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

According to the research, anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” positions itself as the undisputed favorite, receiving an impressive 40% of the votes. By contrast, “One piece“Despite being in the top five, he only achieved 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, while limited in sample size, offers interesting insight into the current preferences of Generation Alpha in Japan and the values they find compelling in stories. All of the anime and manga mentioned above are characterized by 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 prefers content filled with excitement and anticipation, though 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 quality animation 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 for each age group, make it difficult to analyze whether the maturity ratings of the grades are significant to 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 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