Anime Ratings in Japan: <strong>Ascendance of a Bookworm</strong> and <strong>That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime</strong> on the List
Weekly ratings for anime broadcast on Japanese television channels have been announced. According to data compiled by Video Research, during the week of May 25-31, two popular isekai series achieved notable rankings. The third season (Part 3) of Ascendance of a Bookworm placed fourth with a 4.2% viewership rate, while the third season of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ranked seventh with 3.8%.
Ascendance of a Bookworm is adapted from Miya Kazuki's light novel series of the same name. The story follows a woman who, with a burning love for books, is reincarnated as a frail young girl in another world. The third season was animated by Ajia-do Animation Works and aired in Japan in 2022. However, thanks to reruns and availability on digital platforms, it still manages to rank high in the ratings. With its calm pace and detailed world-building, the series brings a fresh breath to the isekai genre and has a loyal fanbase.
On the other hand, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Tensura) is another isekai classic written by Fuse that has proven its popularity. The series, which tells the adventure of Rimuru Tempest reincarnating as a slime and building a nation, premiered its third season in April 2024. Produced by 8bit studio, the show captivates millions of viewers with its blend of action, politics, and humor. Its seventh-place ranking indicates that viewership has stabilized as the season progresses, but it still maintains a strong following.
This week's list provides important insights into anime viewing habits in Japan. In addition to new seasons of long-running series, reruns of past seasons also manage to find a place in the ratings. Especially as we enter the summer months, many new anime will premiere; however, these two series once again prove how enduring the isekai genre is. We may see changes in the rankings in the coming weeks, but for now, Ascendance of a Bookworm and Tensura fans have a table to be proud of.
