The latest Japanese animation television rankings are in, offering a glimpse into what captured the attention of viewers in Japan between December 30, 2024, and January 5, 2025. The data, compiled from a survey of households in Japan’s Kanto region, reveals a mix of live-action adaptations, animated films, and popular series that dominated the airwaves. It’s important to note that these ratings reflect the percentage of the population watching a program in real-time and do not include recordings watched later.
Live-Action Adaptations Take the Spotlight
During this holiday period, several live-action adaptations of popular manga and light novels performed strongly. Don’t Call It Mystery, a live-action film based on Yumi Tamura’s manga, aired on Fuji TV on Saturday, January 4th, at 9:00 p.m. and achieved an impressive 8.9% rating, making it a top performer. Another notable live-action adaptation was My Happy Marriage, based on Akumi Agitogi’s light novel series. It aired on TBS on Friday, January 3rd, at 11:25 p.m. and earned a 3.9% rating. Additionally, the live-action film of Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure spinoff, Thus Spoke Rohan Kishibe, aired on NHK on Saturday, January 4th, at 12:10 a.m., achieving a 1.3% rating.
Animated Films and Specials
While live-action adaptations were prominent, animated films and specials also had their moment. The Super Mario Bros. Movie aired on Fuji TV on Tuesday, December 31st, at 7:00 p.m. and earned a 4.1% rating. A film adaptation of Fanworks’ anime, Zannen na Ikimono Jiten (Encyclopedia of Pitiful Creatures), aired on NHK Educational on Tuesday, December 31st, at 12:30 p.m., earning a 0.9% rating. A special episode of Chibi Maruko-chan, titled Arigatō! Anime-ka 35-shūnen Shinshun 1-jikan Special, aired on Fuji TV on Sunday, January 5th, at 6:00 p.m. and garnered a solid 6.0% rating, celebrating the show’s 35th anniversary. The animated film, Osomatsu-san ~Hipipo-Zoku to Kagayaku Kajitsu~, aired on TV Tokyo on Wednesday, January 1st, at 1:40 a.m. and received a 0.6% rating.
Popular Anime Series and Marathons
Several anime series also maintained a steady viewership, demonstrating the continued popularity of the medium in Japan. While specific ratings for individual series were not provided for this period, the rankings highlight the ongoing interest in anime among Japanese audiences. The Detective Conan anime, a long-running series, had a new episode air on NTV on Saturday, January 4th, at 6:00 p.m.
A marathon of the live-action series Kodoku no Gourmet (Solitary Gourmet) also drew significant viewership, with three segments airing on TV Tokyo on Tuesday, December 31st, at 9:11 a.m., 11:55 p.m., and 8:15 a.m. earning ratings of 7.5%, 6.9%, and 7.0%, respectively. Another episode of the marathon aired on Wednesday, January 1st, at 2:00 p.m. and earned a 6.3% rating.
Winter 2025 Anime Season Heats Up
The start of the new year also marks the beginning of the Winter 2025 anime season. Several highly anticipated series are making their debut or continuing with new seasons. Crunchyroll has announced a packed lineup including the second season of Solo Leveling, titled Arise from the Shadow, premiering Saturday, January 4th. Also, Dragon Ball Daima is a new addition to the lineup, premiering on Fridays. Other notable series include the second season of Toilet-bound Hanako-kun, and the continuation of Shangri-La Frontier.
New and Returning Favorites
The Winter 2025 season is bringing a mix of new titles and returning favorites, providing a variety of options for anime fans. Solo Leveling Season 2 is one of the most anticipated series, following Jinwoo as he battles humanity’s toughest foes. Dragon Ball DAIMA sees Goku embarking on a new adventure, capturing the attention of long time fans. The second season of The Apothecary Diaries, is also gaining popularity as of the second week of the season. Other popular series include Sakamoto Days, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Season 2, and Blue Box.
Anime’s Global Impact
The popularity of anime extends far beyond Japan, with many series gaining international recognition and influencing pop culture worldwide. Anime has also inspired culinary adventures, with many international fans trying Japanese cuisine after seeing it in their favorite shows. According to a survey, 51% of respondents had tried Japanese food after seeing it in anime, with Naruto and Food Wars! Shokugeki no Sōma being the top two most influential titles. Ramen has become the most popular Japanese food tried by international fans due to its frequent appearance in anime.
Anime Styles and Adaptations
Despite some misconceptions, Japanese animation styles vary greatly. While some may think all anime looks the same, due to popular shonen series, there is a wide variety of art styles and animation techniques, spanning across different genres and studios. Anime adaptations of manga and other works often draw large fanbases and can become some of the most-watched series. However, not all adaptations are successful, and some fail to capture the essence of the original source material.
Conclusion
The Japanese animation TV rankings for December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025, reflect a diverse range of content that captivated audiences in Japan during the holiday season. From live-action adaptations to animated films, and popular series, there was something for every viewer. The Winter 2025 season promises to bring even more exciting new and returning series, continuing to influence audiences both in Japan and internationally. The global appeal of anime is undeniable, with its influence on fashion, cuisine, and other facets of pop culture.
