The latest Japanese animation television rankings for the week of January 20-26 reveal the enduring popularity of classic series, alongside strong showings from new releases and films. “Sazae-san” continues its reign at the top, while a live-action movie adaptation also made a significant impact.
Top Anime Series of the Week
The rankings, based on data from Video Research in Japan’s Kanto region, reflect the percentage of households watching each program, not including later recordings. Here’s a look at the top performers:
- Sazae-san (Fuji TV, January 26, 6:30 PM): This long-running family anime secured the top spot with an impressive 8.5% rating, maintaining its consistent popularity.
- Detective Conan (NTV, January 25, 6:00 PM): The beloved detective series came in second place with a 6.4% rating, showing its continued appeal to viewers.
- Chibi Maruko-chan (Fuji TV, January 26, 6:00 PM): Another enduring family favorite, Chibi Maruko-chan, garnered a 5.6% rating.
Other Notable Performances
Several other anime series also achieved solid ratings during the week:
- Blue Miburo (NTV, January 25, 5:30 PM): This series earned a 3.5% rating.
- The Apothecary Diaries (NTV, January 24, 11:30 PM): Season 2 of The Apothecary Diaries also pulled in a 3.5% rating, demonstrating its growing fanbase.
- Doraemon (TV Asahi, January 25, 5:00 PM): The timeless classic, Doraemon, achieved a 3.0% rating, proving its continued popularity across generations.
- Crayon Shin-chan (TV Asahi, January 25, 4:30 PM): The mischievous Crayon Shin-chan earned a 2.7% rating, highlighting its enduring appeal.
- Dragon Ball Daima (Fuji TV, January 24, 11:40 PM): The latest installment in the Dragon Ball franchise, Dragon Ball Daima, also recorded a 2.7% rating.
- Wonderful Precure! (finale) (TV Asahi, January 26, 8:30 AM): The finale of Wonderful Precure! earned a 2.6% rating.
- One Piece (Fuji TV, January 26, 9:30 AM): The ever-popular pirate adventure, One Piece, achieved a 2.5% rating.
- Oshiri Tantei (NHK-E, January 25, 9:00 AM): This detective series for children received a 1.8% rating.
Live-Action Adaptation Success
The second Tokyo Revengers 2 live-action film aired on Fuji TV on Saturday, January 25 at 9:00 p.m., and earned an impressive 4.4% rating. This demonstrates the popularity of the franchise and its success in adapting to a live-action format.
Analysis of the Rankings
The rankings highlight a mix of classic and contemporary anime that resonate with audiences in Japan. “Sazae-san” continues to be a powerhouse, a testament to its longstanding appeal and family-friendly nature. Meanwhile, series like Detective Conan, Chibi Maruko-chan, and Doraemon demonstrate the lasting popularity of well-established franchises.
The success of The Apothecary Diaries is also noteworthy, as it continues to build on its strong performance since its debut. The presence of Dragon Ball Daima and One Piece further cements the importance of action-oriented anime in the Japanese television landscape.
The live-action Tokyo Revengers 2 film’s strong showing indicates that adaptations can successfully capture the interest of viewers, especially when based on popular manga and anime series.
Streaming Trends
While TV ratings provide a snapshot of viewing habits, streaming data reveals another layer of anime popularity. According to a recent report by U-Next, a major Japanese streaming platform, The Apothecary Diaries was the most streamed anime in 2024, followed by Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. This suggests that while traditional TV remains relevant, streaming services are also significant drivers of anime consumption.
Broader Anime Landscape
Beyond the specific rankings, the anime industry continues to thrive with numerous new series and continuations of popular franchises. Shows like Oshi no Ko, Dandadan, Mashle Season 2, and Delicious in Dungeon have also gained significant traction. Long-running series like My Hero Academia also continue to be popular. This continuous output of new content ensures that the anime market remains vibrant.
Conclusion
The Japanese animation TV rankings for January 20-26 showcase the blend of enduring classics and newer series that captivate Japanese audiences. “Sazae-san” continues to dominate, while Detective Conan and Chibi Maruko-chan remain strong contenders. The strong rating for the Tokyo Revengers 2 live-action film also demonstrates that live-action adaptations of anime and manga can be highly successful. The streaming data for 2024 further emphasizes the growing importance of digital platforms in the anime landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see which series maintain their popularity and which newcomers emerge as fan favorites.
