When you think of the most popular anime series of all time, you probably think of series such as Naruto, One Piece, Dragon Ball etc. However, a group called Video Research have been collecting comprehensive anime viewership ratings in Japan since 1977 and, taking a look at their list, it may shock you to see that not only are none of the typical names we Westerners would expect there but also that the most recent episode comes from 1990! Therefore, I thought it might be interesting to take a look at some of the most watched anime episodes of all time.
First off, it’s worth noting that, according to Video Research, one of the most viewed anime episodes of all time was an episode of the original 1963-1966 Astro Boy with a 40.3% household viewership. Unfortunately, it’s unclear which of the 193 episodes it was as no specific airdate was provided. However, I find it fitting that a series that has had such an impact on the medium of anime, from storytelling to animation techniques, has one of the most watched anime episodes of all time.
The next episode is considerably more recent, airing on the 18th of October, 1990, episode 43 of the first series of Chibi Maruko-chan which ran from 1990 to 1992. The episode is called “Maru-chan Does an Experiment!” and the plot follows a magnifying craze throughout Maruko’s school after a science experiment. While it’s true that Astro Boy’s household rating of 40.3% beats Chibi Maruko-chan’s 39.9%, it’s worth noting that the population of Japan grew from 98 million in 1965 to 123.5 million in 1990. Taking the population increase into account, I have no doubt that episode 43 of Chibi Maruko-chan is the most watched anime episode of all time.
Sazae-san is the longest running animated series of all time, airing on Japanese television from 1969 to the present day. Therefore, it makes sense that the next most popular anime episode of all time would be from this treasured series. The episode airing on September 16th, 1979, managed to get a 39.4% household rating. Unfortunately, I’m unable to find the exact episode number or the premise of the episode but, even today, Sazae-san remains one of the most popular anime series airing on Japanese television.
The next show is called Dr. Slump, an anime based on the manga of the same name by Akira Toriyama, popularly known as the creator of Dragon Ball. Airing on December 16th, 1981, the 34th episode of Dr. Slump “Chivil, Hell’s Messenger” aired and got a 36.9% household rating. The episode sees a tiny devil called Chivil arrive at Penguin Village to try to collect souls. He attempts to go after Arale, the main character of the show, and take her soul but, Arale being Arale, she causes him no shortage of grief.
Dokonjō Gaeru (The Gutsy Frog) is a series that follows a middle schooler called Hiroshi who one day trips over and squashes a frog. Rather than simply die, however, the frog’s spirit continues to live on in Hiroshi’s shirt and is now capable of talking to Hiroshi. I confess that I am rather confused about this particular entry. Video Research claim that the episode in question aired on the 23rd of February, 1979, and that it got a household rating of 34.5%. However, the first anime aired from 1972 to 1974 while the second aired from 1981 to 1982. While it’s possible that the episode in question was a rerun, it would greatly surprise me and if any of you are familiar with this incident, I would love to hear more information detailing this.
The next series is called “Manga Nihon Mukashi Banashi” and aired from 1976 to 1994. An anthology series, each 10 minute episode would adapt a Japanese children’s story. On January 10th, 1981, the two Manga Nihon Mukashi Banashi episodes that made up the half hour slot got a household rating of 33.6%. However, I’m unable to find a plot summary of the two episodes in question.
The next episode comes from Lupin the Third Part II and, unlike all of the other episodes on this list, I have actually seen this particular episode. Airing on October 6th, 1980, the final episode “Farewell My Beloved Lupin” aired and achieved a 32.5% household rating. The episode was directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, albeit under a pseudonym, and saw a seemingly unusual focus on the character of Inspector Zenigata as he pursues Lupin and his gang.
Touch, based on the manga by Mitsuru Adachi, follows a character called Tatsuya Uesugi whose twin brother Kazuya is injured in a traffic accident. Tatsuya takes Kazuya’s place as the ace pitcher of the baseball team in order to fulfill Kazuya’s dream of going to Koshien. On the 22nd of December, 1985, episode 37 “Aim for Kōshien! The baseball club is in the middle of camp!” aired and got a 31.9% household rating.
Ashita no Joe is considered to be one of the greatest manga/anime series of all time, following a character named Joe Yabuki who becomes a boxer with the help of boxing trainer Danpei Tange. Again, I’m somewhat confused by the information that I’ve been provided. Video Research claims that on March 13th, 1980, an episode of Ashita no Joe reached a 31.6% household rating. The original Ashita no Joe series aired from 1970-1971 while a sequel series aired from October 13th 1980 to 1981. It’s possible that the original Ashita no Joe was airing reruns in preparation for the sequel series and managed to reach this threshold but I’d be quite surprised.
Doraemon is an insanely popular franchise and it’s no surprise to me to see an episode of Doraemon appear in the most watched anime episodes of all time. On February 11th, 1983, the episode “The Mirror World” aired as part of the second Doraemon series, earning a 31.2% household rating. The episode sees Nobita given a Mirror World by Doraemon so that he can travel to other dimensions and avoid Suneo and Goda, the local bullies.
Finally, the series GeGeGe no Kitaro was created by Shigeru Mizuki and follows a yokai boy called Kitaro who goes on adventures with other yokai. The franchise has seen seven anime adaptations but it was during its third series when an episode, which aired on March 22nd, 1986, managed to reach a 29.6% household rating. The episode was called “Children are Disappearing!? Yokai Ubume” which deals with a type of yokai called an Ubume, a yokai formed from the spirit of women who die during childbirth.
So those are the most watched anime episodes of all time. Let me know your thoughts on these series and episodes, if you have seen any of them, if you can explain any of the inconsistencies that I’ve come across in my research and any additional information you might have on the topic.
Hopefully you have found this article interesting and informative and, if you wish to seek any of the works I mentioned, don’t hesitate to use amazon.co.uk or amazon.com for all of your needs!