Most Watched Anime by Country 2023
Anime is a popular form of animation that originated in Japan and has spread across the world. Anime fans enjoy watching different genres, styles and themes of anime, from action and adventure to romance and comedy. But which anime are the most watched by country in 2023? In this blog post, we will explore the data and trends of anime popularity by country, based on various sources and metrics. We will also share some interesting facts and trivia about anime in our “Did You Know?” section at the end. Let’s get started!
Anime Popularity by Country
There are many ways to measure the popularity of anime by country, such as Google searches, TV ratings, streaming platforms, social media, surveys and polls. However, none of these methods are perfect or comprehensive, as they may not capture the full picture of anime consumption and preference in different regions and cultures. Therefore, we will use a combination of sources and indicators to provide a general overview of the most watched anime by country in 2023.
Japan
Japan is the birthplace and home of anime, so it is no surprise that it is the country where anime is the most popular. According to World Population Review², approximately three-quarters of everyone in Japan either watches anime regularly or reports having seen anime recently. There are hundreds of anime shows produced every year in Japan, catering to various tastes and demographics. Some of the most popular anime in Japan in 2023 include:
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The second season of this dark fantasy series continues the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is killed by demons. The first season was a huge hit in 2019, breaking records for TV ratings and box office sales. The second season is expected to be even more successful, as it adapts the highly acclaimed Mugen Train arc from the manga.
Jujutsu Kaisen – Another dark fantasy series that follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes involved in a secret world of sorcerers and curses after swallowing a finger of a powerful demon. The first season was one of the most popular anime of 2020, winning multiple awards and gaining a large fanbase. The second season is set to premiere in 2023, adapting the Shibuya Incident arc from the manga.
Witch Hat Atelier – A charming fantasy series that tells the story of Coco, a young girl who dreams of becoming a witch but lives in a world where magic is forbidden. She accidentally discovers a hidden atelier where witches practice their craft, and joins them as an apprentice. The series is based on a critically acclaimed manga by Kamome Shirahama, and is praised for its beautiful art style and heartwarming story.
United States
The United States is the second-largest market for anime outside Japan, with a long history of importing and dubbing anime shows since the 1960s. According to World Population Review², approximately 72 percent of people in the United States watch anime regularly. This means that the United States has a greater number of total people who watch anime shows than Japan, but Japan has a higher percentage of its population that watches anime overall. Some of the most popular anime in the United States in 2023 include:
Attack on Titan – The final season of this epic dystopian series concludes the saga of Eren Yeager and his friends, who fight against giant humanoid creatures called Titans that have nearly wiped out humanity. The series is one of the most successful and influential anime of all time, with millions of fans around the world. The final season is divided into two parts, with the second part airing in 2023.
My Hero Academia – The sixth season of this superhero series follows Izuku Midoriya and his classmates at U.A. High School, where they train to become professional heroes in a world where most people have superpowers called Quirks. The series is one of the most popular shonen anime of recent years, with a loyal fanbase and a thriving franchise. The sixth season is expected to adapt the Paranormal Liberation War arc from the manga.
Nier: Automata – A sci-fi series based on the video game of the same name by Yoko Taro, which explores the themes of identity, free will and meaning in a post-apocalyptic world where androids fight against machines for survival. The series is produced by Studio Ghibli, which is known for its high-quality animation and storytelling. The series is anticipated by many fans of the game and anime alike.
China
China is one of the fastest-growing markets for anime in recent years, with an increasing demand for both domestic and foreign animation. According to World Population Review², approximately 70 percent of people in China watch anime regularly. However, due to the strict censorship and regulation of the Chinese government, not all anime shows are available or accessible in China. Some of the most popular anime in China in 2023 include:
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – A classic fantasy series that follows the adventures of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who practice alchemy and search for a way to restore their bodies after a failed experiment. The series is widely regarded as one of the best anime of all time, with a compelling story, memorable characters and stunning animation. The series is also one of the few anime that are officially licensed and streamed in China, making it more accessible to Chinese viewers.
Spirited Away– A masterpiece film by Hayao Miyazaki, which tells the story of Chihiro, a young girl who enters a magical world of spirits and gods after her parents are turned into pigs by a witch. The film is one of the most acclaimed and beloved anime films of all time, winning an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. The film is also one of the most popular anime films in China, breaking box office records when it was released in 2019, 18 years after its original release in Japan.
Ghost in the Shell– A cyberpunk series that explores the themes of identity, consciousness and technology in a futuristic world where humans can augment their bodies and minds with cybernetics. The series is based on a manga by Masamune Shirow, and consists of several films, TV shows and video games. The series is popular among Chinese viewers who are interested in sci-fi and philosophy, and has influenced many Chinese works of animation and literature.
Did You Know?
Here are some fun facts and trivia about anime that you may not know:
– The word “anime” is derived from the English word “animation”, but it is used to refer specifically to Japanese animation. In Japan, however, the word “anime” is used to refer to any kind of animation, regardless of origin.
– The first anime film was made in 1917 by Seitaro Kitayama, who is considered one of the pioneers of Japanese animation. The film was called “The Dull Sword” (Namakura Gatana), and it was a short comedy about a samurai who buys a dull sword from a dishonest salesman.
– The longest-running anime series is Sazae-san, which has been airing since 1969. The series follows the daily life of Sazae Fuguta, a cheerful housewife who lives with her husband, children and parents. The series has over 8000 episodes as of 2023, and holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running animated television series.
– The highest-grossing anime film of all time is Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train, which was released in 2020. The film is a sequel to the first season of the anime series, and it follows Tanjiro Kamado and his friends as they board a train that is infested by demons. The film earned over $500 million worldwide, surpassing Spirited Away as the most successful anime film ever.
– The most expensive anime production ever made is Akira, which was released in 1988. The film is a sci-fi masterpiece that depicts a dystopian Tokyo in 2019.
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