KEY TAKEAWAYS

• What Are Japanese People Watching in Anime in 2025—and Why?

• What is Anime to Japanese people and society?

• Americans want to know what kind of Anime Japanese are watching in 2025

WHAT KIND OF ANIME ARE THE JAPANESE WATCHING IN 2025?

Daniel TJ International Reporter Tokyo, Japan

If you spend even a short time in Japan, you’ll quickly notice just how deeply anime is woven into everyday life. Whether it’s a teenager watching something on their phone during the morning commute or a couple of coworkers chatting about last night’s episode over lunch, anime in Japan isn’t just “cartoons”—it’s part of the culture, part of life.

And in 2025, anime is still going strong. Actually, scratch that—it’s thriving. It feels like there’s more variety, more emotion, and more people of all ages watching than ever before. But what exactly are folks in Japan watching right now? And maybe more importantly, why are these shows resonating so deeply?

Let’s talk about it.

A Diverse Taste: Not Just for Kids Anymore

First off, let’s clear something up: anime isn’t just for kids here. Far from it. People in their teens, twenties, forties—even retirees—are tuning in. You’ll see people of all backgrounds watching anime on tablets, talking about plot twists in the breakroom, or lining up for limited-edition merch.

And with streaming platforms like Netflix Japan, ABEMA, and dAnime Store, watching anime’s never been easier. There’s no waiting for a certain time on TV anymore—people just stream whatever they’re into, whenever they want. And that’s really opened the floodgates for more unique, even weird or artsy shows to get noticed.

So, What Are the Top Anime in 2025?

Here’s a look at what people in Japan are loving this year:

“Blue Archive: Fragmented Memories”
This one’s adapted from a hit mobile game. It’s got that classic school-life-meets-action vibe, but the real hook is the emotional storytelling. People who played the game when they were younger now get to see those same characters come alive in a whole new way. It’s a nostalgia trip, but with more depth.

“Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” (Season 2)
I’m not kidding when I say this show feels like therapy. It’s quiet, thoughtful, and all about what happens after the big adventure ends. It tackles stuff like aging, grief, and moving on—but gently. Older viewers especially seem drawn to its slower pace and deeper questions.

“My Hero Academia” (Final Season)
This one needs no intro. It’s the big goodbye, the final showdown, and fans are emotionally invested. A lot of people have grown up with this series, and now, saying goodbye feels personal. You can feel the anticipation in the air every time a new episode drops.

“Oshi no Ko” (Season 3)
Still dark. Still sharp. And still surprisingly relevant. This show digs into the dark side of fame, performance, and public image. Younger adults especially seem hooked—it’s like the show says all the things we suspect about entertainment but never hear out loud.

“Delusional Monthly Magazine”
Now this one’s…weird. But in a cool way. It’s surreal, funny, and a little sad sometimes. Not a mainstream hit, but it’s become a favorite among college students and creative types. The art style is wild, and it feels like watching someone’s daydream unfold.

“Detective Conan”
Yep, still going! And people still love it. New episodes, new movies, new mysteries. It’s kind of amazing how this show keeps reinventing itself. For some families, it’s a weekly tradition. For others, it’s just comforting background noise.

“Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc”
And of course—Chainsaw Man’s latest arc is finally animated. It’s as intense, violent, and oddly emotional as ever. There’s something about its chaotic energy mixed with quiet heartbreak that hits people, especially in their twenties and thirties. You watch it and think,

“This is nuts… but I feel this.”

Why These Shows?

So what is it about these specific anime that keeps people tuning in?

1. They Feel Real, Even When They’re Not
There’s a definite trend toward shows that explore real emotions, even in fantasy settings. People want stories that make them feel something—shows that touch on love, loss, loneliness, purpose. Not just cool fights or funny jokes (though those help too).

2. Nostalgia with a Twist
A lot of these anime either come from older games, manga, or long-running series. They offer something familiar, but updated. It’s comforting, but also fresh. Shows like “Blue Archive” and “My Hero” hit that sweet spot of memory and momentum.

3. Streaming Changed the Game
Streaming has been a game-changer. People can now find niche anime that fits their personality or mood. So weird little shows like “Delusional Monthly Magazine” can actually find an audience, instead of disappearing after midnight reruns.

4. Relatable Struggles
Many of these anime mirror what people are dealing with in real life. Uncertainty. Pressure. The need to say goodbye. A desire to start over. In a world that feels overwhelming sometimes, anime becomes a place to process those feelings—wrapped in beautiful animation and dramatic music.

What About Young Kids?

Kids are still totally into anime, of course. And there are plenty of shows just for them, like:

• Anpanman

• Pokémon

• Bocchi the Rock! Mini Theater

• Pretty Cure (2025 version)

These are bright, energetic, and usually packed with good messages about friendship, teamwork, and fun. They’re also often the gateway to more mature anime later on.

Anime as a Social Tool

One thing I’ve really noticed this year is how anime isn’t just something you watch—it’s something you share. High schoolers talk about new episodes in the hallway. Office workers swap memes in group chats. Some people meet through anime fan events and end up becoming real-life friends (or even more).

Places like Akihabara, Ikebukuro, and even smaller cities are still buzzing with cosplay events, themed cafés, and pop-up shops tied to the latest shows. Anime connects people. It’s a conversation starter, a creative outlet, even a kind of therapy.

Looking Forward

So yeah—anime in Japan in 2025? It’s still huge. But more than that, it’s deep. It’s smart. It’s emotional. The stories that stick with people now are the ones that say something meaningful, even if they’re wrapped up in battles, demons, or magical schoolgirls.

Whether you’ve been into anime since the VHS days or you’re just now figuring out what a “shounen” is, there’s never been a better time to dive in. The variety is insane, the quality is high, and the connection to real life? Stronger than ever.

And who knows—maybe the person next to you on the train, watching something with earbuds in and a little tear in their eye? They’re right there with you.

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