A recent survey conducted by Japanese research firm Generation α (Alpha) Laboratories revealed the favorite animes and mangas of Generation Alpha, that is, those born between 2010 and 2024. The results of this research have generated great interest, highlighting trends in entertainment consumption among younger people.

According to the research, anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” is positioned as the undisputed favorite, receiving an impressive 40% of votes. By contrast, “One piece“Despite being in the top five, he only got half that percentage. The survey collected data from 600 children and parents of children from the first year of primary school (approximately 5-6 years old) to the third year of secondary school (approximately 13-14 years old). Both children and their parents, representing their children, were invited to share their favorite anime and manga, allowing for multiple selection options.

The results were as follows:

1. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (40.0%)
2. Detective Conan (27.8%)
3. Spy x Family (23.3%)
4. One piece (20.8%)
5. Oshi no Ko (19.3%)

All anime and manga mentioned belong to the demographic group Shonenwhich is generally aimed at boys and young men between approximately 12 and 18 years of age, except “Oshi no Ko”, which is classified as seinenintended for men over 18 years of age.

One of the factors that could have influenced the high position of “Detective Conan“It’s the premiere of his hit movie”The Million Dollar Pentagram”In mid-April 2024, it became the highest-grossing film of the year in Japan. This certainly increased its popularity among young viewers.

Of the animes mentioned, both “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” as “One piece”are currently releasing new episodes. As for the manga, all titles continue to publish new chapters, with the exception of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba“, whose original manga was completed in 2020.

The survey, although limited in sample size, offers interesting insight into the current preferences of Generation Alpha in Japan and the values they find appealing in stories. All of the anime and manga mentioned above stand out for their strong family ties and interpersonal relationships, and feature young protagonists (mostly in their early or mid-teens). While “One piece“,“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” and “SPY x FAMILY“tend towards action and adventure”,Oshi no Ko” and “Detective Conan”lean more toward mystery and suspense. This suggests that Generation Alpha has a preference for content that is filled with excitement and anticipation, although not always in the form of physical battles.

Animation and art style also play an important role.”Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” and “Oshi no Ko”have gained great popularity and praise thanks to their high animation quality and unique art style. Instead, “Detective Conan“,“One piece” and “SPY x FAMILY”feature more traditional styles, although it is important to note that“One piece” and “Detective Conan”They are significantly older than the other series listed.

Limitations of the study, such as the sample size of each age group, make it difficult to analyze whether the maturity classifications of the series are significant for the results.”Oshi no Ko” and “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”explore more mature themes than“SPY x FAMILY” and “Detective Conan“, but without specific data on age distribution, it is difficult to determine whether this preference applies to the majority of Generation Alpha.

Alpha Generation Labs has announced that it will conduct the same survey in late 2024, which could provide deeper insight into the anime and manga preferences of younger viewers in Japan.

Source: Press release