Yu Yu Hakusho Misses #1 Spot for Anime’s Most Shocking First Episode in New Japan Survey

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In 1992, the debut episode of Pierrot’s supernatural fantasy classic took viewers by surprise with its storyline about the main character dying in a car accident, making friends with an emissary from the spirit realm, and venturing to the Underworld as a ghost. Despite this dramatic pilot, it did not receive the title of anime’s “most shocking first episode” among Japanese audiences.

In a survey evaluating anime opening episodes across various genres and demographics, it was found that “Yu Yu Hakusho” came in second place overall. Interestingly, both “Attack on Titan” and “Yu Yu Hakusho” were surpassed by “Detective Conan,” a mystery anime about an extraordinarily intelligent young detective who cracks cases that others can’t solve. The former is a chilling dark fantasy set in a world post-apocalyptic world inhabited by titans, massive beasts holding humanity captive. The top 10 episodes from the survey are listed below for your perusal.

Japan Ranks Anime’s Most Shocking First Episodes of All Time

  1. Detective Conan (Case Closed)
  2. Yu Yu Hakusho
  3. Attack on Titan
  4. Oshi no Ko
  5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
  6. Neon Genesis Evangelion
  7. Mr. Osomatsu and Tokyo Ghoul (two-way tie)
  8. Mobile Suit Gundam and Higurashi: When They Cry (two-way tie)

The anime version of Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga tells the story of a high school student named Yusuke, who was once a delinquent but bravely gave up his life to save a child from a car accident. After this selfless act, a joyful spirit messenger named Botan informs him that due to the unexpected nature of his sacrifice, neither Heaven nor Hell has yet assigned him a place in the afterlife. As a result, Yusuke is given an opportunity to make a pact with the rulers of the Underworld and resume life on Earth. In subsequent episodes, he embarks on a new journey in the human world, taking up the role of a Spirit Investigator, probing unexplained supernatural occurrences.

Instead of the humorous approach seen in the debut of Yu Yu Hakusho, Attack on Titan presents a gripping, somber fantasy narrative with an emotionally intense first episode. The story begins by illustrating how humans live within fortified walls to protect themselves from titans, as demonstrated in the gruesome attack on the town of Attack on Titan. One of the most poignant scenes is when Eren is taken away while witnessing his mother’s brutal murder. This traumatic event drives Eren to enlist in the military and eventually join the Survey Corps, an elite unit tasked with uncovering the mysteries surrounding the titans’ origins.

In contrast to shows like Yu Yu Hakusho and Attack on Titan which are more suitable for an older audience, Detective Conan still took viewers who weren’t familiar with Gosho Aoyama’s manga series by surprise when it first aired. The story of Detective Conan revolves around a detective named Kudo, who after being drugged, transforms into an elementary school-aged child while investigating the “Black” organization. Despite his new age, Kudo continues to solve mysteries with the help of Kogoro Mori, the father of his girlfriend. First released in January 1996, this anime now has over 1,100 episodes and 28 full-length films.

Detective Conan, Attack on Titan and Yu Yu Hakusho are currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

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2025-07-05 07:07