Japan’s Biggest Anime of 2025 Isn’t Even Available in the United States

Anime is gaining popularity among Western viewers, with many series and films being released simultaneously in the U.S. thanks to streaming services like Crunchyroll and Netflix. However, sometimes streaming platforms miss out on anime that has been hugely successful in Japan. Unfortunately, a recent report revealed that one anime that’s breaking Japan’s streaming records is currently inaccessible for Western viewers.

While some anime have undeniable global appeal, the preferences of Japanese and Western audiences often differ significantly when it comes to popular titles, with many domestic hits going unnoticed internationally. According to NicoNico’s latest report, The Style of Hiroshi Nohara’s Lunch is currently the most popular series of Fall 2025, and it could become the most-watched anime of the year.

Crayon Shin-Chan’s Spin-Off Anime is Breaking Streaming Records In Japan

The Style of Hiroshi Nohara’s Lunch it’s a Crayon Shin-chan spin-off anime centering on Shin-chan’s father, Hiroshi, following his daily lunch break as he decides what to eat. Despite its simple animation style and run-of-the-mill premise, it has become an unstoppable phenomenon that has conquered fans in Japan, remaining unbeaten as the top anime of Fall 2025 since its premiere.

Niconico, one of Japan’s largest video-sharing platforms, which ranks anime based on episode views and comments, reported that The Style of Hiroshi Nohara’s Lunch broke viewership records in 2025, doubling the views of viral anime such as From Bureaucrat to Villainess and Medalist. The first episode of The Style of Hiroshi Nohara’s Lunch surpassed 1.1 million views and 230,000 comments.

Per Denfaminico, The Style of Hiroshi Nohara’s Lunch is the first anime to surpass one million views since Bocchi the Rock! in 2023. Furthermore, it broke Bocchi the Rock‘s record in less than two weeks. Unfortunately for Western viewers, The Style of Hiroshi Nohara’s Lunch hasn’t been licensed by anime streaming platforms, making it virtually unavailable to international audiences.

The Style of Hiroshi Nohara’s Lunch Targets a Japanese Audience

While international fans prefer action-packed anime like Demon Slayer and Solo Leveling, Japanese audiences resonate deeply with wholesome series with subtle humor that deal with everyday themes, like Sazae-san and Crayon Shin-Chan. Yet, what has made The Style of Hiroshi Nohara’s Lunch a viral anime is the stark contrast between Hiroshi’s mundane life as a father and as a salaryman.

The anime has drawn viewers who relate with the struggle to find good food on a budget and how it celebrates the joy of eating, as well as Hiroshi’s hilarious and meme-worthy facial expressions. Sadly, The Style of Hiroshi Nohara’s Lunch could become Japan’s most popular anime of 2025 without Western audiences ever having the chance to see it.