When it comes to anime with almost endless episodes, what title first comes to mind? Many people answer without hesitation: One Piece. After all, there are over a thousand chapters following Luffy's journey. But here's an important detail: despite its reputation for being "endless," Eiichiro Oda's work isn't even among the five anime with the most episodes in history.
Yes, there are productions that have easily surpassed that mark—some of them aired for decades on Japanese TV. And that's exactly what we're going to list for you.
5. Doraemon
- Anime: Doraemon
- Studios: Tokyo Movie Shinsha, Shin-Ei Animation
- Number of episodes: 1787
Synopsis: Doraemon is a robotic cat who came from the 22nd century. Upon arriving in the 20th century, he finds a loving and caring family. They share experiences, and Doraemon gains a home and a family.
4. Oyako Club
- Anime: Oyako Club
- Studio: Eiken
- Number of episodes: 1818
Synopsis: Rompa and Lun are two extraterrestrials who live with a human family. As time passes, they both try to connect with the people and learn about planet Earth.
3. Ojarumaru
- Anime: Ojarumaru
- Studio: Gallop
- Number of Episodes: 2,122+ (still in production)
Synopsis: Ojarumaru is a prince from the Heian Era who is tired of his privileged life. Therefore, while being pursued by a king after stealing a magical artifact, the five-year-old boy ends up falling into a hole and being transported a thousand years through time, to the present day.
2. Nintama Rantaro
- Anime: Nintama Rantaro
- Studio: Ajia-do Animation Works
- Number of episodes: 2500+ (still in production)
Synopsis: The anime revolves around three young people, Rantarou, Shinbei, and Kirimaru, who attend a ninja school. While trying to learn everything about ninjas, the group of friends gets into all sorts of trouble.
Finally, which anime has the most episodes?
The answer to the question of first place, Sazae-San, became the anime with the most episodes of all time. The anime premiered on April 22, 1946. With over 7330 episodes, it won a Guinness World Record.
1. Sazae-San
- Anime: Sazae-San
- Studios: TCJ and Eiken
- Number of episodes: 8,540+ (still in production)
Synopsis: Sazae-san is an anime based on the manga by Machiko Hasegawa that follows the daily life of the Isono family, led by the charismatic and good-humored Sazae Fuguta. However, the story revolves around simple everyday situations, showing the coexistence of generations under the same roof — parents, children, and grandparents — in a typical Japanese home.
Finally, that's it folks. Leave a comment if you thought "One Piece" was your anime with the most episodes.