Yahoo! Japan revealed the 2024 winners of anime searches, Yahoo! Japan Search Awards , which highlight the topics that saw the greatest increase in search volume compared to the previous year.
anime category , the big highlight of 2024 was MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES , which reached the top of the ranking. Furthermore, the opening song of the second season, “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born”, went viral, further consolidating the series’ success. Below, check out the five most searched animes between January 1st and October 1st, 2024.
5. BEYBLADE X
Based on Takara Tomy's famous toy franchise, BEYBLADE X revitalized interest in the series. Thus, with innovative battles and new characters, the anime managed to attract both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.
4. Chibi Maruko-chan
The classic Chibi Maruko-chan returned to the spotlight in 2024, especially after the change of its main voice actress. A true icon of Japanese pop culture since the 90s, anime continues to win the hearts of fans old and new, consolidating its place in the popular imagination.
3. The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto)
The adaptation of Natsu Hyuuga's light novel gained prominence by bringing an engaging narrative full of mysteries. Thus, the protagonist, Maomao, is a young apothecary who, after being taken to the imperial palace, begins to uncover secrets hidden behind the walls of royalty. The intriguing plot caught the public's attention.
2. Kaiju No. 8
Inspired by Naoya Matsumoto's manga, this anime follows Kafka Hibino , an ordinary man who, upon transforming into a kaiju (giant monster), nevertheless becomes involved in an epic battle to protect humanity. With a plot full of twists and intense action, Kaiju No. 8 won over both manga readers and new viewers.
1. MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES
Based on the manga that concluded in July 2023, the anime stood out with its captivating animation and unique blend of magic and action-comedy. However, the story follows Mash Burnedead, a young man with no magical abilities who needs to pretend to be a powerful wizard in a world where magic is everything. The explosive success attracted a dedicated fan base.
Yahoo! Japan Search Awards in anime in 2024
The awards are held annually to recognize the topics that have sparked the greatest interest in Japan. Although based on a broad survey of data, which encompasses several categories, such as entertainment and pop culture, the results reflect trends and changes in the interests of Japanese society.
Therefore, Google, which dominates globally as the largest search engine, Yahoo! Japan remains the most popular platform in Japan. Ultimately, this is due to its integration with local services, such as news and shopping, as well as a long adaptation to the country's cultural preferences.
Source: Official Website
