A Classic 1960s Anime Beats One Piece in Japan’s Latest Anime TV Rankings

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The latest TV ratings data from late 2025 in Japan revealed that despite its popularity, One Piece isn’t the most-watched anime. While Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece continues to follow Luffy’s journey to become pirate king, the long-running family sitcom Sazae-San remains the top-rated show, proving that Japanese viewers often prefer simpler entertainment, even with all the exciting action and detailed storytelling in One Piece’s current story arcs.

With so much anime available and fans constantly changing their preferences, it’s hard to predict which shows will become popular. While One Piece consistently remains a top favorite, even it isn’t guaranteed success forever. Japanese audiences are increasingly looking for anime that feels familiar and comforting. Sazae-San, with its heartwarming stories set in the past, became the most-watched anime on TV in Japan last December, regardless of whether it’s labeled as a relaxing ‘iyashikei’ series or not.

Sazae-San Taps Into the Simpler Vibes of Post-War Japan In Any Decade

This 1960s Anime Also Has More Momentum Than One Piece

According to Anime News Network, several popular anime series performed well on Japanese television between December 22nd and 28th. While long-running favorites like Detective Conan and Doraemon were among the top shows, the number one spot went to the classic series Sazae-San. One Piece landed at number seven, which is a good ranking, but significantly lower than Sazae-San‘s success. Sazae-San achieved an impressive average household rating of 5.5 that week, compared to One Piece‘s 2.6.

While One Piece is incredibly popular and has been on TV for 27 years with over 1,100 episodes, it’s common for other shows to occasionally have higher ratings in any given week. However, Sazae-San consistently outperforms One Piece in Japan due to its incredible longevity and widespread recognition. Sazae-San has been airing since 1969 and boasts an astounding 7,000 episodes, earning it a Guinness World Record – a level of familiarity One Piece hasn’t yet reached.

For many Japanese people, Sazae-San is like The Simpsons is for Americans – a beloved, long-running animated show about family life. It evokes a strong sense of nostalgia and comfort, reminding viewers of Japan’s peaceful and prosperous years after World War II. Following the war’s devastation, Japan experienced a period of rapid economic growth in the 1960s and 70s, and Sazae-San captures the positive feelings of that time. The show focuses on the simple pleasures of daily life, offering a comforting escape from drama and conflict.

One Piece is Strong, But It’s Not Dominant Right Now

The Elbaph Arc May Make One Piece the King of TV in 2026 and Beyond

Each December, Japanese viewers tend to gravitate towards comforting, nostalgic shows, and this year was no different. While Sazae-San perfectly fit that bill, One Piece couldn’t quite capture the same cozy feeling. One Piece‘s recent story arc, featuring exciting battles and big reveals, proved the show is still strong. However, Sazae-San and Doraemon still ranked higher in viewership from December 22nd to 28th, and One Piece is now taking a break. It seems Japanese audiences may simply be ready for a change of pace from One Piece for the time being.

Now that the Egghead Island Arc has finished in the anime, fans will have to wait until April for the start of the Elbaph Arc and the return of One Piece. This feels like a natural break for anime viewers, giving them time to revisit older favorites until the Straw Hats are back. When the Elbaph Arc really gets going, it’s likely to be a huge hit in Japan, especially with storylines focusing on the God Knights, Prince Loki, and the notorious Rocks D. Xebec.

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2026-01-10 22:04