The Anime News of the World website released a list of the top ten anime programs on Japanese TV for the month of February.  Most of these titles are still relatively unknown in the U.S. at this time, but many will make an appearance here very soon. In a reversal of the usual form, the American anime-influenced cartoon series, Powerpuff Girls, which has only recently been introduced in Japan, is doing quite well, having made its way up to #13 on the list.

 

Oja-Majo Doremi (literally 'Useless Witch Doremi') holds on to the top spot which it has dominated for several months, but this shojo title is getting serious competition from Chikyu Bouei Kazoko (Earth Defense Family, see 'ICV2 Picks the Next Big Thing in Anime'), which debuted in January and is already a major presence in the world of Japanese TV anime. Inuyasha, based on the manga series by Rumiko Takahashi (Ranma1/2) remains in the top ten.

 

  1. Oja-Majo Doremi (Useless, Witch Doremi)
  2. Chikyu Bouei Kazoko (Earth Defense Family)
  3. Gear Fighter Dendou
  4. Inuyasha
  5. Chikyu Shoujo Arjuna (Earth Girl Arjuna)
  6. Hunter x Hunter
  7. Argentosoma
  8. Daa! Daa! Daa!
  9.  One Piece
  10. Hiou Senki (Record of Hiou's War)

 

Just because a title is huge in Japan doesn't mean it will be available quickly in the U.S. A very 'girlie' looking shojo title like Useless Witch Doremi, in spite of its top position, might well take longer to get to America than a science fiction title like #7 Argentosoma, or the even newer Earth Defense Family.