This time, we will introduce 10 popular anime that have been broadcast for a very long time in Japan. If you like anime, your world will surely be expanded.
１.Sazae-san サザエさん
First broadcast: October 5, 1969
Number of episodes: Over 2,640
Characteristics: A daily anime about a housewife in the Showa era. It is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the “longest-running TV anime program.” It is a work that makes the small things of ordinary daily life interesting and relatable.
Synopsis
Sazae-san is a work that depicts the daily life of the Isono family who live in Sakurashinmachi, Setagaya Ward. The story centers on the daily events of the Fuguta family, consisting of Sazae, Masuo, and Tara-chan, Sazae’s parents, Namihei and Fune, her younger brother Katsuo, and her younger sister Wakame. The episodes depict small family troubles and interactions with neighbors, and are characterized by a warm and fuzzy atmosphere.
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２.Doraemonドラえもん
First aired: April 2, 1979 (1979 version)
Number of episodes: 1,787 (1979 version), 1,384 (2005 version)
Characteristics: An educational anime for children in which a cat-shaped robot from the future helps Nobita, who is bad at studying and sports, and realizes friendship. It is popular with a wide range of age groups with its dreamy fantasy.
Synopsis
Doraemon is a cat-shaped robot from the future world, sent by Sewashi, a descendant of Nobita. In order to improve Nobita’s life, Doraemon uses various “secret gadgets” to help Nobita. The episodes often feature Nobita getting into trouble and Doraemon solving it, and the themes are friendship and adventure.
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3.Chibi Maruko-chan ちびまる子ちゃん
First aired: January 7, 1990 (first series), January 8, 1995 (second series)
Number of episodes: Over 1,329 (second series)
Characteristics: The series depicts the daily life of the protagonist Momoko Sakura, a third-grade elementary school student, and her carefree daily life and interactions with her children and family, realistically recreating the daily life of an average Japanese household in the Showa era.
Synopsis
Chibi Maruko-chan is a story that depicts the daily life of Momoko Sakura (Maruko), a third-grade elementary school student living in Shimizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture (now Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City). It depicts the daily events of her family and classmates, as well as the world as seen from Maruko’s humorous perspective. The episodes are centered around school life and events at home, and are characterized by a warm and fuzzy atmosphere.
4.Go! Anpanman それいけ！アンパンマン
First aired: October 3, 1988
Number of episodes: Over 1,572
Characteristics: A hero anime for children, featuring many characters, cooperation, help, and love.
Synopsis
Anpanman is a hero whose face is made of anpan bread, and he works day and night to help people in trouble. Together with his friends (Shokupanman, Currypanman, etc.), he goes on various adventures while fighting the villain Baikinman. The episodes depict Anpanman’s struggle to help people, and have themes of friendship and courage.
5.Nintama Rantaro 忍たま乱太郎
First aired: April 10, 1993
Number of episodes: Over 2,321
Characteristics: A comedy anime that depicts the daily lives of children attending a ninja school.
Synopsis
An anime that depicts the daily lives of ninja trainees attending a ninja academy. The main character, Rantaro, trains hard in ninjutsu with his friends, Kisantō and Kirimaru, but gets caught up in all sorts of troubles. The story is characterized by its humorous developments, including school life, friendship, and sometimes confrontations with rival ninjas.
6.Ojarumaru おじゃる丸
First aired: October 5, 1998
Number of episodes: Over 1,947
Features: A comedy anime about a Heian period aristocrat’s child who travels back in time to the present day
Synopsis
The story of Ojarumaru, a 5-year-old prince who travels back in time from the Heian period to the present day, and lives in modern Tokyo. Ojarumaru interacts with Kazuma and the residents of Gekkou Town, and although he is confused by modern life, he enjoys it. He contributes to solving problems by utilizing the wisdom of the Heian period.
Crayon Shin-chan クレヨンしんちゃん
First aired: April 13, 1992
Number of episodes: Over 1,230
Characteristics: A comedy anime depicting the daily life of kindergartener Shinnosuke.
Synopsis
This anime depicts the daily life of 5-year-old Nohara Shinnosuke with his family and friends. Shinnosuke’s free-spirited behavior, his conversations with his parents, and events at kindergarten are depicted with plenty of humor. It also contains elements of social satire at times, and is popular with a wide range of people from children to adults.
Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi まんが日本昔ばなし
First aired: January 7, 1975
Number of episodes: 1,494
Characteristics: Animated versions of Japanese folk tales.
Synopsis
Animated versions of folk tales, folk tales, and legends from all over Japan. They cover a wide range of stories, from famous tales such as “Momotaro,” “Urashima Taro,” and “The Tale of Princess Kaguya,” to lesser known regional folktales. Each episode is self-contained and also has an educational aspect that conveys traditional Japanese culture and moral values.
９.Detective Conan 名探偵コナン
First aired: January 8, 1996
Number of episodes: Over 1,100
Characteristics : An anime about reasoning and solving mysteries
Synopsis
A detective anime about high school student detective Kudo Shinichi who is turned back into an elementary school student by the Black Organization’s drug and solves various cases as Edogawa Conan. It is characterized by complex mystery solving and continuous story development, and is popular with a wide range of people from children to adults.
10.Pocket Monsters (Pokemon)ポケットモンスター
First aired: April 1, 1997
Number of episodes: Over 1,200
Characteristics ：Monster breeding, evolution, fighting animation
Synopsis
An anime about the adventures of a boy named Satoshi who travels to become a Pokemon Master. The themes are encounters with various Pokemon, friendship, and growth. It is also characterized by media mix developments such as linkage with games and the development of a movie series.
These anime have been on the air for over 20 years and are known as long-running series that represent Japanese anime culture. Both works are popular all over the world and are highly recognized internationally.
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The latest in 2024! Ranking of the most popular anime series in Japan that have a long life and are recommended for the nation summary
Each of these anime has its own unique appeal, and they are well-known to everyone as representative works of Japanese television anime. Many of them have educational elements and content that reflects Japanese culture, making them a favorite among all generations.
