Japan TV Anime Ratings: Who Topped the Charts This Week?
The latest television ratings from Japan's Kanto region are in, offering a fascinating glimpse into what audiences were tuning into last week. With a mix of long-standing classics, exciting new seasons, and special film broadcasts, the viewership landscape presented some clear winners and notable performances. Let's delve into the top-ranking anime and special broadcasts.
The Undisputed Reign of Classic Anime
Once again, Sazae-san solidified its position as Japan's most-watched animated program. Airing on Fuji TV on Sunday, July 12, at 6:30 PM JST, the beloved family classic pulled in an impressive 7.2% average household rating. This consistent performance underscores the enduring appeal of Sazae-san, a cultural institution that continues to draw massive viewership across generations. Its Sunday evening slot remains prime real estate for capturing a wide family audience.
Close on its heels, Detective Conan made a triumphant return from its break, ranking a strong second. The popular mystery anime, broadcast on NTV on Saturday, July 11, at 6:00 PM JST, achieved a robust 5.6% rating. This strong showing demonstrates the unwavering loyalty of its fanbase and its continued relevance in the competitive Saturday evening slot. For a show returning after a hiatus, this is an excellent indicator of its health and popularity.
Rounding out the top three animated programs was another Sunday evening staple, Chibi Maruko-chan. Also airing on Fuji TV at 6:00 PM JST on July 12, it secured a solid 5.5% rating. Positioned just before Sazae-san, Chibi Maruko-chan consistently performs well, contributing to Fuji TV's strong Sunday evening animation block. Its humor and relatable slice-of-life stories resonate deeply with viewers.
Late-Night and Afternoon Fan Favorites
The newer crop of anime series also carved out their niches. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime season 3 aired on NTV late on Friday, July 10, at 11:15 PM JST, and garnered a commendable 3.0% rating. For a late-night slot, this is a strong performance, highlighting the dedicated following of the popular Isekai series. Its success in this timeframe indicates a committed adult and young adult audience willing to tune in for new episodes.
Following on Saturday, July 11, Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 3: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke was broadcast on NTV at 5:30 PM JST, achieving a 2.7% rating. This earlier afternoon slot positions it well for viewers seeking engaging fantasy content before the prime-time rush. Its steady rating suggests a solid core audience for this critically acclaimed series.
The weekend mornings and afternoons also featured familiar faces. A Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba series rebroadcast on Fuji TV on Sunday, July 12, at 9:30 AM JST, secured a 2.5% rating. Even as a rebroadcast, Demon Slayer continues to attract significant viewership, proving its immense popularity and drawing power even outside of new episode premieres.
On Saturday afternoon, Doraemon on TV Asahi at 5:00 PM JST recorded a 2.4% rating, closely followed by Crayon Shin-chan at 4:30 PM JST on the same day and station, with a 2.3% rating. These two iconic children's programs consistently perform well, serving as reliable entertainment for younger audiences and families during the weekend.
The early morning children's block on NHK-E saw Bluey at 8:10 AM JST and Animated O-saru no George (Curious George) at 8:35 AM JST, both on July 11, drawing a respectable 1.7% rating each. These international favorites continue to be strong performers in their respective early morning slots, capturing the attention of preschool and early elementary school viewers.
Special Edition Films on Television
Beyond the regular series, special film broadcasts also entered the ratings picture. The live-action film Kingdom Special Edition aired on NTV on Friday, July 10, at 9:00 PM JST, achieving a 5.5% rating. While not an anime, its strong performance provides context for general television viewership habits during prime time.
Earlier on Friday, July 10, at 10:55 AM JST, the first part of the 2025 Soreike! Anpanman: Chapon no Hero! anime film was broadcast on NTV, earning a 1.8% rating. This morning slot for a children's film indicates a focused audience, likely preschoolers and their caregivers, making the rating quite respectable for its specific demographic and broadcast time.
The Viewership Landscape: Key Takeaways
The latest ratings data from the Kanto region reaffirms the enduring power of classic animation in Japan, with Sazae-san, Detective Conan, and Chibi Maruko-chan consistently leading the pack. Newer anime series like That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime season 3 and Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 3 demonstrate strong niche appeal, particularly in late-night and early evening slots. Even rebroadcasts of popular titles like Demon Slayer continue to captivate audiences, highlighting the massive reach and loyalty these franchises command. This blend of traditional family viewing and dedicated genre fandom paints a diverse and vibrant picture of television consumption across the nation.
