5 Most Popular Anime in Japan 2023: Ranked

Anime is a big deal in Japan, and in this article, we’re going to check out the hottest and most popular anime in Japan in 2023. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just curious, come along for the ride as we explore the magic and fun that make these wide range of animes super popular in the Land of the Rising Sun. It’s time to chill and discover some popular anime series!

5. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War

Season: Summer of 2023

In 2023, the iconic anime Bleach is making waves with its latest installment, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. Born from a manga spanning 2001 to 2016 and an original anime run from 2004 to 2012, this new series, launched in 2022. It also serves as a proper conclusion with a total of 26 episodes split into two parts.

The Plot of this Popular Anime

The main character, Ichigo Kurosaki, fights evil spirits called Hollows in his town, Karakura. He’s also got friends helping him, like Orihime with healing powers, Sado with super strength, and Ishida, his Quincy rival.

Read About Bleach English Dub Cast for this New Season!

Trouble starts when a dangerous enemy, Asguiaro Ebern, shows up, announcing the return of Yhwach, an ancient Quincy king. Yhwach wants to restart an old fight between Soul Reapers and Quincy, putting both the human world and the Soul Society in danger. The Wandenreich makes an immediate impact, disposing of a lieutenant and challenging the Soul Society’s best.

To stop Yhwach, Ichigo and his friends have to team up with old allies and enemies. They face challenges in both the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo.

Merit of Its spot on This “The most popular anime in japan 2023” List

Bleach, renowned for its diverse characters and profound themes, takes a monumental step with Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, bringing the narrative to its final crescendo. Anime fans are excited, and the animation quality has also impressed everyone. If you’ve been a longtime Bleach enthusiast, dive into the latest anime season to savor the grand culmination of this epic saga.

4. Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku

Season: Spring of 2023

Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku stands out in the 2023 anime lineup, kicking off in April. This dark fantasy anime, rooted in history, springs from a manga serialized on Shonen Jump+ from 2018 to 2021, and fans have been eagerly anticipating its adaptation. Created by the renowned studio Mappa, the narrative unfolds in late Edo-period Japan and trails the journey of Gabimaru, a once-feared ninja now facing a death sentence.

The Plot

Despite being condemned, the ninja Gabimaru the Hollow remains indifferent. Having lived a life steeped in bloodshed, he believes his demise is well-deserved. However, every attempt to execute him bafflingly fails. Enter Sagiri Yamada Asaemon, a novice member of a prestigious executioner clan, tasked with ending Gabimaru’s life. Surprisingly, Sagiri refrains from carrying out the execution and, instead, asserts that Gabimaru’s love for his wife is the reason he won’t die.

In a surprising turn of events, Sagiri proposes a deal to Gabimaru: journey to the perilous island of Shinsekyo, retrieve the Elixir of Life (rumored to grant immortality), and bring it back for the shogun. Success guarantees Gabimaru a pardon for his crimes and freedom.

Despite the daunting odds and the ominous history of those who sought the Elixir, Gabimaru, along with ten other death row convicts, accepts the offer, driven by the hope of a peaceful life with his wife.

Why it deserves a spot on this “most popular anime in Japan in 2023” list

The series captivates with its compelling premise, meticulously detailed storytelling, and also the emotional depth of its characters. The struggle of each character is palpable, enhanced by a weighty atmosphere that perfectly ties everything together, creating a truly gripping and also terrifying experience. The meticulous execution makes Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku makes it a must-watch that deserves recognition.

3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Season 3)

Season: Spring of 2023

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has been a global sensation, drawing in manga and anime enthusiasts from all corners of the world for several years. The excitement continues with the latest season, Swordsmith Village Arc, which hit screens in the spring of 2023. This red-hot dark-fantasy anime kicked off its journey with a 26-episode first season in 2019, followed by the crowd-pleasing anime movie Mugen Train Arc in 2020 and the also second season, Entertainment District Arc, with 11 episodes in 2021.

The Plot

Now, let’s dive into the Taishō era of Japan, where a covert group, the Demon Slayer Corps, has been battling demons for centuries. Demons are a tough bunch, requiring a unique alloy called Nichirin, infused with wisteria flower poison, or a good dose of direct sunlight to meet their demise. On the flip side, the Demon Slayers, fully human but armed with cool elemental breathing techniques known as “Breathing Styles,” gain superhuman strength and resilience to take on demons effectively.

Our main hero, Tanjiro Kamado, is a kind and smart lad living with his family in the mountains. Tragedy strikes when his whole family is brutally killed, and to make matters worse, his sister Nezuko survives but as a bloodthirsty demon. Surprisingly, she retains signs of human emotion and thought, giving Tanjiro a sliver of hope. Driven by anger and determination, Tanjiro pledges to avenge his family and protect his only surviving sibling. After a fateful encounter with Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjiro joins their ranks and undergoes training with Giyu’s retired master Sakonji Urokodaki. His mission is to help Nezuko become human again. Alongside the enigmatic Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjiro embarks on a quest to slay demons and also preserve his sister’s humanity.

Also

Behind the wheel is the powerhouse studio Ufotable, a leader within anime studios, ensuring top-notch technical quality. The characters and storytelling seamlessly blend with the mystical atmosphere, making Demon Slayer not just a show, but an immersive experience that keeps us hooked. It’s a top contender on this “most popular anime in Japan in 2023” list.

2. Attack on Titan (Season 4 Part 3)

Season: 2023 (should arguably top this list of most popular anime in Japan 2023)

The first three seasons, a whopping 59 episodes, were crafted by Wit Studio from 2013 to 2019. Then, Mappa took the reins for the fourth and final season, kicking off at the end of 2022. We got a taste of the action with 28 episodes between 2020 and 2022, setting the stage for the much-anticipated Season 4 Part 3, split into two parts. The first one-hour segment aired in March, and the second part followed in the autumn.

The Plot

Now, let’s dive into the dark fantasy world of Attack on Titan. Picture a civilization huddled within three circular walls, thinking it’s humanity’s last refuge. The locals, known as Eldians, believe that over a century ago, Titans—humanoid giants with a hunger for humans—pushed humanity to the brink. The survivors retreated behind three concentric walls, enjoying about a century of peace. Venturing outside is a big no-no.

To tackle Titans, the military brings out the big guns: Vertical Maneuvering Equipment (VME) or Omni-Directional Maneuvering Gear (ODM Gear). It’s a set of waist-mounted grappling hooks and gas-powered propulsion, giving soldiers shocking mobility in three dimensions. Additionally ultra-hard steel swords are their go-to weapons, and they even whip out rocket launcher-like Thunder Spears for added firepower.

Enter our main guy, Eren Yeager, from Shiganshina, the town on the outermost wall. When Titans breach Wall Maria in 845, chaos ensues. Eren’s mom falls prey to a Smiling Titan while Eren narrowly escapes.

Cue Eren’s life mission: wiping out Titans. He, along with adopted sis Mikasa Ackerman and childhood pal Armin Arlert, joins the Survey Corps—an elite military unit facing Titans beyond the walls. Their goal? Figure out how to beat Titans before the last walls crumble.

Why is it on this “most popular anime in Japan in 2023” list?

Attack on Titan is a wild ride. Emotions run high, and the action will keep you glued to your seat. So, grab your snacks and get ready for an anime experience like no other! You won’t want to miss this one, anime lovers.

1. Jujutsu Kaisen (The most popular anime in Japan in 2023!)

Season: Summer of 2023

Let’s talk Jujutsu Kaisen, the anime that’s been rocking the charts lately! Its second season dropped in the summer of 2023, and it’s been a wild ride. First off, we got a 24-episode blast in 2020 and 2021, adapted from the dark fantasy manga series on Weekly Shonen Jump. Then, they sprinkled in some extra excitement with the first-ever anime movie, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, in 2021. Now, the spotlight is on Yuji Itadori and his powerhouse teacher, Satoru Gojo, as Mappa works its magic again with another season of top-notch quality.

The Plot

So, what’s the deal with Jujutsu Kaisen? Well, in this world, all living things throw out this energy called Cursed Energy, a result of our not-so-pleasant emotions. Regular folks can’t control it, and that leads to the birth of Curses—creepy spiritual beings hell-bent on causing trouble. We’re talking monsters, ghosts, and yōkai straight out of a nightmare.

Now, enter the Jujutsu Sorcerers who can control this Cursed Energy flow in their bodies. They’re like the energy bosses, using it like it’s nobody’s business but keeping it discrete.

Our main man, Yuuji Itadori, isn’t your average high schooler. Sure, he’s part of the Occult Club, casually dabbling in spooky stuff. But things take a turn when he stumbles upon a cursed item that sets off a chain of supernatural chaos. Little does he know, he’s about to be dragged into the wild world of Curses, all thanks to swallowing a finger that belongs to the big bad demon, Sukuna Ryoumen, the King of Curses.

Suddenly, Yuuji’s got powers he never signed up for, and he’s face-to-face with the dark side of society. Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High School becomes his new haunt as he takes on the role of a Jujutsu sorcerer.

Hence

Jujutsu Kaisen is the kind of anime that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. It’s got supernatural twists, shocking powers, character designs, and a storyline that keeps you hooked. So, if you haven’t jumped on the Jujutsu Kaisen train yet, now’s the time! Get ready for a rollercoaster of dark fantasy fun that you won’t want to miss.

As a whole, (the anime community) we usually don’t like being left in the dark about amazing animes that are trending. But that’s why we’re here, to keep you in the loop! So, stay tuned here for more anime news and anime updates about the most popular anime in Japan in 2023!

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