Live Action Anpan Series Sets a Streaming Ratings Record
NHK announced on Monday that Anpan, the latest entry in its long running morning drama franchise, has set a new record for online viewership. The series drew the highest streaming ratings, both live and on demand, of any live action drama in the franchise’s roughly six decade history.
The numbers are impressive. Around 604,000 unique browser views were counted for people watching all 130 episodes, while its 93rd episode alone reached nearly 798,000 views. The chief producer noted that many parents watched along with their children, and that the show drew warm feedback from overseas as well.
It performed strongly on television too, with the finale on September 26 earning an 18.1 percent rating.
The series is a biographical drama inspired by the life of Takashi Yanase, the creator of Anpanman, and his wife. It ran across 26 weeks earlier this year, starring Takumi Kitamura and Mio Imada in the lead roles.
Yanase’s Anpanman remains a cultural institution, with a television anime running since 1988 and more than 35 films to its name.
My take: It is lovely to see a heartfelt biographical drama about such a beloved creator connect with so many viewers, especially families. Anpanman’s gentle spirit clearly still resonates across generations.
