#Japan #Tokyo #SAKAMOTO DAYS #Medalist #Anime Data Insight

Introduction

The winter 2025 anime season has concluded, and the Anime Data Insight Lab, a part of Bushiroad, has released its latest analysis. This report focuses on which series have maintained audience interest throughout the first ten weeks of airing and the shifts in viewer engagement during this period.

Analysis Overview

Target of Analysis

We analyzed 57 shows from the winter 2025 season, consisting of 40 new series and 17 continuations. By using Google Trends to gather weekly search volume data, we assessed the changes in viewer interest relative to the first week of each show’s airing.

Analysis Period

The data spans from the first to the tenth week of the anime's airing schedule.

Comparative Data

We also compared the findings with data from each seasonal release in 2024 for a comprehensive overview.

Season-Wide Engagement Analysis

To grasp the characteristics of the winter 2025 season, we first examined the overall trends in comparison to other seasons over the past year. The new anime of the winter 2025 season demonstrated a notable engagement maintenance rate of 88.8% in the second week. This figure is the highest among the 2024 seasonal shows and shows a significant increase from the previous autumn season's 74.0%.

However, starting in week three, there was a gradual decline, with the engagement dropping significantly after week six, hitting a low of 33.5% by the tenth week, making it the lowest retention figure observed in the past year.

Retention Rates of New vs. Continuation Series

Notably, while new series saw a drop to 33.5% by week ten, continuation series maintained a relatively high retention rate of 56.2%, indicating the advantage of established fan bases supporting continuing titles.

Top Engaging Shows Over Ten Weeks

An analysis was conducted on the top ten anime shows, which maintained particularly high engagement by the tenth week.

Among the top five shows, three - 'Medalist,' '100 Kano,' and 'Sakamoto Days' - exceeded their initial engagement rates by the tenth week. This rarity showcases the strong viewer reception these shows received.

Following up were 'Solo Leveling' and 'Dr. Stone,' which retained nearly the same engagement levels as in their first week, forming a successful subgroup of five.

When further analyzed, four new series and six continuations made up the top ten, highlighting the success of established series, along with new entries like 'Medalist' and 'Sakamoto Days' capturing notable ranks.

In-Depth Analysis of New Series Performance

Focusing specifically on standout newcomers indicated in the overall top ten, we further evaluated their engagement trends leading up to the tenth week.

Ranking of New Series by Tenth Week

'Performing notably were 'Medalist' and 'Sakamoto Days,' with 'Medalist' reaching an extraordinary engagement rate of 155.6%. This rarity shows how viewer engagement grew with each episode. 'Sakamoto Days' recorded 221.6% in week two before settling at 116.2% in week ten, showcasing its strong viewer interest throughout.

On the other hand, initial favorites like 'The Villainess Reincarnated Uncle' saw a decline to 43.3% by the tenth week.

Key Observations from the Data

A look into the viewing patterns of successful shows suggests they share certain characteristics:
1. Weekly Highlights: Shows that provided clear, compelling highlights each week maintained viewer interest. For instance, 'Medalist' featured moving skating performances weekly, while 'Sakamoto Days' included uniquely crafted action scenes, ensuring viewers had something to look forward to each episode.
2. Organic Buzz on Social Media: Shows with active viewer discussions on platforms like Twitter had a stronger performance. 'Medalist,' in particular, benefited from emotional scenes shared online, creating a positive feedback loop of engagement.
3. Mid-season Excitement: 'Medalist' saw significant spikes in engagement with plot developments leading into climactic moments. Such mid-season strategies effectively kept viewers engaged without the risk of losing momentum.
4. Diverse Audience Appeal: The success of this season’s shows spans multiple genres, including sports, action, and romantic comedies. 'Medalist' effectively attracted sports enthusiasts and female viewers.
5. Continuous Promotion and Fan Interaction: Ongoing promotional efforts during the airing period, alongside interactive engagements with fans, proved pivotal for sustaining interest. For example, 'Ave Mujica' consistently provided exciting content, rising to become a hot topic each week.

Conclusion

As we review the tenth-week data, winter 2025’s anime landscape reveals a heightened degree of selectivity among viewers. Breaking through with standout successes, 'Medalist' and 'Sakamoto Days' have maintained exceptional engagement levels. 'Medalist,' in particular, exemplified how quality content and effective buzz generation can enhance viewer support.

On the flip side, many shows experienced steep declines in viewer interest post week six, underscoring that initial buzz does not guarantee enduring success. The overall retention of 33.5% indicates a significant shift in viewer standards these days.

This season's analysis emphasizes that continuous viewer engagement hinges not just on strong debuts, but also on ongoing content strategies and active viewer engagement in social media trends. Furthermore, with sports-themed titles leading the winter charts, the anime market is witnessing exciting diversification, highlighting evolving viewer preferences in today’s entertainment landscape.