10 Anime That Are Only Popular in Japan

With how wide and vast the medium is, popular anime differs per region. Anime that are popular in the United States will be vastly different from Japan due to different cultures. Observing which anime is popular in what region is telling of the kind of people that live there and makes for an interesting observation.

In Japan, long-running anime classics tend to dominate the field. Anime like Sazae-san continue to be incredibly popular. Newer anime like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba are just as popular as they are outside the country. There are a ton of titles that are popular in Japan that international fans may not be aware of due to the low popularity in their region.

10

Sazae-san Is a Comfort Television Show for Many in Japan

Not Currently Streaming

Sazae-san is an incredibly popular comedy anime series that follows the Isono family, who live in Tokyo. The anime is based off of a popular comic that starred in a newspaper, which was first published in 1946. Sazae-san isn’t as well known overseas, but is incredibly popular in Japan.

Sazae-san has remained popular for a long time due to its relatable characters and portrayal of what family life is like. Sazae-san offers viewers comfort and stability with its recurring characters. Many fans love Sazae-san for its familiarity, and its longevity proves just how timeless the anime is.

9

Kingdom’s Booming Popularity in Japan Isn’t Reflected in Other Countries

Streaming on Crunchyroll

Kingdom tells the story of Shin who aspires to be a general in ancient China. Kingdom is set during a tumultuous time full of civil unrest and political schemes. Shin is forced to navigate through bloody battles and his own self to reach his full potential.

Kingdom consistently sells a ton of manga in Japan, and with four seasons under its belt, that proves how well-received it is in Japan. Despite its impressive popularity in Japan, it’s not as well-known in other countries. On top of that, a lack of a proper English translation for the anime also contributes to the low popularity it has in other regions, though this might change due to Viz Media obtaining rights to the series.

8

Mr. Osomatsu-san Is Popular for Its Hilarious Pop-Culture References and Jokes

Streaming on Pluto TV

Mr. Osomatsu-san focuses on a large family that consists of sextuplet brothers. What makes Mr. Osomatsu-san beloved in Japan for its cleverly placed jokes and pop-culture references. This is what makes Mr. Osomatsu-san so loved in Japan as it touches upon these references with perfect humor. While it’s perfect for those in Japan, many of these jokes and pop-culture references are lost to international fans since it caters to the culture in Japan.

Due to the way it caters to a certain population, many viewers outside of Japan may not get the jokes or references. This reflects the lack of popularity that the anime has outside its intended audience, despite it being wildly popular in Japan. It does an amazing job at what it aims for, and continues to be a favorite for many in Japan.

7

Doraemon Has Always Been a Popular Mascot in Japan

Streaming on HBO Max

Doraemon follows the story of a robot cat named Doraemon. He goes on a wild time-traveling adventure to assist a young boy named Nobita Nobi. Nobita is incredibly clumsy and unlucky, and Doraemon does his best to try and save Nobita from the many haphazards of day to day life.

Doraemon is popular in Japan due to their adorable characters that viewers have followed for generations. It has positive lessons and morals that are inspirational to many, and its longstanding nature makes it incredibly nostalgic. Doraemon is a cultural icon in Japan, and has always been a beloved anime that won’t be going away from the hearts of fans any time soon.

6

Anpanman Reflects Many of Japan’s Ideals

Not Currently Streaming

Anpanman follows the epic story of Anpanman and his quest to protect the world from creatures known as Baikinman, which are deadly germs. Anpanman is filled with a ton of other lovable characters to flesh out its world as well. The appeal of Anpanman is his cute design and selflessness, and he is a source of inspiration for many viewers who watch him.

Anpanman isn’t a complex show at all, and its simplicity is what makes it endearing. Its message is powerful, as it focuses on showing how important it is to help others and enact acts of kindness to even strangers. His strong compassion resonates with many of those living in Japan, as Anpanman embodies many of Japan’s ideals.

5

Detective Conan Is a Positive Influence in Japan’s Society

Streaming on The Roku Channel

Detective Conan follows Shinichi Kudo, a high school student detective who got transformed into a child after getting poisoned. He disguises himself as Conan Edogawa in order to hide his identity from those who are seeking him out. His ultimate goal is to get his body back while solving mysterious crimes.

Detective Conan has been an incredibly popular anime in Japan for a long time due to its compelling mysteries and cultural relevance. The anime is known for having some of the best mysteries to solve, and their conclusions are often worth the intrigue. Detective Conan is so popular in Japan that the series had real-life impact on the police force in the country.

4

Slam Dunk Is a Basketball Anime That’s Made Popular Waves in Japan

Streaming on The Roku Channel

Slam Dunk revolves around the story of Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent who joins the basketball team to impress his crush. Hanamichi is already naturally talented when it comes to athletics, and although he initially joined to impress someone, he ends up loving the sport for what it is. Slam Dunk is all about finding passion and exploring teamwork.

It’s surprising that Slam Dunk isn’t more popular overseas. It was so influential in Japan that it impacted real-world events like fashion and inspired fans to play basketball. When an anime impacts the real world, it’s incredibly telling of its popularity and influence in the country.

3

Golden Kamuy Is Rich With History and Culture

Streaming on Crunchyroll

Golden Kamuy is an anime set in Hokkaido, and follows the story of Sugimoto and Asirpa. Coming from completely different backgrounds, the two are vastly different from one another, yet mesh together incredibly well. With a common goal to retrieve Ainu gold, they go on a journey filled with revenge and survival.

Golden Kamuy recently exploded in popularity in Japan. Back then, it was still seen as a niche anime with potential, but fans have finally seen how impressive its storytelling is. The anime does an amazing job at diving into the history of Hokkaido and Ainu culture. Its unique premise and characters have contributed to its booming popularity in Japan.

2

IDOLiSH7 Is One of the Most Popular Idol Anime in Japan

Streaming on Crunchyroll

IDOLiSH7 follows a popular male idol group that involves seven men. The anime follows their tumultuous journey through fame and stardom. It’s filled with heartwarming moments between the members, who each have their own unique personalities. Watching them grow into their dreams and goals is inspiring to watch.

Idol groups are incredibly popular in Japan, but that doesn’t translate to other countries who are anime fans. It features strong music and with so many unique characters, it’s easy to find a character to resonate with. Although they might not seem as popular in areas outside of Japan, the many seasons of IDOLiSH7 are a testament to their immense popularity in the country.

1

Symphogear Is a Sci-Fi Magical Girl Anime Like None Other

Streaming on Crunchyroll

Symphogear is a hit sci-fi magical girl anime where humans are forced to fight against creatures known as Noise, who are aliens from space. It primarily focuses on Hibiki Tachibana, who obtains the power of Symphogear after being attacked by one of the Noise. Symphogear blends in elements of music and action that make it an incredibly riveting anime to watch.

Symphogear appeals to a niche group who love music and magical girls, and the anime does an amazing job at creating a unique world with it. Not only does it focus on those genres, it also has themes of mecha and a stunning voice acting cast that make it even better. With how popular idol culture is in Japan, it’s no surprise that Symphogear is at the top for many Japanese fans.