Every newanimeseason in Japan brings its share of surprises, but Spring 2025 may have taken fans off guard more than usual. ABEMA, one of Japan’s largest domestic streaming platforms, recently revealed the five shows that earned the highest “average views per episode” across live and on-demand streams. The results are a fascinating mix of blockbuster sequels and underdog hits.
While some titles were destined to dominate, like the critically acclaimedThe Apothecary Diaries,other entries on the list have quietly risen to prominence without the same global buzz. From heartfelt fantasy adventures to gritty street-fighting action,these five series captured the hearts of Japanese viewers in vastly different ways, proving that audience tastes remain refreshingly diverse.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 is the Reigning Champion
It is no shock thatThe Apothecary Diariesseason 2 sits firmly at the top of ABEMA’s Spring 2025 chart. This OLM and Toho Animation production has long been celebrated for its blend of courtly intrigue, slow-burn romance, and razor-sharp mystery-solving. Maomao, the fiercely intelligent apothecary at the story’s center, once again navigates the treacherous halls of the imperial palace.
This season delivered plenty of character growth, particularly in the simmering relationship between Maomao and Jinshi, the enigmatic court official she serves. The writing balanced witty banter with moments of high tension, ensuring that even quieter episodes felt gripping. Fans praised its attention to historical and cultural detail, which added extra authenticity to the already compelling drama.
With ABEMA reporting it as their most-watched show this season,The Apothecary Diariesproves that slow-burn series can dominate in an age of fast-paced action.
Beyond its storytelling, season 2 benefited from polished animation and a strong directorial hand. Each mystery Maomao unraveled tied seamlessly into the overarching plot, rewarding long-term viewers. With ABEMA reporting it as their most-watched show this season,The Apothecary Diariesproves that slow-burn series can dominate in an age of fast-paced action.
Three Fantasy Underdog Anime Steal the Spotlight
Perhaps the biggest surprise in ABEMA’s rankings comes from the middle of the list, where threerelatively niche fantasy anime titleslikeThe Too-Perfect Saint, The Brilliant Healer’s New Life in the Shadows, andThe Unaware Atelier Meister, secured spots alongside more established hits. Each one offers a distinct spin on the fantasy genre, and their collective success suggests Japanese viewers still crave fresh takes on well-worn tropes.
The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside By My Fiancé and Sold to Another Kingdomtaps into the popular “reijo” or noblewoman drama formula, but with a twist. Protagonist Philia begins the story as a revered saint from a powerful lineage, only to be discarded by her fiancé and sold into unfamiliar territory. Instead of collapsing under social disgrace, she adapts, and thrives, among commoners. This fish-out-of-water narrative resonates strongly with audiences who appreciate stories of personal reinvention. The show layers in political tension as Philia’s home nation faces looming threats, setting up emotional stakes beyond her own journey. Its elegant art style and courtly atmosphere have made it a favorite for fans of romantic yet empowering fantasy storytelling.
In contrast,The Brilliant Healer’s New Life in the Shadowsgoes for a grittier vibe. Zenos, a master of healing magic, is unceremoniously ejected from his adventuring party and left with no prospects. His decision to open an underground clinic in the slums quickly puts him at odds with the kingdom’s elite, making for a tense, morally complex storyline. What sets this series apart is its focus on the ethical gray areas of heroism. Zenos’s work is technically illegal, yet he provides a lifeline to those society ignores. The show’s moody art direction and focus on social inequality lend it a depth that makes it stand out from more conventional fantasy fare.
Finally,The Unaware Atelier Meisterinjects levity into the lineup. Kurt Rockhans isn’t a warrior or sorcerer but rather a craftsman with exceptional abilities in cooking, mining, and toolmaking. After being expelled from a hero’s party, he finds himself inadvertently saving his kingdom through practical skills that others dismiss. The charm here lies in its wholesome, slice-of-life tone within a fantasy setting. Watching Kurt solve major crises without realizing the scale of his contributions offers a refreshing change from high-stakes combat-driven plots. It’s an easy watch that still delivers satisfying payoffs, making it a natural word-of-mouth hit.
Wind Breaker Season 2 Was All About Fighting for Justice, One Street at a Time
Rounding out the list isWind Breakerseason 2, a high-energy martial arts drama that has steadily built a loyal fanbase. Continuing the story of Haruka Sakura and the Bofurin group, this season dives into the team’s origins while keeping the street battles as adrenaline-fueled as ever. The action sequences are fluid, intense, and perfectly choreographed.
Beyond the fists and kicks, the show invests in character-driven storytelling. Haruka’s relationships with his fellow fighters evolve as they confront new challenges, both physical and emotional. This mix of raw action and heartfelt camaraderie is what keeps audiences coming back each week.
For fans of shonen-style action with a grounded, urban twist,Wind Breakerremains one of the most consistently satisfying options in the current anime landscape.
Season 2 also benefits from tighter pacing and more layered antagonists. Conflicts aren’t just about winning fights but about protecting values and the community. For fans of shonen-style action with a grounded, urban twist,Wind Breakerremains one of the most consistently satisfying optionsin the current anime landscape.
Variety Wins in the Spring 2025 Anime Season
ABEMA’s Spring 2025 top five proves that anime success in Japan isn’t dictated solely by massive franchises or high-budget spectacles. WhileThe Apothecary Diarieswas a predictable chart-topper, the inclusion of three lower-profile fantasy dramas shows that audiences are still eager to explore less-hyped titles. Their unique premises and emotional resonance helped them stand out in a competitive season.
Meanwhile,Wind Breakerdemonstrates that a well-executed sequel can grow its audience by deepening its world and characters. Taken together, these five shows reflect a season where variety triumphed, where both the familiar and the unexpected found room to shine. For viewers looking to sample the best of Spring 2025, this lineup offers a perfect mix of intrigue, heart, and adrenaline.
