Japan's Google Trends: Pokémon TCG Pocket and MASHLE Top the Charts

Today, Google unveiled its annual search trends for 2024, revealing that Pokémon TCG Pocket and MASHLE topped the charts in the gaming and anime categories, respectively. These results highlight the most-discussed works of the year, with Japan showcasing its unique interests in the ACG (Animation, Comics, and Games) realm. For insights into Taiwan's trends, you can check out the Taiwan Google Blog.

Top Games of 2024

Leading the gaming category is Pokémon TCG Pocket, a mobile game that has captured the hearts of players. Following closely are China’s 3D mobile games, Zenless Zone Zero and Ningchao, taking the second and third spots, respectively. The fourth and fifth positions are held by ATLUS’s strategy title Unicorn Overlord and Capcom’s highly anticipated Dragon's Dogma 2.

Notable Mentions

These rankings reflect a significant trend in gaming, showcasing the rise of mobile titles and the ongoing popularity of established franchises. The success of Pokémon TCG Pocket can be attributed to its engaging gameplay and nostalgic appeal, drawing in both new players and long-time fans alike.

Anime Trends in Japan

In the anime category, MASHLE, which premiered its second season this year, secured the top spot. It was closely followed by new shows such as Dandadan, Monster #8, and Shika no Kono Ko Shita no, all of which have received positive reviews. The success of these series highlights the growing interest in diverse storytelling and unique character development.

Emerging Series

Each of these new titles has contributed to a vibrant anime landscape this year, attracting viewers with their innovative plots and engaging art styles. The combination of action, comedy, and fantasy elements in these series resonates well with audiences, making them instant hits.

Film Adaptations and Popular Titles

In the film category, the top search term was the live-action adaptation of the manga Strange House, followed by Disney’s Inside Out 2 and the animated film Haikyuu!!: The Garbage Dump Battle, which has also performed well at the box office in Taiwan. The fourth position was taken by The Last Mile, while the thought-provoking animated film Look Back rounded out the top five.

Connection Between Anime and Film

The close relationship between anime and film is evident in this year’s trends, with many films being adaptations of popular manga series. This trend not only boosts box office numbers but also introduces wider audiences to the original source material, enhancing overall engagement in the anime community.

Overall Search Trends in Japan

Interestingly, the overall search trend in Japan was topped by MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers. This surge is largely attributed to Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani’s transfer to the Dodgers, where he made history by hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season, ultimately leading the team to a World Series victory. This achievement has captured the attention of sports fans nationwide.

Sports Interest in Japan

The second most-searched term was related to the Olympics, reflecting a strong interest in sports events among Japanese internet users. Notably, the inclusion of breaking dance as a new Olympic sport also ranked highly, indicating a growing appreciation for diverse athletic disciplines.

These insights into Japan's search trends not only highlight the nation's cultural interests but also illustrate the dynamic nature of entertainment and sports in 2024.