Top 5 Trending Anime of 2025 in Japan: A New Era of Anime Dominance

As 2025 draws to a close, the Japanese animation industry has once again solidified its status as a global cultural powerhouse. This year was defined by a breathtaking mix of high-octane mecha revivals and gut-wrenching psychological dramas that sparked massive conversations across social media. Based on the latest data from the Yahoo! Japan Search Awards, we now have the official list of the Top 5 Trending Anime of 2025 that dominated the digital landscape.

The rankings, featured under the prestigious “Artwork” category, reflect a year where streaming records were shattered and “waifu/husbando” culture continued to evolve. From Netflix chart-toppers to viral social media sensations, these titles represent the absolute pinnacle of current animation. Here are the Top 5 Trending Anime of 2025 that you need to add to your watchlist immediately.

1. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX

Taking the gold medal is the latest entry in the legendary Gundam saga. Airing in Spring 2025, this series reinvented the franchise by focusing on Amate Yuzuriha, a girl thrust into illegal robot gladiator matches. While it became a lightning rod for heated debate regarding its narrative changes, that very controversy fueled its massive search volume.

• Key Highlights: Stunning collaborative animation from Sunrise and Khara; a gritty “Clan Battle” tournament setting.

• The Verdict: Whether you love the changes or hate them, its status as a cultural phenomenon is undeniable.

2. The Apothecary Diaries (Season 2)

Ranked second, Maomao’s return in Winter 2025 proved that the historical mystery genre is more alive than ever. This season delved deeper into the shadows of the imperial court, specifically focusing on the shocking twist surrounding Shisui that left fans reeling and desperate for answers.

• Key Highlights: Luxurious production by Studio OLM and Toho Animation; intricate medical puzzles set in ancient China.

• The Verdict: With a 2026 movie already confirmed, Maomao has officially become an enduring icon of the decade.

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3. Sakamoto Days

Claiming the third spot is the action-comedy jugatnaut, Sakamoto Days. Following the life of a retired legendary hitman turned convenience store owner, the series achieved over 24.4 million views on Netflix. It successfully blended fluid fight scenes with a heartwarming family dynamic that resonated with a global audience.

• Key Highlights: High-speed choreography featuring the “overweight” yet deadly Taro Sakamoto; mind-reading sidekick antics.

• The Verdict: It is the definitive shonen hit of the streaming era, proving that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

4. Takopi’s Original Sin

Landing at number four is perhaps the most talked-about psychological drama of the year. Produced by ENISHIYA, it follows an alien octopus trying—and failing—to understand the complexities of human suffering, specifically bullying and depression.

• Key Highlights: A jarring contrast between cute character designs and dark, realistic themes; viral cliffhangers on social media.

• The Verdict: A haunting masterpiece that serves as a mirror to the hidden wounds of modern society.

5. You and Idol Precure

Rounding out the top five is the 22nd installment of the magical girl titan, Precure. By expertly leaning into the hybrid genres trend, the show fused traditional transformations with the glitz of modern J-pop and K-pop idol culture to capture the hearts of a new generation.

• Key Highlights: Infectious idol-music motifs; the debut of Cure Idol and her battle against Team Chokkiri.

• The Verdict: A testament to the franchise’s ability to stay relevant by constantly evolving with contemporary pop culture.

The landscape of the Top 5 Trending Anime of 2025 proves that the industry is moving toward a bold future where legacy franchises and experimental narratives coexist perfectly. These shows didn’t just provide entertainment; they created a shared global experience that will likely influence the trends of 2026 and beyond. Would you like me to provide a breakdown of where you can stream these top-ranked series in your region?