As history has taught us, numbers don't lie when it comes to how popular something is, and anime's are no exception to the trend! Oshi no Ko since its debut has been an instant hit, but it's clearly obvious that Japan's Generation Z demographic—those between the ages of 10 and 24—are the primary force behind that popularity. Over 2,600 young Japanese anime lovers were surveyed by the Japanese website Otona Answer to determine what their favorite anime of 2023 has been so far, and Oshi no Ko came out on top.
With Oshi no Ko on top, we have 9 other titles that are sure to be on your top 10 list (and if they aren't, be sure to let us know in the comments what you think should be there instead!).
Here is the official ranking breakdown (according to Japan’s Generation Z demographic) below:
1.Oshi no Ko
Oshi no Ko, which translates to "My Star", is an anime series based upon the manga of the same name by Aka Akasaka and artist Mengo Yokoyari. It follows Goro, an obstetrician from a regional city, who finds himself reincarnated as the child of his favorite idol, Ai Hoshino, after an untimely death. Another fan of Ai's, who also dies around the same time, is reborn as Ai's other child. These children, named Ruby and Aquamarine (Aqua), experience the highs and lows of stardom from an entirely new perspective as they navigate through their new life as the children of their beloved idol.
The first season is comprised of 11 30-minute episodes. It made a substantial impact among the anime community when it premiered with its 90-minute first episode special that it briefly overtook "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" for the best anime of all time spot on some platforms.
2. Tokyo Revengers Season 2
Tokyo Revengers Season 2 continues the time-traveling adventure of Takemichi Hanagaki and includes the "Christmas Showdown" or "Seiya Kessen" arc from the original manga. This arc revolves around a critical battle between the Tokyo Manji gang, also known as Toman, led by Takemichi, and the rival Black Dragon gang. Takemichi must journey back in time to prevent a fateful Christmas night conflict between fellow Toman member Hakkai Shiba and his older brother Taiju Shiba, the leader of the Black Dragon gang.
3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village arc
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc is the subsequent story arc of the acclaimed anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. This arc continues the journey of Tanjiro Kamado, an erstwhile charcoal salesman, who seeks vengeance for his family's death at the hands of demons and endeavors to restore his sister Nezuko, who has been transformed into a demon herself.
In the "Swordsmith Village Arc", Tanjiro finds himself in the Swordsmith Village, a place where the weapons of the Demon Slayer Corps are forged. He reunites with two Demon Slayer Corps members, Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji, who are also among the highest-ranking swordsmen in the Corps.
4.My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999
After experiencing the heartbreak of a breakup when her boyfriend leaves her for another woman, college student Akane Kinoshita finds herself grappling with emotional scars and lingering memories. As a way of coping, she reconnects with their shared pastime, the MMO Forest of Savior. She conjures a plan to exact revenge on her ex through an in-person event linked to the game. Unexpectedly, she crosses paths with Akito Yamada, a renowned player and her guildmate.
In her quest for retribution, Akane convinces the introverted Yamada to assist her and provide emotional support. Their casual friendship begins to deepen, evolving in ways they hadn't anticipated, as they share experiences within the game and outside it.
5. MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES
Mashle: Magic and Muscles is an anime adaptation of the manga of the same name by Hajime Kōmoto. The series features a world steeped in magic, where social standing is determined by one's magic-wielding capabilities. It parodies the concept of a magic school, drawing inspiration from popular franchises like Harry Potter, but with a comedic and absurdist twist.
The story revolves around Mash Burnedead, a boy born in this magical world but without any magical powers. Instead, Mash compensates for his lack of magic with an extraordinary level of physical strength, developed through relentless training. He manages to enroll at Easton Magic Academy and aims to pass off as a top student despite his lack of magical abilities.
6. Pokémon Anime
The Pokémon anime series follows the young Pokémon trainer Ash Ketchum, and his electrifying companion Pikachu, as Ash's journeys to become a Pokémon Master. The anime first premiered in April 1997. It has been continually broadcast ever since.
Over the years, the anime series has been split into several different series, each based on a main installment of the Pokémon video game series. In international broadcasts, these series are divided across multiple seasons. As of "Pokémon Horizons: The Series," the 26th season, the show features new protagonists, Liko and Roy, introducing a shift from the previous main character, Ash.
In addition to the main series, Pokémon has also spawned numerous films, specials, and spin-off series, contributing to its status as a significant aspect of children's entertainment and a global sensation, fondly referred to as "Pokémania". Furthermore, the franchise is credited for helping to popularize and familiarize anime globally. With new products and installments continuing to be released, Pokémon remains an enduring and influential presence in media and entertainment.
7. The Dangers in My Heart
The Japanses anime The Dangers in My Heart consists of 12 episodes that revolve around Ichikawa Kyotaro, a socially awkward teenager who imagines himself as the tortured lead in some psychological thriller. He spends his time conjuring scenarios to disrupt his classmates' tranquil lives and nursing a crush on Anna Yamada, the class idol. However, Kyotaro is not nearly as troubled as heseems. On the contrary, he is quite considerate, but is plagued by low self-esteem.
The anime is based on a shonen romantic comedy manga by Norio Sakurai, which started serialization in 2018 and received several accolades, such as a nomination for the 2020 Manga Taisho Award and winning the 2021 Tsutaya Comic Award Grand Prize. Despite the protagonist's imagined dark side, the anime is, in essence, a charming romantic comedy, focusing on the peculiar relationship between Ichikawa and Anna and their shared idiosyncrasies.
Produced by Shin-Ei Animation, the anime adaptation first aired on April 2, 2023. It received a favorable reception, and a second season has been announced for 2024.
8. Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - ROAD TO THE TOP
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - ROAD TO THE TOP is the third season of the anime series Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, and is part of a broader franchise that was created by Cygames. The franchise includes a mobile game and a video game spin-off Uma Musume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash that is available on PS4, Switch, and PC via Steam.
9. Blue Orchestra
The Blue Orchestra anime is an adaptation of Makoto Akui's manga series of the same name. It follows Hajime Aono, a prodigy violinist who becomes disillusioned with playing the violin due to personal reasons. Now in his third year of middle school, Hajime faces uncertainty about his academic path. He encounters Akine Ritsuko, a passionate novice violinist aiming to enroll in a high school known for its distinguished orchestra club. As Hajime develops a closer bond with Ritsuko, he is brought back into the world of violinists, and time starts moving again for him.
10. KONOSUBA -An Explosion on This Wonderful World!
KonoSuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World! is a prequel to the original KonoSuba series, which takes place a year prior to the arrival of the useless goddess and NEET extraordinaire. KonoSuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World! takes an in-depth look into the backstory of Megumin, who is affectionately referred to as the "Greatest Genius of the Crimson Magic Clan".
Megumin hails from a poor family within the Crimson Demons, a clan of red-eyed mages. Her burning ambition is to become a great adventurer, inspired by the explosive magic she saw in her youth. This leads to her spending her days in pursuit of mastering the ultimate offensive magic, Explosion, a feat that sees her balancing her time between her magic studies and competing with her self-proclaimed rival. In the series, Megumin and her childhood friend and rival Yunyun embark on adventures with their flying cat Chomusuke. Their journey introduces them to various challenges, including cults, demons, and other adventurers, ultimately leading to Megumin bringing her signature explosive magic to the kingdom.
Produced by Studio Deen, the series retains the humorous and comedic tones from the original KonoSuba, focusing on slapstick comedy involving Megumin and Yunyun. Despite toning down some of the crass humor from the original series, it manages to provide a compelling backstory to the characters, particularly Megumin, and her relationships with the other characters, contributing to the development of the lore of the series.
Have you watched any of these anime? Do you agree with the Gen Z rankings? Drop your thoughts down below and let us know what you think should be included (or not)!