These were the most searched anime of 2024

Yahoo! Japan has revealed the results of its annual Yahoo! Japan Search Awards, which highlight topics that have seen a significant increase in search volume compared to the previous year. In the anime category, "MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES" was crowned the most searched song of 2024, while its viral opening song of the second season, "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born," also achieved great popularity. Below are the top five spots in the anime category, using data from searches between January 1 and October 1, 2024.

Most searched anime on Yahoo! Japan 2024

1. MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES: Based on the manga that concluded in July 2023, it stood out for its animation and explosive popularity. The series, which combines magic and action comedy, generated great expectation among fans. In addition, the song "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born," which accompanies the season premiere, has been one of the most viral tracks of the year, further cementing its place at the top of searches.

2. Kaiju No. 8: It is an anime based on the successful manga by Naoya Matsumoto. The series follows an ordinary man who, transforming into a kaiju (a giant monster), faces a war with destructive creatures while fighting to protect humanity. Anime, which has captured the attention of a wide audience, continues to be a hot topic within Japanese pop culture.

3. The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto): Based on the light novel by Natsu Hyuuga, The Apothecary Diaries follows the story of a young woman who, after being taken to an imperial palace, begins working as an apothecary and faces mysteries behind the palace walls. This anime has been very well received by both fans of the manga and readers of the original novel, standing out for its interesting mix of intrigue and historical drama.

4. Chibi Maruko-chan: Chibi Maruko-chan's return to the spotlight was prompted by the change of her lead voice. The series, an icon of Japanese pop culture since its inception in the 90s, continues to be a pillar in the hearts of fans. The announcement of a new voice for the main character, Maruko, generated great expectation and undoubtedly contributed to his high demand in searches during 2024.

5. BEYBLADE X: Based on Takara Tomy's popular toy franchise, it has managed to capture the attention of both new and old fans. The series has generated excitement thanks to its innovative battles and has remained relevant thanks to the new additions to the Beyblade universe. The series' recent resurgence in the toy market has helped maintain its position in the top 5 most sought-after anime.

The Yahoo! Japan Search Awards are presented annually to recognize topics that have generated the most interest among Japanese users. These awards are based on a thorough analysis of search volumes from various categories, from entertainment to pop culture trends. The data is collected between January 1 and October 1 each year, and highlights those topics, people, and phenomena that have captured the attention of the Japanese public, reflecting interests and changes in society.

In Japan, Yahoo! Japan is more popular than Google in terms of search engine usage. Although Google is a globally dominant platform, Yahoo! Japan has maintained a strong presence in the Japanese market. This preference is partly due to its integration with other local services, such as Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Shopping, and its web portal that has been present in Japan for a long time, adapting to the country's cultural needs and preferences.

Source: Official Site