Japan has had a number of “soft power” successes, but over the last three decades, anime has been arguably chief among them (rivaled perhaps only by videogames). From a niche interest pased around by VHS by enthusiasts (when it was still called, “Japanimation”) to early internet fansubbing to the breakout global success of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away to the near ubiquity it enjoys across the world.
In Japan, as expected, it is similarly popular: though just as with western media, the popularity of some series wax and wane. Some are evergreen, like Breaking Bad or The Sopranos. Some fade from public consciousness after a moment in the spotlight, like Game of Thrones. Now that we’re most of the way with the big 2025, what have been the most significant anime of the year? And which classics still hold sway over the public animation imagination?
What Are The Top Trending Anime in Japan
There is a show for every taste in Japan, and every year brings new hits, new niche fare, and critical darlings. But for this year, what have been the biggest new or ongoing anime that Japanese fans have been digging their teeth into? Let’s count ‘em down!
Sakamoto Days
One of the year’s breakout hits, and based on the manga of the same name by Yuto Suzuki, this show follows Taro Sakamoto, once a legendary and feared assassin who has now settled into a more mundane life as a shopkeeper with a new family. His wife has given him one rule that he must live by if he wants to keep her and their daughter in his life: never kill anyone again.
But soon after the commencement of the show, figures from the underworld, either out for revenge, or contemptuous of Sakamoto’s retirement, come calling to “pay their respects.” What follows is high-energy action as the now-portly protagonist shows that he still hasn’t missed a step. Fans rave about the animation and balance of comedic slice-of-life with action.
In Japan, you can watch this on Netflix, where it is still ongoing at the time of writing.
My Dress Up Darling (Season 2)
A sequel to the 2022 series, this anime is based on the highly successful manga “Sono Bisuku Dōru wa Koi o Suru,” by Shinichi Fukuda. It continues the adventures of Wakana Gojo and Marin Kitagawa. Wakana, who was raised by his grandfather, has become and excellent clothes maker and designer, after learning how to make hina dolls. Marin is a cosplay enthusiast who, nevertheless, still cannot always make her costumes well. Together, they create costumes that win praise from the otaku community.
This season picks up where the first left off, with Wakana and Marin continuing to work together (ever more closely) on her costumes, with Wakana’s increasing level of skill not only increasing his confidence, but also endearing him to the cosplay community. As this is ongoing, Marin is becoming more popular as a cosplayer. And are the two becoming closer…?
In Japan, this still ongoing series can be seen on Netflix.
Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray
This franchise, Uma Musume (Horse Girls) has been a series of video games, manga, and even live action performances with the premise that there are certain “horse women,” akin to a (benign) form of monster girl, who run in races. Each “horse woman” is based on a real-life race horse, and the supposed qualities of said horses are mapped onto them, and magnified.
Though there have been Uma Musume anime before, Cinderella Gray has captured the hearts of people who are looking for something a little offbeat, a little quirky, and more than a little cute. Fan favorites Haru Urura (based on a Japanese racehorse who never won a race but never stopped trying) and Gold Ship (an incredibly fast but tempestuous racer) have gone viral.
In Japan, you can see the first 13 episodes on Netflix, with more episodes coming later this year.
The Apothecary Diaries (Season 2)
A continuation of the 2023 first season, this show, based on Natsu Hyuga’s light novel series, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, this series was wildly popular upon release, and the second series was hotly anticipated, and is finally out.
The story focuses around Maomao, a former apothecary worker who is pressed into servitude in the palace of a fictional country that is akin to Tang dynasty-era China. She endeavors to keep her head down for two years until she can return, but her skills as a chemist mean she can identify and cure ailments suffered by concubines in the palace, and go on to solve other mysteries surrounding the nobles.
The second series is now complete, and the entire show to date can be seen on Netflix.
Sword of the Demon Hunter
Known in Japan as Kijin Gentōshō, this anime is based on a fantasy novel series, written by Moto’o Nakanishi, with illustration by Tamaki, this is a violent show, yet is nevertheless compelling. Starring Jinta, he and his younger sister, Suzune, are orphans taken in by a swordsman, who educates Jinta to become a strong warrior, and a shrine guardian. Charged with killing demons, the story begins to progress when his sister, who hasn’t aged a day, reveals a secret…
Not to be confused with Demon Slayer, the novels this anime is based off of span numerous time periods, as Jinta learns more about himself, his sister, and the spiritual world.
Available on Netflix in Japan, this critically acclaimed show is still ongoing.
The Summer Hikaru Died
A supernatural anime with more than a frisson of boys love framing, this anime, based on Mokumokuren’s manga of the same name. We follow the protagonist Yoshiki Tsujinaka, who comes to realize that his best friend (and possibly crush) Hikaru Indo is no longer himself, but is instead possessed by a supernatural being, who has all of Hikaru’s memories and feelings, but isn’t quite him.
This is an excellent supernatural horror, with often frightening (and occasionally somewhat erotic) scenarios, with Yoshiki’s horror at what his friend’s body has become tempered by his reluctance to let him go, even if his form is now possessed by something that is distinctly not Hikaru.
Available on Netflix in Japan, it is still ongoing at the time of writing.
One Piece
One of the longest running anime of all time, One Piece is now in the Egghead story arc, which sees the Straw Hats visit the eponymous Egghead Island, where they encounter Dr. Vegapunk and her minions, which will lead into a major event, that those who have already read the manga are no doubt excited for.
This show barely needs any introduction. Over the past few arcs, Luffy and the other Straw Hats have gone from strength to strength, and yet, there are still formidable foes to face and adventures to have. Eiichiro Oda has said that he is nearing the end of the manga, but that just means that the best is yet to come.
One Piece can be seen on One Piece, with new episodes available as they are broadcast.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1
Demon Slayer was one of the most visually arresting and critically acclaimed shows of the late 2010s and early 2020s. Rather than conclude its story in animation via a new TV series, as would be typical, it has instead been decided to adapt the final Infinity Castle arc into a trilogy of films, the first of which was released in Japan in July 2025.
It soon became the highest-grossing film in Japan of 2025; not bad for a year that included a new Superman movie. Viewers praised the animation, action, and character development of Tanjiro Kamado and other characters in Koyoharu Gotouge’s saga.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 is not yet available for streaming.
New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt
An anime that is 15 years in the making, the satirical, raunchy comedy sees the return of fallen angels Panty and Stocking, this time living with their rivals, the demon sisters Scanty and Kneesocks. A series of light-hearted yet foul-mouthed adventures follow.
A cult classic, years of rights-negotiations have finally seen this parody of both American cartoons (most notably the Powerpuff Girls) and the magical girl genre as a whole has been hotly anticipated by western and Japanese fans alike. The introduction of new Gen Z angels and a “Gunsmith Bitch” have seen it enjoy rave reviews already.
The show is still ongoing, and is available on Amazon Prime.
Ranma 1/2 (Season 2)
Following last year’s smash-hit remake of the classic, season 2 promises to pick up where the gender-bending adventures of Ranma Saotome, Akane Tendo, and the rest of the crew.
The refreshed colors and superior animation meant that this version of Rumiko Takahashi’s extremely popular martial-arts comedy manga was a dead-cert for a second season, and its October release is highly anticipated.
Ranma 1/2 is season 1 is available on Netflix, with new episodes available to stream as gthey are released.
Long-Standing Favorites That Remain Popular
New anime will, naturally, grab on to the zeitgeist. That isn’t to say that there aren’t many anime that, even if made many years — or even decades — ago, don’t still have a grip on the public’s imagination. From merch to campaigns, these older shows are some you’ll still see promoted today.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
The introduction to anime for many people in the west, Neon Genesis Evangelion continues to be a popular show in Japan, which promotions in arcades, tourist attractions, and even pachinko halls.
If you haven’t seen it, it revolves around Shinji Ikari, a troubled young man summoned to Tokyo-3 (in present day Hakone) to pilot a giant robot, known as an Eva. Far from a typical mecha anime, in many ways it has become the blueprint for coming-of-age psychodramas in a science fiction setting.
The whole show, as well as the two movie follow-ups, can be found on Netflix in Japan.
Dragonball Z
Needing almost no introduction, this is the follow-up to Dragonball, starring Saiyan warrior turned protector of Earth, Son Goku. As the series progresses, he and his allies (including former enemies) battle aliens, androids, and even magical forces of nature to get stronger and protect the world.
Even today, especially with the ongoing Dragonball Super follow-up manga and the recent Dragonball Daima, Dragonball Z is incredibly popular. New games, collaborations, and merchandise are being produced year adfter year, and almost anyone you meet in Japan will be familiar with Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, and the famous call to attack, “Kame hame ha!”
Dragonball Z, as well as the other TV series in the Dragonball franchise, can be found on Netflix in Japan.
Sailor Moon
Sometimes thought of as the girl’s equivalent of Dragonball Z, Sailor Moon likewise maintains a fervent fanbase to this day. Many attractions and stores regularly having cross-over promotions with the Sailor Senshi characters to this day.
Led by the crybaby teenager Usagi Tsukino (the alter ego of Sailor Moon), the Sailor Senshi transform into their superhero forms when monsters attack Tokyo, all while handling the day-to-day difficulties of being teenage girls. It would hardly be a stretch to say that the influence of Sailor Moon can be felt in the magical girl genre to this day.
Sailor Moon can be rented in Japan on Amazon Prime.
Doraemon
One of the most iconic children’s anime in Japan, Doraemon (based on Fujiko Fujie’s manga) tells the tale of a robotic cat sent from the future to take care of young man. Nobita Nobi. With its bright colors, charming designs, and light-hearted adventures, it has been a hit among children for decades.
Indeed, Doraemon has been a generational phenomenon. Many people who enjoyed Doaremon in the 70s as children now take their own children to see Doraemon films or shows. The franchise has even sold over 100 million cinema tickets across the many films that have been released over the years, making it bigger than Godzilla.
Many of the Doraemon films and series can be found in Japan on Netflix.
Sazae-san
Often compared to The Simpsons, Sazae-san, based off of a four-panel comic of the same name, was first aired in 1969, and continues to be broadcast to this day, making it one of the longest-running scripted shows in the world. Though unfamiliar to many westerners, for Japanese people, this has been a mainstay of many of their lives.
The show revolves around the titular Mrs. Sazae, who is the wife of the Sazae family, and presents topical yet humorous short stories on their family life. Despite her origins as something of a feminist icon in Japan, today the show is thought of as a nostalgic show, representing a Japan before the increasing reliance on technology, with an emphasis on enjoy the small things in life.
In Japan, Sazae-san can be streamed from U-NEXT.
Pokémon
Pokémon truly is is a global phenomenon: bigger than Marvel, bigger than James Bond, bigger than Disney. Almost everyone has seen at least one episode of the anime centered on a world where humans capture and train creatures called Pokémon to battle in competitions.
Following Ash Ketchum, the series explores themes of friendship, perseverance, and adventure as they travel diverse regions, challenge Gym Leaders, and aim for the Pokémon League. Today, Pokémon is as popular as ever, with toys, sweets, clothing, and more on sale across the nation. Even asking someone what their favorite Pokémon is can be an icebreaker for a conversation.
Some seasons of Pokémon can be streamed from Netflix in Japan.
Detective Conan
Known as Case Closed in the west, Detective Conan follows Shinichi Kudo, a brilliant teenage detective who, after being poisoned by a mysterious criminal organization, is transformed into a child. Under the alias Conan Edogawa, he solves complex cases while hiding his true identity, using his sharp intellect and gadgets.
The first episode was aired in 1996, and the anime has been running since then, making it one of the longest running anime still going today. Supermarkets and convenience stores will still regularly stock Detective Conan sweets and other goods, and collaborations with public spaces such as planetariums are not uncommon.
Detective Conan can be streamed on Netflix in Japan.
Attack on Titan
More of a modern classic, this show wrapped up just two years ago, in 2023. However, Attack on Titan has nevertheless maintained its popularity in the face of new competition.
The story follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they join the military to fight Titans and uncover the mysteries surrounding their existence. Known for its intense action, shocking plot twists, and deep themes of freedom, sacrifice, and morality, this gripping series has redefined modern anime with its emotional depth and stunning visuals.
In Japan, Attack on Titan can be streamed on Netflix.
Mobile Suit Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam is a sprawling sci-fi franchise that is almost emblematic of the “mecha” genre, spanning many different shows, genres, and timelines. Set in futuristic universes where humanity colonizes space and wages war using giant piloted robots called Mobile Suits, it all began with the 1979 series.
With new series coming out regularly, often exploring (if by analogy) the issues of the day, the Gundam series often blends military drama, political intrigue, and coming-of-age stories. The huge number of series and enduring popularity mean that there are Gundam fans of all ages in Japan.
Many popular series in the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise can be streamed on Netflix in Japan.
Yu-Gi-Oh!
Yu-Gi-Oh! centers on Yugi Mutou, a shy teen who solves an ancient Egyptian puzzle, gaining the spirit of a powerful pharaoh and mastery of the card game Duel Monsters. The series follows Yugi and his friends as they compete in high-stakes tournaments, using strategy and mystical cards to outwit opponents.
Even today, the card game that the manga and anime spawned is played in Japan, and booster packs can often be found in convenience stores. The iconic artwork and character design (Yugi’s hair being a stand-out in more ways than one) mean that, even twenty years after the show ended, it maintains a firm grip on the Japanese imagination .
How Japanese Audiences Choose Their Favorite Anime
So, why these anime? What has made them stand out, either as classics or modern favorites? Well, the main thing to remember is that, which a few exceptions, most anime start life as a manga, with the most popular being green-lit for animation. As such, by the time the anime is released, there will already be a lot of hype for the upcoming shows.
Word-of-mouth also helps: in the age of social media, memes on Twitter, funny clips on TikTok, or an influencer giving their approval on Instagram means that the popularity of shows can spread like wildfire, even faster than in the good old days of telling your friends about something good that you’d seen.
For the classics, the fact that they have permeated the collective imagination of the country really helps, as do periodic reinventions or sequels, such as Dragonball Daima, or Sailor Moon Crystal.
These are just a few of the anime that have been released this year, as well as a small sampling of classics. There are many different anime available to see in Japan on streaming services such as Netflix, Disney Plus, or Amazon Prime. If none of these taken taken your fancy, then don’t despair: keep searching for an anime that (mobile) suits you!
