Do you think the anime's decline in Japan will stop?

[RustyTrubbish]

I don't care about the ratings and I'm sure the guys in charge know what they're doing and how to increase viewership eventually if that's really necessary.

 

[hiverstone]

There are a lot of illegal streaming channels in YouTube and other websites that upload Pokémon episodes compared to most Anime series, which implies there still is a high demand for the Pokémon anime. However this is also counterproductive as some Japanese viewers may rather watch an illegal streaming at anytime they choose than watch the official broadcast on Sunday.

 

[Rath]

There hasn't really been a decline; it's still one of TV Tokyo's most profitable shows.

 

[RamenBoy]

I would have liked the first episode more if it explained how Oak captured Pikachu and why Pikachu hates pokeballs so much. Maybe a flashback with several young trainers refusing to take Pikachu over Charmander/Squirtle/Bulbasaur.

 

[abcboy]

There are a lot of illegal streaming channels in YouTube and other websites that upload Pokémon episodes compared to most Anime series, which implies there still is a high demand for the Pokémon anime. However this is also counterproductive as some Japanese viewers may rather watch an illegal streaming at anytime they choose than watch the official broadcast on Sunday.

The latest episode is actually available for free (for a week) on those YouTube uploads, NicoNico, TVer, GYAO, etc. in addition to the subscription services of Prime Video, Hulu, Anitele, Paravi, Hikari TV, etc.

...So there's a plethora of legal ways to watch the latest anime episode in Japan. They're clearly aware that their viewership need not be limited to the Sunday 6:30 pm broadcast.