The Japanese animation TV rankings for April 7-13, 2025, are in! Let’s dive into which series captured the hearts (and TV screens) of viewers across the Kanto region. From long-running classics to exciting new entries, the list offers a glimpse into the diverse world of Japanese anime and television.
The Reigning Champs: Familiar Faces at the Top
As usual, some of the most beloved and enduring anime series continue to hold their own at the top of the charts. These shows have become staples of Japanese television, attracting viewers of all ages week after week.
- Sazae-san: This iconic family anime remains a ratings juggernaut, securing the top spot with an 8.1% rating. Airing on Fuji TV every Sunday at 6:30 PM, Sazae-san’s timeless appeal continues to resonate with audiences.
- Chibi Maruko-chan: Another long-running favorite, Chibi Maruko-chan, also on Fuji TV, follows closely behind with a 6.2% rating. The slice-of-life comedy about a young girl and her everyday adventures continues to charm viewers.
- Detective Conan: The ever-popular detective series maintains its strong presence, earning a 5.6% rating on NTV. Conan’s thrilling cases and engaging characters keep fans tuning in every Saturday at 6:00 PM.
Newcomers and Fan Favorites Making Waves
While the classics continue to dominate, other notable series and specials also made their mark during this period.
- The Apothecary Diaries: Season 2 of this historical mystery anime is already captivating audiences, achieving a solid 4.9% rating on NTV. This show airs late on Friday nights at 11 PM.
- Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: The debut of this new Gundam series earned a 3.4% rating, sharing its timeslot with a variety show called “Ueda to Onna ga DEEP ni Hoeru Yoru” on NTV.
- One Piece: The globally renowned pirate adventure continues its run, garnering a 3.1% rating on Fuji TV.
- Yaiba: Samurai Legend: This classic action series maintains a dedicated following, achieving a 3.0% rating on NTV.
- You and Idol Precure♪: This magical girl anime is popular among younger viewers, earning a 2.9% rating on TV Asahi.
- Crayon Shin-chan: The mischievous kindergartner continues to entertain, also achieving a 2.9% rating on TV Asahi.
- Detective Conan: Strategy Above the Depths: A 2005 Detective Conan film aired on NTV on Friday, April 11, and earned an 8.6% rating.
Anpan’s Asadora Success
“Anpan,” the newest entry in NHK’s long-running Renzoku Terebi Shōsetsu (Serialized TV Novel) franchise, also known as “Asadora” or Morning Drama, has proven to be a hit. The series is inspired by the life story of Anpanman manga creator Takashi Yanase and his wife Nobuo Komatsu.
- An episode that aired on Thursday, April 10, at 8:00 a.m. earned a 15.7% rating.
- An episode that aired on Monday, April 7, at 8:00 a.m. earned a 15.5% rating.
- An episode that aired on Friday, April 11, at 12:45 p.m. earned a 5.2% rating.
A Look into the Ratings
It’s important to understand what these television ratings represent. The ratings above are an estimate of the percentage of the population that watched a given program, based on data from a survey of households in Japan’s Kanto region. These ratings do not account for recordings watched later. The data is provided by Video Research (Kanto region).
Anime Series With Long Runs
Here are some anime series with a high number of episodes:
- Sazae-san: Currently in production with 2,771 episodes.
- Nintama Rantarō: Currently in production with 2,504 episodes.
- Ojarumaru: Currently in production with 2,082 episodes.
- Oyako Club: Finished in 2013 with 1,818 episodes.
- Doraemon (1979): Finished in 2005 with 1,787 episodes.
- Soreike! Anpanman: Currently in production with 1,683 episodes.
- Crayon Shin-chan: Currently in production with over 1,400 episodes.
Final Thoughts
The Japanese animation TV rankings for April 7-13, 2025, showcase a blend of enduring classics and exciting newcomers. While series like Sazae-san and Chibi Maruko-chan continue to reign supreme, other anime and specials demonstrate the diverse tastes of Japanese viewers. It will be interesting to see how these rankings evolve in the weeks to come!