Most Popular Animes In Japan – Detailed List [Updating]

Have you watched any Japanese animation or anime? If yes, do you find it interesting? Well, actually most animes in Japan feature fantastic stories and they are usually about supernatural power. Therefore, they are really worth watching and they are absolutely entertaining. If you are a true lover of Japanese animes, you cannot miss the most popular animes in Japan mentioned in this blog. Now, let’s see what these animes are!

Most Popular Animes In Japan Right Now

Recognizing that discussing the most renowned anime on the internet is akin to writing your name on the infamous Death Note, we want to preface this by acknowledging that this post may not be absolute. We’ve made an effort to rely on objective criteria like online votes, total revenue, and streaming ratings, along with our subjective perspective, but perfection in this matter is elusive.

With this context in mind, based on data gathered from leading global streaming platforms, the indisputable champion in 2022 was Demon Slayer. Remarkably, this relatively recent series dominated as the most-watched anime for five consecutive months, ultimately securing the top spot.

Yet, when we shift the discussion to the most popular anime series of all time, the landscape undergoes a significant transformation. According to research conducted by Diamond Lobby, Naruto takes the crown as the most popular anime series worldwide, and this revelation hardly surprises anyone.

The cultural impact of Naruto is so profound that even individuals who aren’t avid anime enthusiasts recognize its characters and the concept of “Naruto running,” thanks to a plethora of internet memes.

However, within Japan itself, the landscape of popular anime takes a slightly different shape. As per Japan’s foremost ranking website, Goo Ranking, the title of the best anime series of all time goes to Attack on Titan.

It’s worth noting that there are numerous ways to determine an anime’s popularity. While our results are based on a voting-centric platform, others might contend that the most lucrative or widely viewed anime should hold the title of the most popular.

Preferring not to delve into the intricacies of semantics, we’ve opted to present our selections in no specific order. After all, ascertaining the definitive “number 1” is a quest filled with ambiguity. Let’s proceed with our choices.

1. Girlfriend, Girlfriend

Girlfriend, Girlfriend is a trending anime right now in Japan. It’s a romantic comedy manga series following the protagonist named Naoya Mukai, who has recently begun to date his childhood friend Saki Saki after harboring an unrequited love for years.

However, Nagisa Minase, his classmate, also confesses her feelings to him and wants Naoya to be her boyfriend. Finally, he accepts her request after some hesitation and decides to have Saki and Nagisa as girlfriends at the same time.

As Naoya is currently living alone because of his parents’ relocation for employment, Saki and Nagisa opt to live with him. With this decision, they start to encounter obstacles and hurdles in maintaining their love triangle relationship.

If you are finding a trending anime right now in Japan, you should definitely watch “Girlfriend, Girlfriend”!

2. Tokyo Revengers

Takemichi Hanagaki is a freelancer who has fallen into the depths of misery. He finds that his only girlfriend, Hinata Tachibana, whom he dated in middle school, had been murdered by the brutal Tokyo Manji Gang.

The day after hearing about her death, he stands on the station platform and lets a mob of passengers push him over onto the tracks. He closes his eyes, expecting to die, but when he reopens them, he has traveled back in time 12 years.

Now that Takemichi is back in the happiest days of his life. He decides to avenge himself by rescuing his lover and transforming himself into the person he’d been avoiding.

Are you curious about Takemichi’s life on his happiest days? If yes, watch “Tokyo Revengers” now!

3. To Your Eternity

“To your eternity” is also one of the most popular animes in Japan at the moment. This series tells about a mysterious immortal being known simply as “the Orb”, who is sent to the Earth with neither emotions nor identity. This being has the ability to take on the shape of those that leave a strong impression on it.

The being begins as a white sphere, then transforms into a rock, and then into the form of a dying polar wolf. As the Wolf, it encounters a white-haired boy who mistakes it for his dead pet, Joan. When the boy dies from a major wound, the wolf inherits his appearance as its default form.

Now, the being sets off on a never-ending journey, in search of new experiences, places, and people.

How’s the Orb’s journey after it inherits the boy’s appearance? Let’s find out in “To Your Eternity”!

SEE MORE:

• Why Is Anime So Popular?

4. My Hero Academia (Season 5)

“My Hero Academia” is another popular anime series now in Japan. It revolves around a young boy named Izuku Midoriya. He was born in a world where almost everyone has a special power called “quirk”, but he does not have that unique gift.

However, with the assistance of his idol All Might, Izuku finally finds his own power. After realizing his hidden ability, he attends a school training gifted students with quirks to become true heroes.

If you have finished watching 4 seasons of “My Hero Academia”, keep following Season 5 as it is currently airing.

5. The Detective Is Already Dead

This anime is about Kimihiko Kimizuka, who was born with troublesome situations such as being forced to join a flash mob while out on a leisurely walk, stumbling across an underworld drug trade, and being at crime scenes often enough to be sometimes considered a suspect.

One day he is kidnapped and forced to carry a suitcase onto an international flight, where he meets Siesta, a lady who self-proclaims to be a “legendary detective”. Then, Kimihiko is coerced into being her sidekick and helps her stop the plane from being hijacked, but not before discovering the existence of underworld organizations.

After that, Kimihiko and Siesta go on mind-boggling, globe-trotting adventures together while fighting a hidden organization, but it all comes to an end when Siesta dies. Kimihiko tries to return to an ordinary, boring life as a high school student, but things are never that simple.

Now, Kimihiko has met a girl who looks uncannily similar to his former boss.

The story isn’t over yet…

The story continues when Kimihiko meets a girl who looks uncannily similar to his former boss. How’s that story? All about it will be revealed in “The Detective Is Already Dead”!

6. Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan

The anime centers around Uramichi Omota, a 31-year-old former professional gymnast. He appears on TV as a cheerful workout instructor for a children’s show Together with Maman, but he can’t seem to keep his caustic remarks to himself at times.

If you are interested in the cheerful workout instructor in “Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan”, you must check it out right now!

7. Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai

The story opens with a little child named Dai recalling a story given to him by his adopted grandfather, the monster magician Brass, about a hero named Avan defeating the Demon King Hadlar.

After the Demon King Hadlar was defeated, all of the monsters were freed from his evil will, and peace ruled for ten years over the earth. Some monsters and demons relocated to Dermline Island to dwell in peace.

Dai, the series’ young protagonist, is an orphan who is also the island’s only human. Having been fostered by Brass and with his best friend, the monster Gome, Dai grows up dreaming of becoming a hero.

Now, it’s time the adventure of Dai started…

Whether Dai can become a hero as he dreamed? Watch “Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai” to know the answer!

8. The Honor at Magic High School (Mahouka)

Tatsuya Shiba is a bodyguard for his sister Miyuki Shiba, who is also a candidate for the Yotsuba clan’s leadership, one of the Ten Master Clans that governs Japan’s magicians. They enroll in First High School, which divides pupils into groups according to their magical skills.

Miyuki is a first-year student who is considered one of the greatest, but Tatsuya is a second-year student who is considered magically inept. Tatsuya’s technical knowledge, combat talents, and unique magic techniques, on the other hand, cause him to be seen as an outlier in the school’s standardized rankings.

“The Honor at Magic High School” is one of the top animes right now in Japan that should be listed in your “must-watch” anime list.

9. My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!

This anime series is about Catarina Claes, a young daughter of a noble family. One day, she bumps her head and recalls her previous life as an otaku. She then finds she has been reborn into the universe of the otome game Fortune Lover as the game’s villain.

In this game, the player is bound to be exiled or killed no matter which route is taken. So as to avoid these deadly routes, Catarina starts to take countermeasures. However, this has unintended effects on her relationships with the other characters in the game’s world.

What will Catarina do to escape from the deadly game? If you really want to know, check “My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!” out immediately!

10. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Season 2 Part 2)

The main character of the anime is Satoru Mikami, an ordinary 37-year-old corporate worker living in Tokyo. Despite the fact that he has no girlfriend, he is practically pleased with his boring life.

During a casual encounter with his colleague, an assailant appears out of nowhere and stabs him. As he succumbs to his injuries, a mysterious voice echoes in his mind and recites a sequence of directives that he can’t understand.

When Satoru regains consciousness, he realizes that he has been reborn as a Slime on a strange planet. Simultaneously, he gains newfound skills, particularly the ability called “Predator,” which allows him to absorb anything and imitate its appearance and abilities.

Thanks to his newfound powers and wisdom, Satoru gains the friendship and loyalty of the monsters living in the Great Jura Forest. They accept him as their leader, and together they form the nation of Tempest.

Will Satoru meet any difficulties or face any dangers after forming the nation of Tempest? Let’s find out in “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime”!

11. Neon Genesis Evangelion

This mecha-infused masterpiece holds a special place in the hearts of many, and with good reason. Some might even argue that Neon Genesis Evangelion single-handedly rescued the anime industry in Japan during the ’90s, a claim that few in the know would dispute.

This series arrived at a time when the anime landscape was parched, yearning for rejuvenation. Neon Genesis Evangelion’s top-tier animation and its captivating narrative breathed life back into the industry, making it a massive success. To this day, it stands as an enduring testament to the excellence of anime.

The storyline revolves around a young boy named Shinji, entrusted with the task of battling enigmatic creatures referred to as “angels” by piloting a colossal mecha known as an “Evangelion.” This should suffice as a starting point, although it’s worth noting that the series comprises only 26 episodes, leaving fans yearning for more.

Spanning 1995 and 1996, the series raked in a staggering $16.6 billion in global revenue, solidifying its position as a monumental triumph.

12. Slam Dunk

Slam Dunk, one of the earlier anime franchises to introduce the anime phenomenon to Western audiences, stands as another timeless classic that enjoyed immense popularity in Japan. It can be credited with blazing the trail for subsequent sports anime to gain prominence and is still hailed as the pinnacle of its genre.

The narrative centers around the central character, Sakuragi, whose life undergoes a transformation when he joins a high school basketball team, eventually emerging as a pivotal team member.

While the series didn’t achieve substantial popularity in Western regions, it achieved instant stardom in Japan. This manga-to-anime adaptation spanned a remarkable 101 episodes, gracing screens from 1993 to 1996.

13. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure originated as a manga in 1987 and has since expanded into multiple anime series.

The original manga encompasses eight distinct series, with the first two being adapted into an anime for the debut season in 2012. Subsequent seasons delved into the later manga series, with the final one covering the 6th part, released in 2021.

Notably, the series does not revolve around a single central protagonist across its seasons. Instead, it focuses on different members of the Joestar family over various generations, each wielding supernatural abilities to combat malevolent forces. This is reflected in the title of the show, as each protagonist’s name can be abbreviated to “JoJo.”

With a total revenue of 9.8 billion USD, the series currently boasts 190 episodes spread across six seasons.

Most Popular Animes In Japan Of All Time

1. Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball centers on Son Goku, a young boy who lives in the woods and has no friends. He lives alone until a girl stumbles on him. She is looking for a set of Dragon Balls which are magical and can give anyone who collects all seven of them a wish. The girl really wants to find all of them and make a wish for a good boyfriend. Although Goku has one dragon ball, he is not willing to give it away.

The series is a must-watch for anyone who likes anime. It can meet all of your expectations of an anime with a lot of fighting and humor. The animation and art are not the best in comparison with modern anime, but the classic anime Dragon Ball is remarkable.

2. One Piece

One Piece is a great anime that you can easily fall in love with. At the beginning of the anime, the Pirate King reveals the existence of One Piece, a treasure that can give its owner unlimited wealth and fame before his execution.

The story becomes more appealing when it follows Monkey D. Luffy, a teenage boy who forms his crew and travels across the Grand Line. During their journey to reach the greatest treasure, they have to battle many strong enemies and experience plenty of things in their adventures.

Every character in One Piece is well-developed and unique with their fun and different characteristics so that you will definitely love them. Although the anime mostly focuses on introducing the characters at the beginning, you will always find some action in each episode of it. When Luffy’s crew gets to their destination, you will dive into endless adventure.

3. Detective Conan

Another top anime in Japan is Detective Conan, which is about Shinichi Kudou who has an amazing talent for solving all criminal cases, even the most challenging ones to find out the true murders. The thing that attracts you about Shinichi is he possess such a magnificent ability although he is only 17.

Unfortunately, an unpleasant incident suddenly happens to him. One night completely changes his life. It’s the night when the young detective witnesses two suspicious men at an amusement park. They notice him and give him some experimental drug. He survives, but his body has shrunken down to the size of a seven-year-old boy.

From that time, he starts to live a life of a kid and always tries to hide his real identity to investigate the strange organization that has made a dramatic change to his body.

Detective Conan will keep you interested till the end of each episode because it is a perfect combination of comedy, romance, drama and detective with unique mysteries. If you are looking for an anime that keeps you guessing next developments of the story, give Detective Conan a try!

 4. Naruto

Naruto is one of the most popular Japanese animes. It revolves around a boy named Naruto with a lot of his adventures. Years ago, one of the villages in Shinobi Countries was attacked by a powerful fox called Nine-Tails.

This monster made the leader of the village sacrifice his life and he had to seal it inside his newborn son who was Naruto. Because of that, Naruto had to live a life with a living monster inside him and he had to struggle to find his place in his world at that time.

One day, he became a ninja and formed his own team to conduct all missions requested by the villagers. Throughout his adventures, he met not only great friends but also dangerous enemies.

Check out the below video to watch the official trailer of Naruto!

Watching Naruto, you will be impressed by its character development. Everyone in the series, even the antagonists are loveable and smart with their own unique fighting style. Besides, the anime can give you different degrees of emotion.

Sometimes you may feel worried about the characters or even cry a river because of so many heart-rending moments in the series. Overall, Naruto is really worth watching and there are so many reasons to love this top Japanese anime.

SEE MORE:

• Anime Like Naruto
• Anime Like Sword Art Online

5. Crayon Shin-Chan

Crayon Shin-Chan is a hilarious anime that features a young and creative boy whose name is Shinnosuke or Shin-chan. He lives with his eccentric parents, Misae and Hiroshi, and his younger sister named Prima Donna.

He also has a lot of unique friends around him. The daily life of little Shin-chan is always full of funny and even shocking moments, most of which are from his unnatural and sometimes profane language as well as his constant acts of inappropriate behavior. One of the most defining moments in Crayon Shin-Chan is Shin-chan’s famous “elephant” gag. That is a perfect example of crude comedy and one of the core themes of the series.

Crayon Shin-Chan is one of the most popular anime in Japan that you should give a try. It’s an anime, but it really captures the awkwardness of growing up as well as the beauty of being true to one’s self in a realistic way.

Crayon Shin-Chan will definitely make you laugh your head off with funny moments of the young boy named Shin.

6. Pokemon

Pokemon is a fun show that not only has adventure and action but also teaches kids many moral lessons as it is also an anime aimed at children.

The main character of the anime is Satoshi, a 10-year-old boy who has always dreamed of becoming a Pokemon trainer. His dream is about to come true, but all three Pokemon for beginners have already been taken. Only the rebellious electric Pokemon named Pikachu is left. Satoshi and Pikachu set out on a journey together to become the best among the best. That’s when their adventures begin!

7. Doraemon

Doraemon is quite an old anime that Japanese as well as many people in the world grew up with. It first came out in the 1960s and the story revolves around Doraemon, a blue robotic cat who travels back in time from the 22nd century to help a boy named Nobita Nobi. Nobita always gets bad marks at school and suffers from bullies from his classmates.

With magical tools of Doraemon, both Doraemon and Nobita as well as his friends who are Xuka, Xeko and Chaien have a lot of exciting experience together, but sometimes they cause trouble with those tools.

Doraemon is a long journey full of emotions and experience of two close friends and it also gives viewers many meaningful lessons. That’s why Doraemon is one of the most popular anime in Japan and you definitely must watch it at least once in your life.

8. Death Note

Death Note is an animated television series adapted from the 2003 manga series of the same name.

The anime features a high school student named Light Yagami or L who finds out a supernatural book dropped on earth by the god of death, Ryuk. This notebook is extremely powerful and it grants its users the ability to kill anyone they can identify.

Let’s find the mysteries behind the death note in “Death Note”!

There is a wide range of reasons why you should watch this series. Firstly, Death Note has a unique plot without an excess of action. Compared with other top Japanese animes, Death Note brings something “greater” and “more mature” in thinking to viewers.

However, it still caters for people of all ages. Secondly, the character development of the anime is also special. Every character has their own characteristic traits and goals, which creates the diversity of the story.

9. Fullmetal Alchemist

Full Metal Alchemist tells the tale of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric. After losing their mother to an incurable disease, they turn to alchemy to revive her by using the forbidden act of human transmutation. This wrongdoing leaves them disastrous consequences which are Edward’s loss of a leg and Alphonse’s soul trapped in a suit of armor.

However, this traumatic event motivates Edward to fix his body using mechanical limbs called “automail” and become a state alchemist. His brother joins the journey and finally, they find a way to restore their body to the original form.

This anime is one of the most popular animes in Japan that is considered a must-watch for any anime fan as well as those who are anime beginners.

10. Sailor Moon

If you are looking for an anime featuring a great balance between romance and comedy with some funny moments, Sailor Moon should be your choice. The characters of the anime are really cute, loveable and relatable in many ways. The voices in dubbed version of Sailor Moon makes the show seem childish, but it actually covers a lot of issues such as sexuality, violence, and many relationship problems.

Sailor Moon focuses on a regular teenage girl whose life changes differently after she learns about her fate. She is destined to become a planetary guardian and protect the planet, so from then on she becomes the warrior Sailor Moon. She must cooperate with other Sailor Soldiers in order to save the Earth.

Featuring cute and loveable characters, Sailor Moon will attract lots of your attention.

11. Attack On Titan

Attack On Titan is one of the most popular animes in Japan which is full of epic fight scenes and sad moments. If you are finding an epic and dramatic anime with an intriguing story, Attack On Titan is for you. This series can make your eyes filled with tears or even break your heart as many characters have to sacrifice their lives to protect humans.

The anime takes us to a world where mankind is on the verge of extinction and it follows Eren Yeager and his two allies who dedicate their lives to defeating terrifying and enormous man-eating creatures called titans. These creatures have forced humans to hide behind giant walls for 100 years. However, the calm life of humans comes to an end when a titan breaches the outer wall.

If you are finding an epic and dramatic anime with an intriguing story, Attack On Titan is for you!

12. Mr. Osomatsu

Mr. Osomatsu first appeared in the 1960s, around the same time as Doraemon and this is an exceptionally popular show with thousands of kids in its home country.

The anime is a comedy about  the Matsuno sextuplets and their adventures in causing mischief for everyone else. Although they are all identical in appearance, share a love for wrongdoing and pay attention to the same neighborhood girl named Totoko, they have different personalities.

When it comes to humor, Mr. Osomatsu is at the top of the funniest animes. If you are looking for a parody to end all anime parodies, watch Mr. Osomatsu!

Mr. Osomatsu would be the one that end all anime parodies!

13. Sazae-San

Airing in 1969, Sazae-San is a classic and the longest-running anime in history with more than 2700 episodes.

The story revolves around a typical Japanese family and their daily lives. The anime is so old, but the liberated protagonist Sazae will make you really interested.

Like Doraemon, Sazae-San is also a very specific anime that reflects Japanese culture. If you would like to learn more about Japanese culture and the daily lives of Japanese people, this is a great anime to watch.

14. Anpanman

Anpanman is another anime that is considered one of the most popular animes in Japan. Because the story is about a superhero named Anpanman and the superhero is the most popular character among Japanese children, it attracts tons of kids. Anpan in the anime is a bread filled with red beans, so he can rescue those who are hungry by giving them a piece of his own head.

This anime can easily strike you once you watch it as it is very Japanese. It’s also very humane in the way it teaches young children to sacrifice themselves for others.

Anpanman is a humane anime that teaches young children many meaningful lessons about sacrifice.

15. Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online follows a teenage boy whose name is Kirito. He becomes one of the lucky game enthusiasts to first get access to a game called Sword Art Online, but unfortunately, he gets stuck in it. The game is full of medieval weapons and dangerous monsters, which sounds exciting for gamers.

However, when he logs into it, he realizes that he has to complete all one hundred levels or he cannot quit the game. The game now is not fun anymore, but it turns out a danger. If the players die in the virtual world, they die in reality. There’s no way, so Kirito and his allies decide to do whatever they can to survive.

If you are expecting to watch an anime with very beautiful animation and memorable characters, give Sword Art Online a try! In addition, this anime is very entertaining and it can keep you interested in its enjoyable soundtrack.

Sword Art Online can keep you interested with its beautiful animation and memorable characters.

16. My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia is one of the most popular ongoing anime with not only domestic but also international anime fans. It tells the story of Izuku Midoriya, who was born in a world where almost everyone has special power called “quirk”, but he does not have that unique gift.

Then, with the assistance of his idol All Might, Izuku finally finds his own power. After realizing his hidden ability, he attends a school training gifted students with quirks to become true heroes.

If you are also watching Naruto, you shouldn’t miss watching this anime because they are so similar to each other. My Hero Academia will fill the void that Naruto left in your heart when you finished it.

Are you anime beginners? My Hero Academia is for you!

17. Re:Zero

Regarding one of the best Japanese anime, Re:Zero cannot be missed mentioning. The anime has Subaru Natsuki, who is a gamer as the protagonist. One night, when he visits a convenience store, he is suddenly summoned to another world.

There, he befriends a silver-haired half-elf girl named Satella, but soon after they are both mysteriously killed. This is when the anime becomes really interesting. Upon killing, Subaru discovers that he has acquired an ability which he names “Return by Death”, enabling him to reverse time by dying.

Do you find Re:Zero intriguing? If you haven’t watched it yet, make sure to add it to your list.

18. Fate

If you are a big fan of action animes, Fate is definitely a must-watch. It tells the story of the Fourth Holy Grail War held in Fuyuki city, Japan by the Einzbern, Matou, and Tohsaka families centuries ago. The War is a secret magical tournament in which seven mages known as Masters summon Servants to compete to obtain the power of the “Holy Grail” that is capable of granting wishes.

With its amazing graphics and animations as well as praised characters, soundtrack and story, Fate will not disappoint you!

Fate is absolutely an action-packed anime. Check out the top 10 Fate series fights in this video!

19. Steins;Gate

Since its release in 2011, Steins;Gate has attracted a great deal of viewers and become one of the most popular anime in Japan. The story revolves around Rintaro Okabe and the other Future Gadget Laboratory members who try to invent a time machine.

The anime is known for its addictive time loop plot and love triangles, which may make you watch all 24 episodes in one go.

Steins;Gate is so appealing that it still maintains its top spot after almost ten years.

20. Ghost In The Shell

Ghost In The Shell is a Japanese cyberpunk anime that follows the main character named Major Motoko Kusanagi. In the anime, Major is a cyber-enhanced human, who uses her abilities to fight the most dangerous criminals in the world and she can even hack into people’s mind.

Featuring a great plot, memorable characters, good action scenes and amazing animation, Ghost In The Shell is really a must-watch for all anime fans.

When watching Ghost In The Shell, you’ll enjoy every minute of it.

21. Inuyasha

Inuyasha was originally a popular manga in Japan with 56 volumes totally and then it was adapted into an anime. The anime series follow the story of a 15-year-old girl named Kagome, who is transported to another world in the past.

There, she meets a half-dog boy called Inuyasha. Together they try to complete the Shikon Jewel, which many desire as it can grant its owner any wish. It is up to Kagome and Inuyasha to beat the enemies so that they cannot get their hands on the powerful Jewel.

Inuyasha is extremely an appealing anime that both beginners and avid anime watchers will enjoy.

22. Code Geass

Code Geass is very popular among anime fans all over the world. The story follows the main character named Lelouch, who uses the supernatural power called Geass to lead a rebellion.

When watching the anime, you will be definitely surprised with very exciting and entertaining mecha battles and appealed to the characters’ conflicts and the moral questions that arise.

23. Clannard

Neither does Clannard have action scenes nor supernatural events, but it can attract any kind of anime fans with its human drama that is represented sensitively. The anime has two parts which are Clannard in 2007-2008 and Clannard After Story in 2008-2009.

The story is about the daily life of the protagonist Tomoya and the heroine Nagisa in the high school. The second half of the anime is its climax with touching episodes. It is totally worth watching 44 main episodes of Clannard because of its dramatic plot and amazing animation.

24. Cowboy Bebop

Being aired in Japan with 26 episodes between 1998 and 1999, Cowboy Bebop is still now very popular among foreign anime viewers. The setting of the anime is the space in 2071 when the Earth becomes uninhabitable.

In the anime, humans colonize other planets and in order to keep the peace within the Solar System, the Inter Solar System Police (ISSP) is created. Spike Spiegel, who is a bounty hunter, works with the ISSP to bring various criminals to justice.

25. Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul focuses on the theme of Ghouls, which live in the human society and look like normal humans. The main character of the anime is the half-ghoul called Kaneki Ken. The plot revolves around his life and all the dangers he has to face. After being challenged by others time and time again, he becomes one of the most powerful Ghouls.

If you would like to watch a pretty more dark-themed anime, Tokyo Ghoul should be your choice.

26. Bleach

Bleach is also one of the most popular animes in Japan. It follows Kurosaki Ichigo, who has to face Hollows, other Shinigami and other kinds of enemies. However, he is not alone on the challenging way to become one of the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society because he has a trusty group of friends beside him.

With amazing fight scenes and character design as well as the emotional story, Bleach is really worth watching.

If you haven’t watched it yet, you’d better check it out right now!

27. Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan debuted as a manga in 2009, with the first season of the anime adaptation premiering in 2013. It has become one of the best anime to watch in recent years.

The film revolves around a trio of close friends Eren Jaeger, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert on their journey to fight against cannibal Titans. During a surprise attack by the Great Shaped Giant, the outermost layer of Maria that protected humans from the Titans was destroyed, the Titans massively invaded the Shiganshina District.

All 3 witnessed with their own eyes the scene of their loved ones being brutally eaten by Titans. To take revenge and take back the world from the Titans, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin join the Reconnaissance Force, an elite group of soldiers tasked with scouting and battling the Titans beyond the walls.

Throughout the battles against Titans, the secrets of the Titans’ origin as well as power, and Eren’s identity are also revealed. In addition to the eye-catching battles between Titans and small people, the animated movie Attack On Titan also attracts audiences with a touching story of friendship and teamwork between the characters in the film.

With the first season of the anime adaptation premiering in 2013, “Attack on Titan” has become one of the best anime to watch in recent years.

28. Yu-Gi-Oh!

Yu-Gi-Oh! is the story about Yugi Muto, who is a shy but gentle boy. He is the grandson of Surodoku Muto, who in the past was a master of puzzles. When Yugi was small, his grandfather taught him to play puzzle games and gave him a set of puzzles. For nearly seven years, he researched and assembled that set into the Millennium Puzzle.

However, he was unable to complete it because the main piece of the puzzle was thrown into the water by Joey Wheeler (Katsuya Jonouchi), who wanted to prank Yugi. Then, Yugi and Joey became friends as Yugi protected Joey from being beaten by a delinquent. Joey dived into the water, retrieved the main piece and gave it to Yugi’s grandpa. Finally, the Millennium Puzzle was complete.

Since Yugi completed the Millennium Puzzle, his another personality Yami Yugi had appeared. Yugi didn’t recognize Yami until Dark Bakura, the owner of the Millennium Ring, tried to harm Yugi and his friends in a deadly game. At first he was terrified when Yami Yugi was his second personality, but after that they were friends. From here, his way to conquer the world began.

29. Love Live!

Love Live! is an anime series that first assured the establishment of the theme “idol” in Japan. The plot centers on Honoka Kōsaka, a student at Otonokizaka Academy. When the school is scheduled to close owing to a lack of applicants, she gets determined to save the school. Honoka visits UTX high school where her younger sister plan to attend and sees a crowd watching A-Rise, UTX’s idol group, perform in a music video.

Learning that school idols are popular, Honoka and her friends follow A-Rise’s footsteps and form their own school idol group called μ’s (ミューズ, Myūzu, pronounced “muse”) to attract new students. After successfully preventing the closure of Otonokizaka Academy, the girls set their sights higher.

They compete in Love Live, the ultimate high school idol competition that features the country’s greatest groups. Despite winning the competition, the girls from disbanded soon after for personal reasons and because the third-years were about to graduate.

If you are looking for an “idol” themed anime in Japan, “Love Live!” is for you!

30. Laid-Back Camp

Aired on TV in 2018, Laid-Back Camp has been one of the top anime in Japan for several years. The anime follows Nadeshiko, a high school girl who relocates from Shizuoka to Yamanashi and then decides to visit Mount Fuji. Despite making it all the way to Motosu on her bike, she is forced to turn back due to the worsening weather.

She passes out halfway to her destination, unable to focus on her purpose. It’s night when she wakes up, in a place she’s never been before, with no idea how to get home. Nadeshiko is saved when she meets Rin, a girl who is out camping alone. Now that the story between the two outdoorsy girls begins.

If you’re into the two outdoorsy girls in “Laid-Back Camp”, watch the anime now!

31. Violet Evergarden

Set in a fantasy continent with a modern European style in the period of economic recovery and modernization after the war, the Violet Evergarden series revolves around a girl, who was once an emotionless warrior that terrified many people, now retreats to do the job of conveying other people’s thoughts through letters. She is called “memory dolls”.

Originally a person who only knew how to fight and obey orders, by writing letters to help others, Violet comes into contact with many fates, absorbed many wonders of the world, and gradually knows what emotions are as well as the meaning of Major Gilbert’s three words “I love you” before his disappearance.

“Violet Evergarden” is also one of the best Japanese animes of all time that you cannot miss watching!

FAQs

1. What is the current anime trend in Japan?

The prevailing anime favorites in Japan at the moment include:

• SPY x FAMILY
• Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury
• Urusei Yatsura (2022)
• Chainsaw Man

2. Is anime still a prominent cultural phenomenon in Japan?

The popularity of anime in Japan remains substantial, with an estimated audience of approximately 35 million viewers, constituting about 37% of the population. However, it’s worth noting that a majority, over 60%, of the Japanese populace does not engage with anime. The primary consumer base for anime in Japan tends to be the younger demographic.

3. Why does Japan have such a deep fascination with anime?

Anime’s appeal in Japan is rooted in its ability to portray relatable storylines and characters facing real-life problems. The medium’s visual flexibility allows creators to present narratives that feel larger than life. As a renowned anime expert, Takamasa Sakurai, noted, this genre is beloved for its unconventional and imaginative nature.

4. Is the popularity of anime declining?

Streaming services like Netflix are increasingly investing in anime production due to its surging popularity. Netflix reported that from October 2019 to September 2020, the anime category grew by 50%, with over one million households choosing to watch at least one anime title on the platform.

5. Are anime enthusiasts predominantly male?

Despite a higher prevalence of male fans within the overall anime fandom, research suggests that there are minimal discernible differences between male and female fans attributable directly to their involvement in the anime community.

6. Do Japanese people take pride in anime?

According to a survey conducted by the prominent Japanese newspaper, The Mainichi, 65% of Japanese respondents expressed a sense of pride in anime and manga as unique forms of Japanese culture. Anime has played a significant role in Japanese culture since as far back as 1912.

7. How extensive is the global anime fanbase?

Estimates indicate that more than a third of the world’s population, approximately 2.88 billion people, watch anime.

8. Which city in Japan is most closely associated with anime culture?

Akihabara in Tokyo undoubtedly earns the distinction of being the anime hub of Japan. This region is teeming with vibrant venues and immersive experiences centered around the widespread popularity of anime and manga.

Conclusion

With all the suggested most popular animes in Japan above, hopefully, you have had your own list of must-watch. If you have ever watched other fantastic animes which are not mentioned in the blog, let’s share!