One Piece Excluded from the List of the 7 Longest Running Anime, and the Top Ranked Series May Surprise You!

Fans of anime often debate the topic of the longest running series. This is largely due to the fact that many anime titles have hundreds of episodes, which sets them apart from the shorter format of popular Western media.

One Piece is often thought of as the longest running anime, but it actually ranks 10th on the list.

Longest running anime series Sazae-san explored

Sazae-san: The Longest Running Anime in History

A still from the Sazae-san anime series (Image via Fuji TV)

Machiko Hasegawa illustrated and wrote Sazae-san, with the first chapter being released in 1946 and the manga first published in Fukuichi Shinbun. Following this, Asashi Shimbun, a newspaper publication in Tokyo, requested the author to publish her works in their paper. The author then transferred to Tokyo and even released a chapter in which the characters in the manga moved from Kyushu to Tokyo.

The anime adaptation didn't air until 1969. Since then, it has produced over 7,000 episodes, making it the longest running anime series of all time. It also holds a Guinness World Record for the longest running animated television series.

Every Sunday evening, families would come together to watch Sazae-san, a show that explored everyday life with well-developed characters. The wholesome interactions and simple storytelling appealed to people of all ages. This led to the creation of the "Sazae-san syndrome," a feeling of sadness at the end of each episode as it signaled the end of the weekend. The impact of this anime series on the people of Japan was significant.

Top 15 longest running anime

A still from the popular series, Case Closed, also known as Detective Conan (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Let’s take a look at some of the longest running anime series as well as the episode count of the same.

Sazae-san - 7920 episodes

Doraemon - 1787 episodes

Soreike! Anpanman - 1572 episodes

Chibi Maruko-chan - 1359 episodes

Pokémon - 1257 episodes

Yu-Gi-Oh - 1177 episodes

Crayon Shin-chan - 1122 episodes

Gundam - 1118 episodes

Case Closed (Detective Conan) - 1067 episodes

One Piece - 1075 episodes

Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro - 726 episodes

Naruto - 720 episodes

Dragon Ball - 639 episodes

Kochikame: Tokyo Beat Cops - 373 episodes

Gintama - 367 episodes

About One Piece

The story of One Piece revolves around Monkey D. Luffy, a determined young boy with dreams of finding the legendary treasure known as One Piece and becoming the "King of Pirates." Along the way, he forms the Straw Hat Pirates and befriends others who share his ambitions. However, in a world teeming with formidable pirates, Luffy's quest is fraught with challenges and obstacles as he strives to achieve his goal.

Stay tuned for more anime and manga news as 2023 progresses.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am surprised to learn that One Piece is not the longest-running anime series. I always thought it was, given its immense popularity and the fact that it has been airing for over 20 years. It's fascinating to discover that Sazae-san holds the title with over 7,000 episodes. This news definitely challenges my previous assumptions and broadens my knowledge about the anime world.

The concept of the "Sazae-san syndrome" resonates with me on a personal level. I can relate to the feeling of sadness or nostalgia at the end of a beloved TV show or anime series, especially when it marks the end of a weekend or a cherished routine. It's a testament to the emotional impact that these shows can have on viewers, creating a sense of connection and shared experience.

One Piece Manga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast.