Sazae-san, Japan's Most Watched & Longest TV Anime, Gets 1st Overseas TV Launch

Sazae-san Anime to Air in Taiwan for the First Time
The beloved anime series Sazae-san is set to make its debut on Taiwanese television, marking the first time the show will be broadcast on regular overseas television. Starting this Monday, viewers in Taiwan can tune in to MOMOTV cable television service at 7:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday to watch the iconic family anime.
Muse Communication to Distribute the Series
Muse Communication Co., Ltd., an anime licensing and distribution company, will be responsible for bringing Sazae-san to Taiwanese audiences. According to the company, there is a strong demand among Taiwanese television stations for family-friendly programming that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages. Other family-oriented anime series, such as Crayon Shin-chan and ATASHIn'CHI, have already garnered a significant following in Taiwan over the years.
A Long-Running Anime Legacy
Sazae-san, which is based on Machiko Hasegawa's family life manga, first premiered as an anime adaptation in Japan in October 1969. The series has consistently ranked as one of the most popular animated programs in Japan, capturing the hearts of viewers for decades.
Guinness World Record Holder
In 2013, Sazae-san was recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-running animated television series, having been on the air for 45 years. This record was further extended in 2019, coinciding with Sazae's voice actress, Midori Kato, receiving her own Guinness World Record for "the longest career as a voice actor for the same character in an animated television series," celebrating her remarkable 50-year contribution to the show. The series and Kato's record were again extended to 55 years in 2024, further solidifying its place in television history.
Sponsorship Challenges in Recent Years
In February 2025, Sazae-san faced a rare situation when it aired without sponsors for the first time in 14 years. This occurred after a scandal involving former SMAP member Masahiro Nakai was reported. However, the series was able to regain two corporate sponsors after 11 weeks in April 2025. Prior to this, Sazae-san had last aired without sponsors in 2011, following the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami.