In the vibrant landscape of anime, 2023 witnessed a remarkable surge in viewership, with Kimetsu no Yaiba stealing the spotlight and claiming the title of the most-watched anime series of the year. This soaring success suggests that the Kimetsu no Yaiba franchise is poised for continued triumphs.
A Connected Bond: Dawn and First Light
The pinnacle of Kimetsu no Yaiba’s third season, titled “A Connected Bond: Dawn and First Light,” emerged as the most-viewed anime episode of 2023 in Japan. Garnering over 20 million television viewers, the series reached its zenith with a peak audience of 22.9 million and an average of 15.4 million.
Village of Swordsmen Triumphs
Notably, Kimetsu no Yaiba: Village of Swordsmen claimed two episodes within the top 5 most-watched, further solidifying its dominance. The second-highest viewed episode, “Village of Swordsmen,” boasted an impressive 22.5 million viewers. This season delved into the ninth installment of the manga, unfolding the events within the swordsmith village where Tanjiro discovers a secret weapon potent enough to defeat demon lords.
Global Success Beyond Television
Video Research, a prominent audience measurement company in Japan, recorded these staggering figures across 32 broadcast regions. Kimetsu no Yaiba not only conquered traditional television but also emerged as the most-watched anime on Netflix during the spring of 2023.
Remarkably, the third season faced a formidable challenge in surpassing the success of “Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train” at the U.S. box office, the second-highest-grossing Japanese film on Netflix worldwide with a total revenue exceeding $507 million.
Ufotable’s Commitment and Future Plans
Ufotable, the animation studio behind Kimetsu no Yaiba, has unveiled plans for a fourth season, adapting the Hashira Training arc. Furthermore, they are upgrading the quality of the third season to 4K and IMAX standards.
As the 5th-anniversary celebration of Kimetsu no Yaiba approaches in March 2024, anticipation grows. Key voice actors are slated to make appearances, hinting at exciting announcements that could potentially shape the future of this beloved anime series. Fans eagerly await the revelations that this milestone celebration may bring.