Ask John: Do Anime Get Repeats on Japanese TV?

Question:
I am not very familar with Japanese television, so therefore forgive my ignorance if I sound stupid. I was just wondering if older, more successful, anime are replayed on T.V. similar to the way we replay successful older shows in america. And if this is the case, which types of shows are typically replayed?

Answer:
I must admit that I’m also not very familiar with the constitution of Japanese television, so please forgive any errors may I state. Based on my limited knowledge, I believe it’s rare for major Japanese television networks to broadcast older anime series or repeat previously aired shows. Occasionally, usually to commemorate an event or anniversary, some shows do get re-broadcast on Japanese television. For example, the Evangelion TV series was re-broadcast as a lead up to the Japanese release of the Renewal of Evangelion DVDs. Other shows that have been re-run on major Japanese television networks include Astro Boy, Secret of Blue Water, City Hunter, Orange Road, and Dragonball- typically major, highly successful shows. But since there are already so many new TV anime series on Japanese television networks- roughly 70-80 different anime series air new episodes every week in Japan- there’s not a lot of airtime left for repeats of older anime series.

Vintage anime series more frequently turn up on Japanese premium cable networks like Animax. A look at the Animax home page reveals that the network is currently broadcasting brand new shows like Jigoku Shoujo, Play Ball, and Eureka 7, as well as vintage anime shows including Wingman, Shin Dokonjo Gaeru, Miyuki, Lady Georgie, Ikkyusan, and fairly recent series such as Aishiteruze Baby, Inuyasha, Ultra Maniac, Prince of Tennis, and Overman King Gainer.