Timeless Anime That Still Dominate Japan

One Piece: Still the King

With over 1,000 episodes and a live-action adaptation under its belt, One Piece is more than an anime — it’s a cultural monolith. It’s consistently ranked among Japan’s most-watched shows, boosted by Toei’s strategic seasonal arcs and theatrical drops.

Dragon Ball & Naruto: Evergreens for Every Generation

Dragon Ball Super and Boruto maintain strong domestic presence via TV broadcasts and merchandising ecosystems. These aren’t just shows — they’re IP juggernauts with legacy appeal.

Detective Conan: Japan’s Underrated Global Giant

Almost unknown in the West, Detective Conan routinely beats out global darlings in Japanese viewership charts. It’s a masterclass in sustained local popularity.

Japan’s Top Trending Anime in 2025

Frieren: Beyond the Journey’s End

Winner of multiple seasonal awards, Frieren explores post-hero life with emotional depth and strong character arcs. Japanese viewers resonate deeply with its mature storytelling.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2

Maomao’s return continues to grip audiences. The blend of court intrigue, historical realism, and slow-burn mystery makes it a top seasonal hit in Japan.

Solo Leveling & Dandadan

Though based on Korean and manga origins respectively, both shows broke into the top 5 of spring anime lists in Japan. Their international pedigree didn’t stop them from becoming domestic sensations.

Witch Watch and Sakamoto Days

Both from the pages of Shonen Jump, they’re prime candidates for sleeper-to-mainstream success as adaptations gain steam.

Award Winners and Critical Darlings

Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025

Solo Leveling and Dandadan dominated both domestic and international categories, signaling rare alignment in taste and quality. Don’t sleep on these dual-market dynamos.

Newtype Anime Awards & Oricon Rankings

Frieren and Apothecary Diaries continue to win hearts — and hardware. These accolades signal long-tail streaming value.

Box Office vs Broadcast: What’s Driving Popularity?

From Infinity Train to Castle Finales

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train smashed every box office record. With Infinity Castle on the horizon, theatrical anime continues to fuel nationwide frenzy — not just merch but prime-time promos and tourism tie-ins.

TV Networks Still Matter in Japan

Unlike the West, Japan’s anime dominance is still tied to broadcast power. Kingdom and Detective Conan benefit from strong Saturday night slots.

Streaming vs Domestic Rankings

Netflix’s Top Anime Japan’s Favorites

Globally, Netflix sees repeat plays of One Piece, Naruto, and Attack on Titan. But domestic charts — like Video Research Ltd’s weekly rankings — tell a different story. Japanese viewers prioritize depth and emotional payoff over bingeable action alone.

Hidden Gems Loved More in Japan

Spy × Family, Detective Conan, Kingdom

All top 10 in Japanese household viewership — but rarely prioritized by global streamers for premium slots. The reason? Misalignment in localization strategy and audience insight.