If you're a fan of Japanese folklore, this series may be right up your alley! Rather than having an ongoing storyline, each episode of this show features three separate stories, each featuring a traditional Japanese folk tale, with a lesson to be learned by the viewer. While this show is intended for children, adults with an interest in traditional Japanese culture or a desire to learn Japanese from television programs should not let that deter them from giving it a shot!

This series began airing about a year after the earthquake that devastated the Tohoku region of Japan - to the rest of the world this may seem like it happened a while ago, but to the residents of this area, the memory of the devastating event is still fresh. Many of the stories told in the series have their roots in that area, as the show was initially produced in part as a means to boost morale for those affected by the tragic natural disaster.

Naruto Shippuden is the sequel to Naruto, a coming of age story of a young ninja, Naruto Uzumaki. The story follows Naruto as he learns life lessons through battle, meets new friends, follows his shinobi dreams. In this sequel to the original series, Naruto continues training to become even stronger in battle. In the process, he finds himself caught up in a series of events that may change the world forever.

As an anime fan, it’s impossible not to have heard of Naruto. Whether you love or hate this series it’s had a strong fan-base since the original run of the series aired in 2002, over a decade ago. With more of the manga’s plot to cover and an ongoing sequel to that in progress, the Naruto franchise is certainly here to stay as a staple for otakus everywhere.

The legend of One Piece is one of fame and fortune - left behind by the former Pirate King, the swashbuckler who discovers it will inherit countless riches and prestige, earning the title themselves. Monkey D. Luffy isn't exactly your typical pirate. He is young, naive, and loyal - he sails the high seas in pursuit of exciting new adventures, and the famous One Piece treasure. Luffy isn’t the only one after the treasure, and the odds are against him - he will have to use every last trick he has at his disposal to come out on top.

One Piece is another series that seems to have been airing forever. Luffy and his pirate friends have maintained a TV presence for almost fifteen years, with no real end to their escapades in sight. Over time, the series has had the opportunity to introduce countless characters and develop them as well as weave a compelling, engaging story that keeps viewers coming back hundreds of episodes later.

Prodigy Shinichi Kudou is an up and coming detective. Despite being only seventeen years old, he already has multiple cracked cases under his belt. Despite his almost supernatural ability to solve crime, he finds himself in over his head, in trouble with the wrong people. One close call and a dose of an experimental drug later he finds himself trapped in the body of a seven-year-old, with his memory and knack for catching criminals intact. He takes on the name Conan Edogawa - despite everything he has to overcome, his career is just beginning.

The show follows young Conan as he continues to solve crimes. When one case is closed, another seems to appear as if on cue, and it seems the young detective may never rest. Though the classic show is in the middle of its twentieth year on the air the writers keep the mysteries coming, even after over eight-hundred episodes packed with twists and turns.

With its whimsical artwork and young protagonist, Crayon-shin Chan might look like a children’s show. However, the subject matter is not exactly suited to a younger audience. This coming of age tale about a young boy named Shinnosuke, or Shin Chan who is surrounded by a colorful collage of family and friends. His boisterous attitude and lack of a filter have a tendency to put Shin Chan in strange and often hilarious circumstances.

Many series tackle the trope of following characters through their everyday lives, and Crayon Shin-chan is one of the oldest such shows still airing. Over the course of over two decades, Crayon Shin-chan is a show that has appealed to audiences on an impressive global scale. When the original author of the series passed away five years ago and it looked as though the series might end, his team members stepped in to continue the story.

Momoka Sakura is an average elementary school student, though a bit small for her age, resulting in the nickname Chibi Maruko-chan. She has an affinity for idols and loves reading manga. The show follows her and her families throughout their day to day lives. Over time, the show has developed a cast of unforgettable characters that have kept viewers tuned for over a thousand episodes.

Though the premise of the show is simple, it’s an addictive viewing experience for many. This is another show that follows the everyday life of the protagonist through the ups and downs of life that most people can relate to. The circumstances that come up in the show provide lots of laughs and give even adult viewers a good dose of Japanese culture.

The premise for Sore Ike! Anpanman is rather bizarre. When a magical star tumbles from the sky into the chimney of a bakery, it literally causes the dough to rise and come alive. It takes the form of Anpanman, a pastry superhero. In Japan, anpan is the name of a sweet roll filled with red bean jam. Luckily, Anpanman is not alone in his fight against malnutrition - he is joined by other crazy characters who will help him in his quest.

Some of the longest ongoing series are beloved children’s shows. This show has entertained younger Japanese audiences for over a quarter of a century, being one of the most popular shows in the country for that demographic. Though the hero of Anpanman is a living pastry, his adventures are wacky and captivating enough to span well over a thousand episodes, with no end in site. After all, as long as people are hungry and justice must be served, Anpanman still has a job to do!

A long time ago in a far off land of fairies and magic, there lived a prince who was too bored for his own good. Quenching his thirst for adventure leads prince Ojarumaru into predicament - after traveling to another world he steals a powerful magical scepter that does not belong to him from a powerful ruler there. While trying to avoid capture he finds himself traveling far from home yet again, through time to the present day. He isn't alone - three of the king's children are after their father's rightful possession! Their endless chase and the adventures Ojarumaru has dodging them along the way are the subject of this light-hearted, engaging series.

Ojarumaru is yet another series that has outlived its original author. Ojarumaru’s antics seem to provide endless adventure for him and the ongoing series is one of the few to have passed the fifteen-hundred episode mark. This is another series that has entertained generations, and will remain a classic children's show long after it ends.

Nintama Rantarou features the adventures of three young novice ninjas. Rantarou, Shinbei, and Kirimaru are what's known as Nintamas - a title that is a combination of the word ninja and the Japanese word for egg. These hatchlings have a great deal of training ahead of them, and a lot of growing up to do. Their priorities aren’t always in line - often horsing around and food are more important to them than becoming better ninjas.

The antics of Rantarou are equal parts funny and addictive. Throughout the series, you are introduced to a wide variety of ever developing characters including Rantarou’s teachers, friends, family, and enemies. The episodes themselves are short, but this somehow makes it easier to catch yourself watching “just one more.” Though the show is approaching the two-thousand episode mark, Rantarou and his friends still have a lot to learn!

The protagonist of this show is an unlikely hero - an average Japanese mother named Sazae-san. The show is suitable for all ages, and places a heavy emphasis on Japanese traditions and culture, and is highly recommended to those studying Japanese. The show itself, like many other long running series, doesn't have a particularly dramatic plot, or flashy art. Instead, it is a relaxing and wholesome viewing experience, exploring the themes of Sazae-san's everyday life and is a beloved series in Japan.

Though the show itself may seem a bit slow, especially for those used to the fast pace of western T.V. programs, over the course of half a century it has maintained an audience in Japan. With nearly seventy-five hundred episodes, there is no other show that has close to as many Episodes as Sazae-san.