Japan Anime TV Ratings for July 20-26 Announced
According to Anime News Network's report dated August 1, 2026, anime TV ratings for the week of July 20-26 in Japan have been published. Based on Video Research's Kanto region data, three seasonal productions stood out: The Classroom of a Black Cat and a Witch, From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman, and The Elusive Samurai. Their inclusion on the list means they were among the most-watched anime TV programs of the week.
Among the most familiar names on the list, The Elusive Samurai bears the signature of Assassination Classroom creator Yūsei Matsui. The series, whose manga is published in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, tells the story of young Hōjō Tokiyuki living in the Kamakura period, filled with war and escape. The first season of the anime adaptation by CloverWorks aired in the summer of 2024, and the second season met viewers in the summer of 2026. The series appearing on the list again this week shows that its historical action fan base continues.
From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman is also one of the week's notable productions. Based on Shigeru Sagazaki's light novel series, the production centers on a retired swordsmanship instructor living in the countryside who suddenly comes back into the spotlight as the trainer of the country's strongest warriors. This story, turning a humble beginning into an epic adventure, has particularly won the affection of anime fans who are drawn to 'old dog' characters. As the new season of the anime adaptation continues through the summer, it reaches a wide audience on Japanese screens.
The Classroom of a Black Cat and a Witch, on the other hand, is one of the new season productions on the list. Blending supernatural elements with school life, the series is among the ambitious anime adaptations of the summer season. Its presence on the week's ratings chart shows that this production has also quickly found resonance with Japanese viewers.
In Japan's anime TV ratings, long-running titles such as Sazae-san, Chibi Maruko-chan, Detective Conan, and One Piece often dominate the top spots. In the shadow of these giants, it is not easy for seasonal productions to make the list; therefore, three works appearing on the list in the same week shows how competitive the 2026 summer season has been. The ratings for July 27-August 2, to be announced next week, will clarify whether these series can maintain their popularity.
