%
- Chibi Maruko-chan, Fuji TV, 6:00 PM, 30 min – 4.7%
- My Hero Academia Memories, NTV, 5:30 PM, 30 min – 3.2%
- Wonderful Precure!, TV Asahi, 8:30 AM, 30 min – 2.7%
- One Piece, Fuji TV, 9:30 AM, 30 min – 2.6%
The original anime film Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop aired on NHK Educational at 3:30 p.m. and earned a 0.5% rating.
April 27, 2024
- Detective Conan, NTV, 6:00 PM, 30 min – 6.3%
- My Hero Academia Memories, NTV, 5:30 PM, 30 min – 3.2%
- Doraemon, TV Asahi, 5:00 PM, 30 min – 2.4%
- Crayon Shin-chan, TV Asahi, 4:30 PM, 30 min – 2.4%
- Animated O-saru no George (Curious George), NHK-E, 8:35 AM, 25 min – 1.6%
April 26, 2024
- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime season 3, NTV, 11:00 PM, 30 min – 2.8%
May 5, 2024
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc Tsunaida Kizuna-hen (marathon rerun part 2), Fuji TV, 7:00 PM, 193 min – 8.1%
- Sazae-san, Fuji TV, 6:30 PM, 30 min – 6.7%
- Chibi Maruko-chan, Fuji TV, 6:00 PM, 30 min – 4.8%
- One Piece, Fuji TV, 9:30 AM, 30 min – 2.6%
May 4, 2024
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc Tekishū-hen (marathon rerun part 1), Fuji TV, 7:00 PM, 154 min – 6.7%
- Detective Conan, NTV, 6:00 PM, 30 min – 5.4%
- Crayon Shin-chan, TV Asahi, 4:30 PM, 30 min – 2.8%
- Doraemon, TV Asahi, 5:00 PM, 30 min – 2.8%
- My Hero Academia season 7 (premiere), NTV, 5:30 PM, 30 min – 2.8%
May 3, 2024
- The Cat Returns film aired on NTV at 9:00 p.m. and earned a 6.8% rating.
- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime season 3, NTV, 11:00 PM, 30 min – 3.0%
- Kaiketsu Zorori: Lalala♪ Star Tanjō anime film aired on NHK Educational at 8:50 a.m. and earned a 1.1% rating.
April 29, 2024
- Eiga Oshiri Tantei Shiriarty anime film aired on NHK Educational at 8:45 a.m. and earned a 0.8% rating.
Observations
- Sazae-san and Detective Conan consistently rank high, demonstrating their enduring popularity.
- The Demon Slayer marathon reruns also achieved high ratings.
- My Hero Academia maintains a solid viewership, with the premiere of Season 7 also garnering interest.
- Several long-running series like Chibi Maruko-chan, Doraemon, Crayon Shin-chan, and One Piece continue to perform well.
Factors Influencing Anime Popularity
Several factors contribute to the enduring success of certain anime titles:
- Nostalgia: Long-running series like Sazae-san and Chibi Maruko-chan have become cultural touchstones, attracting audiences who have grown up with them.
- Franchise Power: Titles like Detective Conan, One Piece, and My Hero Academia benefit from established fanbases across multiple media formats, including manga, movies, and video games.
- Accessibility: Many popular anime series are broadcast during prime family viewing times, making them easily accessible to a broad audience.
- Cultural Relevance: Anime often reflects contemporary social trends and cultural values, resonating with viewers of all ages.
- Storytelling: Compelling narratives, engaging characters, and high-quality animation are crucial for attracting and retaining viewers.
The Enduring Appeal of Anime in Japan
Anime’s popularity in Japan is deeply rooted in the country’s culture and history. From classic family-friendly shows to action-packed adventures, anime offers something for everyone. Its influence extends beyond entertainment, shaping fashion, art, and even technology. The consistent presence of anime in TV rankings underscores its significance in Japanese society.
Looking Ahead
The anime landscape is constantly evolving, with new series emerging alongside established favorites. The trends observed in these rankings reflect the dynamic nature of the industry and the enduring appeal of Japanese animation. It will be interesting to see how these rankings shift in the coming weeks and months.
