The Japanese animation television landscape saw some shifts in viewership during the week of January 13th to 19th. While established series maintained a strong presence, a live-action adaptation made a notable debut, capturing significant audience attention. Here’s a breakdown of the top performers in the Kanto region, according to Video Research.
Top Anime Series of the Week
The anime rankings this week show a mix of long-running favorites and some newer series. While the ratings reflect household viewership in the Kanto region, they provide a glimpse into the shows that captivated Japanese audiences during this period.
Chibi Maruko-chan Special Tops the Charts
A special episode of Chibi Maruko-chan, titled Anime-ka 30-shūnen SP – Character Ninki Tōhyō The Best 30, which celebrated the series’ 30th anniversary, dominated the animation rankings, securing a 9.4% rating. The show aired on Fuji TV on Sunday, January 19th, for a 60-minute slot. This special highlights the enduring popularity of this classic anime.
Detective Conan Remains a Strong Contender
Detective Conan, a mainstay in Japanese animation, continues to perform well, securing the second position with a 7.3% rating. The show aired on NTV on Saturday, January 18th. This series consistently maintains a loyal following and high viewership.
Other Notable Anime Series
Several other popular anime series also made it into the top rankings for the week:
Doraemon aired on TV Asahi on Saturday, January 18th, garnering a 4.7% rating. This classic children’s show continues to entertain families across Japan.
Crayon Shin-chan, also on TV Asahi, followed closely with a 3.8% rating on the same Saturday. This show remains a popular choice for younger audiences.
One Piece, a long-running action series, earned a 3.6% rating, airing on Fuji TV on Sunday, January 19th.
My Hero Academia, a popular superhero anime, achieved a 3.4% rating on NTV on Saturday, January 18th.
Star Twinkle Precure, a magical girl anime, secured a 3.3% rating on TV Asahi on Sunday, January 19th.
GeGeGe no Kitarō, a supernatural anime, gained a 3.1% rating on Fuji TV on Sunday, January 19th.
Oshiri Tantei, an animated children’s show, had a 3.0% rating on NHK-E on Saturday, January 18th.
Animated O-saru no George (Curious George) earned a 2.7% rating, also on NHK-E, on Saturday, January 18th.
Live-Action Adaptation Makes a Splash
A notable highlight of the week was the premiere of the live-action adaptation of Toshiya Higashimoto’s Ship of Theseus manga. The first episode aired on TBS on Sunday, January 19th, and earned a significant 11.1% rating. This impressive debut indicates strong viewer interest in live-action adaptations of popular manga. Additionally, the live-action film Kaiji: The Ultimate Gambler aired on NTV on Friday, January 17th, securing a solid 8.1% rating, further highlighting the appeal of live-action adaptations.
Other Notable Ratings
The Shimajiro no Wao! special, which aired on TV Tokyo on Monday, January 13th, had a 0.5% rating. This special aimed at a younger audience, demonstrates that different programming caters to different demographics.
Understanding the Ratings
The television ratings are an estimate of the percentage of households in Japan’s Kanto region that watched the program. These ratings are based on data from a survey of households. Notably, the ratings do not include recordings watched later, emphasizing the viewership of live broadcasts. These numbers are a snapshot of the shows that were watched during the specific time slots.
Winter 2025 Anime Season Overview
The Winter 2025 anime season is well underway, bringing a mix of highly anticipated sequels and exciting new series. Fan favorites like Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Season 2 and The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 are leading the charge, while newcomers like Sakamoto Days are also making a mark. This season is offering a diverse range of genres and stories, capturing the attention of anime enthusiasts.
Popular Sequels
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Season 2: This supernatural anime has secured the top spot in many fan polls, indicating a strong following.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2: Returning with its engaging mystery and historical setting, this series continues to be a favorite.
Solo Leveling Season 2: This action-packed anime is gaining more and more fans.
My Happy Marriage Season 2: This romance anime has a dedicated fan base.
New Anime Series Gaining Popularity
Several new anime series have also captured audience interest:
Sakamoto Days: This action-comedy series has been well-received for its unique premise and animation style.
I Got Married to the Girl I Hate Most in Class: This rom-com is proving to be a popular choice.
I Have a Crush at Work: This workplace romance has captured the interest of many viewers.
Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms: This comedy anime offers a different story to viewers.
Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!: This reverse isekai anime provides a unique take on the genre. It focuses on the cultural differences between a fantasy world and modern Japan, focusing on a young elf experiencing everyday life in Japan.
Other Notable Mentions
Dr. Stone: Science Future: This anime continues to be popular for its unique concept.
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You Season 2: A very interesting title is sure to be eye-catching.
Medalist: A figure skating anime, it is proving to be unique in the season.
Conclusion
The Japanese animation TV rankings for January 13th-19th, 2025, highlight a dynamic viewing landscape with enduring classics, successful live-action adaptations, and exciting new anime series. The premiere of the Ship of Theseus live-action adaptation and the enduring popularity of Chibi Maruko-chan underscore the diverse tastes of Japanese audiences. As the Winter 2025 anime season progresses, it will be interesting to see which series maintain their popularity and which new ones emerge as favorites. The blend of returning favorites and fresh new content continues to make the Japanese animation scene vibrant and engaging.
