Here’s a snapshot of the most-watched anime and animated shows in Japan from April 14th to April 20th, 2025, offering insights into the viewing habits of Japanese audiences. The rankings are based on average household ratings in the Kanto region, providing a glimpse into the popularity of various titles.
Top Anime TV Rankings (April 14-20, 2025)
| Title | Station | Date | Time | Length | Average Household Rating |
| ————————– | ——— | ———– | ——- | —— | ———————— |
| Sazae-san | Fuji TV | April 20 (Sun) | 18:30 | 30 min | 7.0% |
| Detective Conan | NTV | April 19 (Sat) | 18:00 | 30 min | 5.4% |
| Chibi Maruko-chan | Fuji TV | April 20 (Sun) | 18:00 | 30 min | 5.2% |
| The Apothecary Diaries | NTV | April 18 (Fri) | 23:25 | 30 min | 4.7% |
| Ueda to Onna ga DEEP ni Hoeru Yoru / Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX | NTV | April 15 (Tues) | 23:59 | 60 min | 3.1% |
| One Piece | Fuji TV | April 20 (Sun) | 23:15 | 30 min | 2.8% |
| You and Idol Precure♪ | TV Asahi | April 20 (Sun) | 08:30 | 30 min | 2.7% |
| Yaiba: Samurai Legend | NTV | April 19 (Sat) | 17:30 | 30 min | 2.7% |
| Doraemon | TV Asahi | April 19 (Sat) | 17:00 | 30 min | 2.4% |
| Oshiri Tantei | NHK-E | April 19 (Sat) | 09:00 | 20 min | 1.7% |
| Animated O-saru no George (Curious George) | NHK-E | April 19 (Sat) | 08:35 | 25 min | 1.6% |
Key Observations:
- Sazae-san Still Reigns Supreme: The long-running family-friendly anime Sazae-san continues its dominance, securing the top spot with a 7.0% rating. Its enduring appeal showcases its cultural significance in Japan.
- Detective Conan Remains a Staple: Detective Conan holds a strong position, consistently drawing a sizable audience.
- The Apothecary Diaries Gains Traction: Season 2 of The Apothecary Diaries is making waves, earning a solid 4.7% rating and demonstrating its growing popularity.
- Gundam Still Has a Following: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, while listed alongside a variety show, still commands a respectable viewership.
- Classic Anime Endure: Titles like One Piece, Doraemon, and Chibi Maruko-chan maintain their popularity, proving the lasting appeal of these iconic series.
- Children’s Shows Perform Well: You and Idol Precure♪, Oshiri Tantei, and Curious George indicate the strength of children’s programming in the rankings.
Other Notable Mentions:
- The Detective Conan: Hyakuman Doru no Michishirube (Case Closed: The Million-dollar Pentagram) film aired on NTV on Friday, April 18, and earned an impressive 8.3% rating.
- An episode of Anpan, the newest entry in NHK’s long-running “Asadora” franchise, aired on Tuesday, April 15, and earned a 15.9% rating. Another episode aired on Monday, April 14, earning a 5.4% rating.
Factors Influencing Anime Popularity
Several factors contribute to the popularity and rankings of anime in Japan:
- Target Audience: Anime caters to a wide range of demographics, from young children to adults. Shows targeting families or specific age groups often perform well due to their broad appeal.
- Cultural Relevance: Anime deeply rooted in Japanese culture, traditions, and values tend to resonate strongly with local audiences.
- Franchise Power: Established franchises with long histories, such as Gundam, One Piece, and Detective Conan, benefit from loyal fan bases and consistent viewership.
- Time Slot: The time at which an anime airs significantly impacts its viewership. Shows broadcast during prime family viewing hours tend to attract larger audiences.
- Critical Acclaim and Word-of-Mouth: Positive reviews, strong word-of-mouth, and social media buzz can contribute to an anime’s popularity and viewership.
- Adaptation Quality: For anime adapted from manga or other source materials, the quality of the adaptation plays a crucial role in its success. Faithful and well-produced adaptations are more likely to resonate with fans.
- Nostalgia: Some anime evoke nostalgia among viewers who grew up watching them. These shows often enjoy enduring popularity and consistent viewership.
The Evolving Anime Landscape
The anime industry is constantly evolving, with new shows and trends emerging regularly. Streaming platforms have expanded access to anime content globally, introducing Japanese animation to new audiences. However, television broadcasts remain a significant platform for anime in Japan, as evidenced by these rankings.
Key Trends in Anime
- Isekai Genre: The isekai genre, where characters are transported to another world, remains popular.
- Adaptations: Many popular anime are adaptations of successful manga, light novels, or video games.
- Slice-of-Life: Slice-of-life anime, which depict everyday experiences, continue to resonate with audiences.
- Fantasy and Action: Fantasy and action anime with intricate plots and compelling characters maintain a strong following.
The Impact of Anime on Japanese Culture
Anime has a profound impact on Japanese culture, influencing fashion, music, art, and even language. Popular anime often become cultural touchstones, with fans engaging in cosplay, attending conventions, and collecting merchandise. Anime also serves as a vehicle for promoting Japanese culture and tourism, attracting international visitors eager to experience the world depicted in their favorite shows.
Anime Tourism
Anime tourism, also known as “content tourism,” is a growing trend in Japan. Fans visit real-world locations that have been featured in anime, seeking to immerse themselves in the world of their favorite shows. Local communities often embrace anime tourism, creating themed attractions and events to attract visitors.
Anime and Education
Anime is increasingly used as an educational tool in Japan and around the world. Some schools use anime to teach history, culture, and language. Anime’s engaging visuals and compelling stories can make learning more accessible and enjoyable for students.
Anime Beyond Japan
The popularity of anime extends far beyond Japan, with fans around the world embracing Japanese animation. Streaming services have played a key role in popularizing anime internationally, making it easier for viewers to access a wide range of titles.
Anime Conventions
Anime conventions are held in cities around the world, bringing together fans to celebrate Japanese animation, manga, and culture. These conventions feature cosplay competitions, screenings, panels, and merchandise vendors.
Cosplay
Cosplay, or “costume play,” is a popular activity among anime fans. Cosplayers dress up as their favorite anime characters, often spending months creating elaborate costumes and accessories. Cosplay is a way for fans to express their love for anime and connect with other fans.
The Future of Anime
The future of anime looks bright, with the industry continuing to innovate and expand its reach. As technology evolves, new forms of anime may emerge, such as virtual reality anime and interactive anime experiences. Anime’s ability to captivate audiences and transcend cultural boundaries ensures its enduring popularity in the years to come.
Note: The television ratings are an estimate of the percentage of the population watching a given program, based on data from a survey of households in Japan’s Kanto region. The ratings do not count recordings watched later. Source: Video Research (Kanto region).
