A-1 Pictures' action-fantasy "Solo Leveling" garnered immense popularity overseas, particularly in North America, but a recent Japanese poll reveals a stark contrast in reception between domestic and international audiences.

Ranked.net's "2024 Winter Anime Evaluation" placed "Solo Leveling" at a modest 35th out of 61 in popularity among Japanese viewers, with an average rating of only 50.6. This rating pales in comparison to other fantasy and isekai series, such as "Villainess Level 99," "Mashle: Magic in Muscles," and "Delicious in Dungeon," which ranked much higher. Surprisingly, the romantic-comedy "The Dangers in My Heart" claimed the top spot with an impressive 77.5/100 rating.

These findings, alongside lackluster sales for "Solo Leveling" Volume 1, underscore a lukewarm reception in Japan compared to the global phenomenon the series has become. Viewer responses on ranked.net reflect disappointment among those who had high expectations for the series. One viewer noted, "I watched Episodes 1 and 2, but the language was common and the story was average."

"Solo Leveling" transports audiences to an MMO-inspired world where humans face constant threats from monsters lurking in alternate dimensions called "dungeons." Elite warriors known as "hunters" undergo rigorous training to combat these monsters. The protagonist, Jinwoo Sung, initially deemed the "world's weakest hunter," is unexpectedly resurrected by a mysterious entity known as the "System" and endowed with the unique ability to level up indefinitely, setting him apart from other hunters.

Despite receiving high praise for its animation, storyline, and action sequences in its first season, "Solo Leveling" failed to make a significant impact on Japanese viewers, many of whom criticized it for being too derivative of other works. Some viewers felt that the series lacked originality and accused it of plagiarism, while others found fault with the main character's personality.

However, there remains a division in opinion among Japanese viewers. Some praised the series for its thrilling action scenes and Jinwoo Sung's character development, acknowledging its unique take on the isekai genre. Unlike traditional isekai series, which often involve characters being reborn into a fantasy world, "Solo Leveling" stands out by setting its supernatural premise in a modern society, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the genre.

Despite the mixed reception, "Solo Leveling" continues to attract attention and spark discussions among viewers, highlighting its ability to resonate with audiences despite varying opinions.