Tokyo As 2025 draws to a close, Japan has revealed the anime titles that dominated viewers’ attention throughout the year. Yahoo! Japan published its annual Search Awards, spotlighting the most searched names, products and entertainment works across the platform. Under the Artwork — Animation Division, five standout series emerged as the most rapidly trending anime of the year.
Top 5 Trending Anime in Japan — 2025
- Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
- The Apothecary Diaries
- Sakamoto Days
- Takopi’s Original Sin
- You and Idol Precure
A Controversial Gundam Win
Topping the list is Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, the newest installment in the 45-year-old Gundam franchise. Released during the Spring 2025 season, the story follows Amate Yuzuriha, a young woman drawn into a dangerous underground mobile suit dueling competition called Clan Battle.
While praised by many for bold storytelling and high-quality animation, the anime sharply divided fans — a polarization that appears to have fueled its overwhelming search popularity.
Mystery and Courtroom Intrigue Put The Apothecary Diaries in the Spotlight
The second entry, The Apothecary Diaries, continued its rise in popularity after the success of its 2023 debut. Produced by Studio OLM and Toho Animation, the anime centers on poison-obsessed herbalist Maomao, who investigates dark secrets inside a palace modeled after Imperial-era China.
Season 2 premiered in Winter 2025, delivering major revelations about central character Shisui. A third season and a feature film have already been announced for release in 2026.
Action-Comedy Hit Sakamoto Days Secures Third Place
In third place is Sakamoto Days, which originated from Weekly Shonen Jump. The story follows retired hitman Taro Sakamoto, who now runs a convenience store — except he must constantly fend off assassins hunting for the massive bounty placed on his head.
Combining slapstick humor with relentless action, the anime has earned both domestic and global acclaim. According to Netflix, the series dominated its streaming charts during the first half of 2025, collecting over 24.4 million views since launch.
Dark Thriller Takopi’s Original Sin Sends Shockwaves Across Japan
Unlike the others, fourth-ranked Takopi’s Original Sin stood out for its emotionally devastating tone. Produced by ENISHIYA, the anime follows an alien creature named Takopi who attempts to spread happiness on Earth — but becomes entangled in the life of bullied elementary school girl Shizuka.
The anime sparked nationwide discussion immediately after Episode 1 aired due to its stark depiction of bullying, trauma and suicide, propelling it to the top of Japanese social media trends.
Magical Girl Meets Idol Culture — You and Idol Precure Completes the List
Rounding out the list is You and Idol Precure, the newest chapter in the enduring Precure franchise that merges idol aesthetics with magical girl storytelling. Premiering in February 2025, the series follows teenager Uta Sakura, who becomes Cure Idol to save the fantastical world of Kirakiland from the menacing Team Chokkiri.
The title reinforces the franchise’s long-standing mass appeal — now featuring 22 TV series and 14 theatrical films.
A Diverse Year for Anime
The 2025 ranking demonstrates the wide spectrum of storytelling driving Japan’s anime industry — ranging from mecha warfare and palace intrigue to comedy, psychological tragedy and idol-inspired fantasy.
With highly anticipated sequels already confirmed for titles like The Apothecary Diaries and new Gundam projects rumored for development, analysts expect 2026 to continue anime’s global momentum.