The Japanese animation scene continues to captivate audiences, with the latest TV rankings showcasing a mix of beloved classics and exciting new premieres. For the week of January 6th to 12th, a re-airing of the Studio Ghibli masterpiece, Howl’s Moving Castle, dominated the charts, while new series also made their mark.
Animated Film Captures Top Spot
Hayao Miyazaki’s acclaimed film, Howl’s Moving Castle, aired on NTV on Friday, January 10th at 9:00 p.m. and secured an impressive 11.0% rating. This performance highlights the enduring popularity of Studio Ghibli’s work and its ability to draw in viewers even years after its initial release. The film’s enchanting story, coupled with its breathtaking animation, clearly continues to resonate with Japanese audiences.
Weekly TV Anime Rankings
While Howl’s Moving Castle took the top spot, several ongoing anime series also maintained strong viewership. Here’s a breakdown of the top shows from January 6th to 12th:
- Sazae-san (Fuji TV, January 12th, 6:30 PM): This long-running family favorite continues to hold a strong position with a 7.5% rating. Its consistent performance demonstrates its status as a staple in Japanese television.
- Detective Conan (NTV, January 11th, 6:00 PM): The popular detective series secured a solid 6.5% rating. This enduring mystery anime remains a firm favorite with its loyal fan base.
- Chibi Maruko-chan (Fuji TV, January 12th, 6:00 PM): Another long-running series, Chibi Maruko-chan, achieved a 5.2% rating, proving its lasting appeal to viewers of all ages.
These three shows demonstrate the enduring appeal of classic and long-running anime series in Japan. Their consistent viewership highlights their position as cultural touchstones in the Japanese entertainment landscape.
New Series Debuts
The week also saw the premiere of highly anticipated new series.
- The Apothecary Diaries (NTV, January 10th, 11:40 PM): The second season premiere of The Apothecary Diaries garnered a notable 4.8% rating. This strong start suggests the show is poised to be a hit this season, building on the success of its first season. The series is highly anticipated, with many in Japan eagerly awaiting its return, based on the results of the “Winter 2025: What to Watch” survey.
Other Notable Series
Several other shows also made the rankings, showcasing the diversity of anime available:
- Doraemon (TV Asahi, January 11th, 5:00 PM): The timeless classic Doraemon maintained a respectable 3.8% rating. The beloved series has continued its run for decades.
- Crayon Shin-chan (TV Asahi, January 11th, 4:30 PM): Crayon Shin-chan also performed steadily, earning a 3.6% rating. This family favorite continues to provide laughs.
- Blue Miburo (NTV, January 11th, 5:30 PM): This series recorded a 3.2% rating.
- Wonderful Precure! (TV Asahi, January 12th, 8:30 AM): The magical girl series Wonderful Precure! captured 2.7% of viewers.
- Phoenix (NHK, January 8th, 11:00 PM): This series had a rating of 2.6%.
- Animated O-saru no George (Curious George) (NHK-E, January 11th, 8:35 AM): The classic children’s series earned a 1.6% rating.
- Oshiri Tantei (NHK-E, January 11th, 9:00 AM): This series also earned a 1.6% rating.
Methodology and Interpretation
It’s important to note that these television ratings are estimates based on data from a survey of households in the Kanto region of Japan. The ratings represent the percentage of households watching a particular program and do not include recordings viewed later. The data is provided by Video Research, a well-known audience measurement company in Japan. These numbers provide valuable insight into the viewing habits of the Japanese population, highlighting popular series and providing data for advertisers.
What’s Coming Up in 2025?
Looking ahead, the anime landscape in 2025 is packed with highly anticipated titles. Several shows are already generating significant buzz:
- Solo Leveling: Season 2 of this series premiered on January 4th and is expected to maintain its popularity. The series follows Sung Jinwoo, who gains the ability to level up in a world where monsters invade from another dimension. This South Korean fantasy anime has garnered significant attention for its unique premise and high-quality animation.
- Lazarus: This new cyberpunk series created by ShinichirÅ Watanabe, the mind behind Cowboy Bebop, is one of the most anticipated new shows of 2025. The series, set in 2052 after a miracle vaccine backfires, features action direction by Chad Stahelski of John Wick.
- Dan Da Dan: The second season of Dan Da Dan is also set to premiere this summer.
Other Highly Anticipated Titles
Many other anime series are also expected to make a big impact in 2025. These include returning favorites like:
- One Piece (22nd Season)
- One Punch Man (Season 3)
- Films from popular franchises like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and Demon Slayer.
There is also a great deal of interest in new series and adaptations, with The Apothecary Diaries and Dr. Stone: Science Future being two of the most highly anticipated among fans.
The Manga Connection
The ongoing demand for new anime adaptations is clear with the AnimeJapan 2025 “Manga We Want To See Animated Ranking”. This event encourages fans to vote for their favorite manga that has yet to receive an anime adaptation, highlighting the relationship between manga and anime production. The top ten entries will be exhibited at AnimeJapan 2025 in March.
Conclusion
The Japanese animation TV rankings for January 6th to 12th illustrate a dynamic industry where classic films and series continue to draw large audiences while new and exciting content finds its place. The success of Howl’s Moving Castle and the strong start for the second season of The Apothecary Diaries underscore the enduring appeal of Japanese animation. As 2025 progresses, viewers can anticipate a wide range of exciting new shows and returning favorites, promising another great year for anime. The diversity in the rankings, from long-running family shows to action-packed adventures, showcases the broad appeal and continued innovation within the anime industry.
