Breaking Records, The First Episode of 'ANPAN' Achieves the Highest Rating on NHK

Kapanlagi.com - On April 6, 2025, the first episode of the Japanese drama ANPAN broadcasted on NHK set a new record with an impressive rating achievement. The drama, which tells the story of the creator of the popular character "Anpanman", immediately garnered significant attention from Japanese viewers. Not only on television, this drama also achieved high numbers in digital viewership through the NHK Plus platform, making it the most-watched drama in history.

This drama tells the inspirational story of Takashi Yanase, the creator of "Anpanman", and his beloved wife Natsuko, who symbolizes courage and the spirit of life. Since the first episode aired, this drama has recorded an extraordinary number of viewers both on NHK and on the NHK Plus streaming platform, with figures never before recorded in the history of asadora and taiga dramas in Japan.

According to observations, this premiere episode has achieved a rating of 41.6% in the Kōchi region and a total of 76.1 million views on NHK Plus. This makes ANPAN not only the highest-rated drama but also the most-watched in the history of NHK dramas.

1. Achievement of Highest Rating

The premiere episode of 'Anpan' breaks NHK records (credit:instagram.com/asadora_ak_nhk)

In the first episode, the drama ANPAN achieved the highest rating on NHK. With a total viewership of nearly 20 million people across Japan, this drama immediately topped the national ratings. In Kochi, the region with the highest number of viewers, the drama even recorded a figure of 41.6%. Additionally, NHK Plus as a digital platform recorded 76.1 million views, setting a record for the highest number of viewings.

The Popularity Boosting Audience Enthusiasm The success of this first episode shows how the drama immediately captured the attention of a large audience. With strong characters and an inspiring story, it is no surprise that many viewers felt connected to the narrative presented.

2. The Story Behind the Drama 'Anpan'

The premiere episode of 'Anpan' breaks NHK records (credit: instagram.com/asadora_ak_nhk)

ANPAN tells the true story of the lives of the couple Takashi Yanase and Natsuko, the creators of "Anpanman", who have influenced many generations in Japan. Although it is based on a true story, this drama uses fictional names for its characters and is told in a more dramatic form. This gives the writer the freedom to explore more deeply the nature of their relationship and the spirit of life they possess.

The Courage and Hope Conveyed The story presented in this drama not only narrates the journey of this couple in facing life's challenges but also conveys messages of courage and hope that can inspire many people. The audience can feel how strong their drive is to persevere amidst various difficulties.

3. Popularity on Social Media

The first episode of 'Anpan' breaks NHK records (credit:instagram.com/asadora_ak_nhk)

This drama has not only succeeded on television, but it has also garnered significant attention on social media. Many viewers shared their experiences watching the first episode, providing positive comments and showing high enthusiasm. On various platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram, hashtags related to "Anpan" began to go viral, with many users discussing how impressed they were with the story and the production quality of this drama.

Positive Responses from Viewers The response from viewers has been very positive, with many expressing how inspired they felt by the presented story. The bravery of the main character and the touching storyline made many people feel a connection to this drama.

4. Comments from the Production Team

The premiere episode of 'Anpan' breaks NHK records (credit:instagram.com/asadora_ak_nhk)

The production team of this drama, led by the main producer, Kusaki Ken, expressed their happiness over the extraordinary achievement of this first episode. In their comments, Kusaki stated that this success is the result of the hard work of the production team, as well as the tremendous support from viewers who enthusiastically followed the story of "Anpan".

Hopes for the Future of the Drama Kusaki also hopes that "Anpan" can continue to gain greater attention throughout its airing, and wishes for this drama to become a part of the viewers' daily lives, providing inspiration and strength to face life's challenges.

5. Broadcasting on NHK Plus

The premiere episode of 'Anpan' breaks NHK records (credit:instagram.com/asadora_ak_nhk)

As a digital platform, NHK Plus has become one of the factors boosting the popularity of this drama. With 76.1 million views on the first episode, NHK Plus has become a very popular place to watch this drama, both for those who want to watch it live and for those who watch it through the replay feature. With this feature, the drama ANPAN is able to reach a wider audience, not just relying on live broadcasts on television.

The Importance of Digital Access in Reaching Viewers Success on NHK Plus shows how digital access is key to reaching a broader audience. Despite facing competition from other digital content, 'Anpan' has managed to leverage this platform very well, allowing viewers to watch anytime and anywhere.

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(kpl/vna)