The Latest in Japanese Animation: December 2025 Ratings
The world of Japanese animation continues to captivate audiences with its diverse and engaging content. In December 2025, several notable anime series and films aired, each garnering significant viewership. Let’s dive into the highlights and the ratings that defined the month.
The Kindly Lion, a beloved anime film from Mushi Production, made a comeback on NHK Educational. Based on the timeless picture book by Takashi Yanase, the film aired on December 28 at 4:30 p.m. and achieved a 0.5% rating. This classic tale continues to resonate with viewers, showcasing the enduring appeal of traditional storytelling.
On December 25, TV Tokyo aired a marathon re-airing of the fifth season of the live-action Solitary Gourmet series. This culinary adventure aired at 5:50 p.m. and earned a 4.4% rating, highlighting the show’s enduring popularity among food enthusiasts and anime fans alike.
Top Performers in December 2025
The following table provides a snapshot of the top-performing anime series and films that aired in December 2025, along with their respective ratings:
| Title | Station | Date | Time | Length | Average Household Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sazae-san | Fuji TV | December 28 (Sun) | 18:30 | 30 min. | |
| Detective Conan | NTV | December 27 (Sat) | 18:00 | 30 min. | |
| Chibi Maruko-chan | Fuji TV | December 28 (Sun) | 18:00 | 30 min. | |
| Crayon Shin-chan | TV Asahi | December 27 (Sat) | 16:30 | 30 min. | |
| Doraemon | TV Asahi | December 27 (Sat) | 17:00 | 30 min. | |
| Blue Miburo season 2 | NTV | December 27 (Sat) | 17:30 | 30 min. | |
| One Piece | Fuji TV | December 28 (Sun) | 23:15 | 30 min. | |
| Wandance (finale) | Fuji TV | December 24 (Wed) | 23:45 | 30 min. | |
| Oshiri Tantei | NHK-E | December 27 (Sat) | 09:00 | 20 min. | |
| Animated O-saru no George (Curious George) | NHK-E | December 27 (Sat) | 08:35 | 25 min. | |
| Animation Hitsuji no Shaun (Shaun the Sheep) | NHK-E | December 22 (Mon) | 19:00 | 30 min. | |
| Kagaku×B&333;ken Survival! | NHK-E | December 27 (Fri) | 18:25 | 25 min. |
Understanding the Ratings
The ratings listed above are estimates of the percentage of the population that watched a given program, based on data from a survey of households in Japan’s Kanto region. These ratings do not include recordings that viewers watch later, providing a real-time snapshot of viewership trends.
Conclusion
December 2025 was a month filled with memorable anime experiences. From the enduring classics like Sazae-san and Detective Conan to newer series like Wandance, the anime landscape continues to evolve and entertain. As we look ahead to the new year, fans can expect even more exciting content and engaging stories from the world of Japanese animation.
News Source: Animenewsnetwork.com
