Kusuriya no Hitorigoto was the most watched of 2024 in Japan
2024 has been an exceptional year for anime fans, with the continuation of several acclaimed series and high-impact premieres. Japanese streaming platform U-NEXT has revealed its official ranking of the most-watched anime titles on its service this year, based on actual viewing data (recorded from January 1 to November 10, 2024) and not surveys, which brings unique credibility to the list.
According to Gamebiz, U-Next, one of Japan's most popular streaming platforms, which offers international and local content from anime, dramas, movies, and light novels, has published its annual ranking for the category of "unlimited viewing (i.e., episodes are always available to watch)." This ranking highlights which series captured the public's attention throughout the year.
10. My Hero Academia Season 7
The latest installment in this superhero saga picks up the story at a crucial point, as Deku and his companions battle ever-increasing threats on their way to becoming the heroes of the future.
9. Delicious in Dungeon
This anime mixes elements of fantasy and cooking, following a group of adventurers who must find food inside a dungeon full of magical creatures as they seek to rescue a loved one.
8. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2
The second season of MAPPA's hit anime explores Satoru Gojo's past and the Shibuya Incident Arc, offering some of the most striking and visually spectacular moments of the year.
7. Kaiju No. 8
This new kaiju hit combines fast-paced action and comedy as it follows Kafka Hibino, a man who turns into a giant creature as he fights to protect humanity.
6. Oshi no Ko Season 2
The second season of this dark drama about the entertainment industry picks up the story of Ruby and Aqua as they delve into the secrets behind the life and death of their idol mother, Ai Hoshino.
5. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3
The long-awaited third season of Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken once again delights fans with the expansion of the kingdom of Rimuru and new threats in this isekai full of action and political strategy.
4. Mashle: The Divine Visionary Candidate Exam Arc
This shonen comedy, which combines magic and absurd humor, continues to follow Mash Burnedead, a young man with no magical abilities in a world dominated by magic, as he faces increasingly difficult challenges to prove his strength.
3. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Madhouse has brought to life this deeply emotional story about Frieren, an elf who reflects on her life and her former companions after the defeat of the Demon King. The anime explores the meaning of friendship and time from a melancholic and philosophical perspective, which has resonated with viewers.
2. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Hashira Training Arc
The latest installment of global phenomenon Kimetsu no Yaiba takes the main characters on intense training under the guidance of the Hashira, the strongest swordsmen in the series. This arc has been acclaimed for its stunning action scenes and character development, cementing its place as a 2024 favorite.
1. Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (The Apothecary Diaries)
This historical drama, adapted from the popular light novel of the same name, follows Maomao, a cunning and resourceful pharmacist who is brought to the imperial palace as a servant. Using his medical knowledge and intelligence, Maomao solves mysteries within the court, gaining the attention of powerful characters. Its mix of intrigue, humor and well-developed characters has captivated the public, securing it the first place in the ranking.
U-NEXT is one of the most comprehensive streaming platforms in Japan, known for offering a vast library of content spanning Korean and Japanese anime, movies, light novels, and dramas. Unlike rankings based on popularity surveys, U-NEXT's data reflects the real behavior of users, which gives greater credibility to the results.
In addition, its "unlimited viewing" subscription model allows users to explore a wide variety of titles without restrictions, making it a reliable barometer of current trends in anime consumption. The ranking also reaffirms the continued impact of streaming platforms on the popularization of series, allowing niche or recent works to reach a wider global audience.
Source: Gamebiz
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