Anime viewing habits in Japan are changing as younger fans increasingly turn to streaming, binge-watching and faster playback speeds to keep up with their favorite shows. A new survey from Ponta Research, operated by Loyalty Marketing Co., Ltd., found that more than one-third of anime fans in their 20s regularly watch episodes at increased playback speeds.
The survey questioned 1,000 anime fans in their 20s through 50s between August 5 and August 7, 2026. The findings reveal a noticeable generational divide, with younger viewers relying heavily on streaming services while older audiences continue to favor traditional television.
35.6% of Anime Fans in Their 20s Watch at Faster Speeds
According to the survey, 35.6% of respondents in their 20s said they watch anime at increased playback speeds. The figure remains high among viewers in their 30s, with 32.4% reporting the same behavior, compared with just 18.4% among people in their 50s.
The results suggest that faster playback is becoming part of a broader viewing pattern among younger anime audiences. Streaming platforms make it easy for viewers to control playback speed, skip openings and endings, revisit favorite scenes and consume several episodes in a single sitting.
The survey also found that 61.7% of respondents either frequently or occasionally skip opening and ending sequences. Meanwhile, 58.8% said they watch several accumulated episodes together, while 61.9% prefer watching episodes as soon as possible after they become available.
Multitasking is another major part of the modern viewing experience. 54.1% of respondents said they watch anime while doing activities such as housework, eating or using their smartphones. This behavior was particularly common among people in their 20s and 30s.
Streaming Is Replacing Traditional TV Among Younger Viewers
Paid streaming services were the most common primary method of watching anime among respondents overall, accounting for 29.7% of the full sample. Among viewers in their 20s, however, the figure jumped to 46.8%, making paid subscription services their clear preference.
The contrast with older viewers was significant. Among people in their 50s, 30.4% primarily watched recorded television programs, while another 29.2% preferred watching anime through live television broadcasts. Combined, television accounted for nearly 60% of their primary viewing methods.
The survey also found that anime fandom extends beyond simply watching shows. Nearly half of respondents, 49.3%, said they had read the original manga or novels connected to an anime they liked. Listening to or purchasing related music and buying character merchandise followed at 28.6% and 28.4%, respectively.
When respondents were asked which anime they would recommend to others, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ranked first with 140 mentions, followed by Detective Conan and One Piece. The results show that while viewing habits are changing rapidly, established anime franchises continue to dominate fan recommendations.
