As 2025 draws to a close, the world’s digital pulse can be felt through the lens of Google’s annual search data—a fascinating snapshot of what captured the collective imagination, concern, and curiosity of global internet users. From the bustling anime culture in Japan to seismic political events and the relentless march of artificial intelligence, this year’s most searched topics paint a vivid picture of our times.
On December 6, 2025, Google, the world’s largest search engine, released its eagerly anticipated lists: the top 10 most popular anime in Japan and the top global search topics of the year. These rankings, far more than mere trivia, provide a window into shifting cultural tides and the issues that matter most to people around the globe.
Let’s start in Japan, where 2025 saw a remarkable boom in the anime industry. According to Tuổi Trẻ, this year’s anime scene was marked by a perfect blend of reimagined classics and bold, independent creations. Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix, along with the growing influence of web manga, played a pivotal role in reshaping how stories are told and consumed. The top 10 anime in Japan, as finalized by Google, were: Takopi's Original Sin, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, Sakamoto Days, The Summer Hikaru Died, Milky Subway: The Galactic Limited Express, The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, Secrets of the Silent Witch, From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad's Been Reincarnated!, and Tougen Anki.
At the top of the heap is Takopi's Original Sin, an exclusive on Crunchyroll. This sci-fi fantasy anime follows a 9-year-old girl grappling with both physical and emotional trauma, whose life is upended by the arrival of a mysterious, oddly adorable alien. Unlike many shows that rely on dramatic plot twists or easy redemption arcs, Takopi stands out for its unflinching examination of abuse and the fragility of the human spirit. As Tuổi Trẻ notes, "the appeal of Takopi doesn't lie in dramatic plot twists, but in how it directly addresses the theme of abuse without falling into the formula of 'easy salvation' or a hollow happy ending." Its slow, sensitive pacing invites viewers to confront difficult emotions, echoing the spirit of indie hits like A Silent Voice.
The success of Takopi's Original Sin is emblematic of a post-pandemic trend: anime is no longer just escapist entertainment but a means of healing, helping viewers process their own feelings. The show’s critical acclaim and explosive search popularity underscore the creative power of web manga as a foundational resource for the animation industry.
Hot on its heels is Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, the latest chapter in the legendary Gundam franchise. As reported by Tuổi Trẻ, this series continues to dominate thanks to cutting-edge CGI and its signature philosophical explorations of war and peace. Despite the anime industry’s struggle with production inflation, Gundam’s enduring appeal among younger generations proves that legacy IPs can still lead the pack—provided they’re willing to reinvent themselves.
Meanwhile, Sakamoto Days—adapted from Yuto Suzuki’s shonen Jump manga—soared in popularity with its second season on Netflix. The show, which follows a retired, overweight assassin running a convenience store while being drawn back into the criminal underworld, was lauded by CBR as "one of the best anime of 2025." The new season struck a better balance between action and humor, winning over both critics and fans. As Tuổi Trẻ points out, season two "remained more faithful to the spirit of the original," blending comedic action with crime drama in a way that’s been compared to an anime version of John Wick.
The remainder of the top 10 anime list highlights the diversity of modern Japanese animation. Titles range from supernatural mysteries to psychological dramas, reflecting a shift away from traditional shonen action toward more complex, hybrid genres. This evolution mirrors the increasingly varied tastes of young audiences, both in Japan and worldwide.
Zooming out to the global stage, Google’s search data reveals a different, but equally telling, set of priorities. As Dân trí reports, artificial intelligence continued its meteoric rise. The most searched keyword of 2025 worldwide was "Gemini," followed closely by "DeepSeek"—both AI tools that dominated headlines and conversations as tech giants raced to outdo each other in the AI arms race. This ongoing fascination with AI underscores how deeply technology is woven into the fabric of daily life and future anxieties.
Sports, too, remained a unifying force. Cricket, beloved in India and followed by millions, generated massive search volumes, especially for matches involving the Indian team. The Club World Cup, held in the United States in June and July, also made the top five, demonstrating the global reach of football. In a year with few major sporting events, these competitions managed to capture the world’s attention.
But 2025 was not without its tragedies and political upheavals. The assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk in September sent shockwaves through the United States and beyond, becoming the third most searched topic worldwide. As Dân trí details, Kirk’s close ties to President Donald Trump amplified the impact of his death, fueling both political debate and public mourning.
Other top news searches included "Iran," following a brief but intense conflict with Israel; the "US government shutdown"; the "New Pope election"; and the "Los Angeles wildfire." Each of these events, in its own way, reflected the volatility of the year—whether through geopolitical strife, natural disaster, or shifts in global leadership. The only technology product to crack the global top 10 was the iPhone 17, underscoring Apple’s enduring appeal and the world’s insatiable appetite for the latest gadgets.
According to Google’s data, the diversity of global interests in 2025 is striking: AI, politics, sports, technology, and crisis events all vied for attention. This breadth suggests that, despite our differences, people everywhere are drawn to stories of innovation, competition, and resilience in the face of adversity.
In the end, the story told by Google’s search rankings is one of a world both fractured and deeply interconnected. Whether escaping into the intricate worlds of anime, grappling with the implications of AI, or reacting to headline-grabbing events, internet users in 2025 searched for meaning, connection, and understanding—sometimes in the most unexpected places.
