#Japan #Tokyo #Summer 2025 #Anime Data Insight Lab #Tコピーの原罪

Introduction

Four weeks have passed since the start of the Summer 2025 anime season, which features a massive lineup of 81 titles, including 62 new series and 19 continuations. While "Tコピーの原罪" has captured significant attention in the first week, the subsequent weeks have revealed a variety of engagement patterns among the titles.

In this analysis, we explore the shifting focus of these anime through two indices: the Trend Index (Google search volume) indicating general awareness and newcomer interest, and the Fan Index (X post volume) measuring audience engagement and enthusiasm.

Analysis Overview

Analysis Target

The study encompasses 81 anime series from the Summer 2025 season: 62 new works and 19 sequels.

Usage of Data

• - Trend Index (normalized Google search volume): A measure of general recognition and newcomer interest.
• - Fan Index (normalized X post volume): A gauge for excitement and engagement among followers.

Retention Rate After Four Weeks

This metric shows the relative change in attention from week one to week four, with an initial week representing 100% retention.

Analysis Period

From week one through week four of the Summer anime broadcasts.

Index and Retention Rate Explanation

All indices are calculated relative to the maximum values in the first week data across all 81 titles, where higher numbers indicate greater audience interest. The peak Trend Index is held by "Tコピーの原罪," while "ダンダダン" leads in the Fan Index.

Overall Interest in the First Week

Trend Index Ranking (Top 10 of Week One)

"Tコピーの原罪" generated a remarkable volume of search interest, heavily fueled by its original manga achieving historical viewership records of 3 million on Jump+. This remarkable buzz translated into heightened anticipation for its anime adaptation.

Fan Index Ranking (Top 10 of Week One)

On the platform X (formerly Twitter), "ダンダダン" recorded the highest fan anticipation score, significantly surpassing the average with a mean value of 18.0, indicating a collection of highly engaged works.

Works Type Analysis

Based on the differential between the Trend and Fan Indices, works can be categorized into two types:

Trend-Driven Type: Works Emphasizing Buzz

Representative Works:

• - Tコピー
• - ぬきたし THE ANIMATION
• - 地縛少年花子くん

Notably, "Tコピーの原罪" equally captured a broad general audience beyond its dedicated fan base. On the other hand, "ぬきたし THE ANIMATION" garnered high buzz due to its controversial adaptation from an adult game, but lagged in fan engagement, recording below-average on the Fan Index.

Characteristics:

• - Attracts attention through newsworthiness and buzz.
• - Generates curiosity about the work's content.
• - Has the potential to pull in non-fans as well.

Fan-Dominant Type: Works More Appreciated by Their Existing Fans

Representative Works:

• - New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT
• - 彼女、お借りします
• - 青春ブタ野郎はサンタクロースの夢を見ない

"New PANTY & STOCKING," after a 15-year gap, has a high fan engagement score yet below trend score, typical for fan-driven content. Similar patterns apply to "青春ブタ野郎" and others, where the existing fanbase's discussions and anticipated conversations exceed general interest.

Characteristics:

• - Active exchanges of opinions and discussions among fans.
• - Strong desire to engage in conversations about the work.
• - Often related to sequels or popular intellectual properties.

Analysis of Retention Rate After Four Weeks

Identifying True Evaluation Through Continuation

Trend Retention Rate Analysis (Top 5 in Week Four)

Upon reviewing the Trend Retention Rates in week four, we noticed significant changes from week one rankings. Notably, "銀河特急 ミルキー☆サブウェイ" achieved a remarkable 189% retention, showcasing the often-overlooked value of such works at traditional measurement benchmarks.

Fan Retention Rate Ranking (Top 5 in Week Four)

Analyzing fan engagement over the weeks highlighted works with sustained community activity rising to the top. This provides insight into distinct engagement patterns evident through fan engagement metrics over the four weeks.

Growth Pattern Analysis

By considering the index differentials at week four, we classified the sustained popularity into two models:

Trend Continuation Type: Popularity Grows Through Search

Representative Works:

• - 銀河特急 ミルキー☆サブウェイ
• - カラオケ行こ！
• - 水属性の魔法使い
• - サイレント・ウィッチ

"銀河特急 ミルキー☆サブウェイ," initially seen as average, saw an increase in searches leading to a retention rate of 189%. The buzz from its predecessor that amassed 6.7 million views and its international engagement via YouTube likely propelling its growing appeal.

Characteristics:

• - Increased inquiry stimulates further interest in the work.
• - Viewers are curious about the work's lore and context.
• - Topics gaining significance over time.

Fan Continuation Type: Popularity Grows Through Social Media

Representative Works:

• - 光が死んだ夏
• - フードコートで、また明日。
• - 追放者食堂へようこそ！
• - 瑠璃の宝石

"光が死んだ夏" was awarded the top spot in "このマンガがすごい！2023". Following its release, an increased volume of user-generated opinions led to a fan retention score of 141%.

Characteristics:

• - Continuous exchanges of thoughts among fans.
• - Particularly adored within specific genre circles.
• - Sustained interest in conversations related to the work.

In-Depth Look at Key Success Cases

銀河特急 ミルキー☆サブウェイ: A New Model Stemming from YouTube Production

• - Initial Week: Trend Index 1.9, Fan Index 5.3
• - Retention Rate at Week Four: Trend 189%, Fan 249% (highest growth rate)

This anime, a sequel to the short 3D animation "ミルキー☆ハイウェイ", garnered attention for its astonishingly low production scale, primarily handled by animator Kameyama Yohei, with about four-minute episodic length attracting viewers on multiple platforms including simultaneous broadcasting on YouTube in 11 different languages.

Reasons for Popularity:

• - Anticipation built from the viral nature of the previous work.
• - Global showcase through 11 language versions.
• - Short lengths offering casual viewing experiences.
• - Endearing styles and engaging informal dialogues.
• - Strong promotional efforts including a show at Ikebukuro PARCO.

光が死んだ夏: A Work Cherished by Its Fans

• - Initial Week: Trend Index 40.8, Fan Index 73.2
• - Retention Rate at Week Four: Trend 66%, Fan 141% (fan continuation type)

This youthful horror narrative received swift attention, achieving a dominant ranking after debuting on Netflix and ABEMA platforms, soon reaching daily chart-topping on Netflix.

Reasons for Popularity:

• - Recognition as #1 in "このマンガがすごい！" enhances credibility.
• - Active communities supporting horror genres.
• - Strong emotional and thematic engagements capturing audiences.
• - Impressive contrasts between idyllic summer landscapes and underlying horror themes.
• - Incorpoating BL elements broadens discussions.

タコピーの原罪: The Archetype of What Draws Attention

• - Initial Week: Trend Index 100.0 (maximum value), Fan Index 90.8
• - Retention Rate at Week Four: Trend 82%, Fan 82% (stable retention)

This work, depicted by Taizan 5 in Shueisha's Jump+, achieved immense attention due to its groundbreaking views, becoming the first manga to garner such acclaim.

Reasons for Popularity:

• - Historical note as the first to achieve 3 million views.
• - Buzz generated by shock-inducing previews and careful casting decisions.
• - The discussions surrounding polarizing content further promote its popularity.

Changes in the Industry as Seen Through Summer 2025 Anime

Coexistence of Diverse Success Patterns

This season marks simultaneous recognition of five distinct success patterns:

• - Major Hit: "Tコピーの原罪"
• - Sustained Anticipation: "ダンダダン", "SAKAMOTO DAYS"
• - Hidden Gem: "銀河特急 ミルキー☆サブウェイ"
• - Community Focus: "光が死んだ夏"
• - Revived IP: "New PANTY & STOCKING"

The fact that "銀河特急 ミルキー☆サブウェイ" emerged with the highest retention despite an initial invisible presence illustrates the risk inherent in evaluating solely based on first-week engagement.

Differentiation Between Investigatable and Discussable Works

By analyzing the differential between the Trend and Fan Indices, it becomes feasible to differentiate between works generating curiosity versus those sparking discussions, allowing programmers to clearly categorize popularity into either search growth or social media growth types.

Impact Variations Due to Distribution Strategies

• - Multiple Platforms: "銀河特急 ミルキー☆サブウェイ" achieved broad reach by airing on TV and deploying 11 languages on YouTube, resulting in a retention of 189%.
• - Exclusive and Free: "光が死んだ夏" maintained a 141% retention with Netflix and ABEMA exclusivity.
• - Widespread Distribution: "Tコピーの原罪", broadcasting across 20 platforms, maintained an 82% score.

While YouTube's expansive reach and unique approach to international engagement excel in generating buzz, these have limits on direct monetization. Exclusive platforms, while strong on initial engagement and profits, face challenges in maintaining long-term discussion due to restrictions on secondary adaptations. Thus, there is a pressing need to find a balance between increasing IP value through discussion and securing short-term revenue.

Conclusion

The Summer 2025 anime landscape has surfaced a new evaluation metric that goes beyond initial buzz to assess a show's enduring popularity. Specifically, the 189% growth of "銀河特急 ミルキー☆サブウェイ" positions it as a game-changing case study in the utilization of YouTube, multilingual distribution, and individual-driven production.

In the future, the anime industry must incorporate not only initial buzz but also the strength and variety of affectionate relationships built with its audience into the evaluation framework.