Steven Universe is a Cartoon Network program created by Rebecca Sugar.
It's an American production, not a Japanese program, but it is heavily influenced by anime--especially Revolutionary Girl Utena and the films of Hayao Miyazaki. I'm not at all surprised you thought it was Japanese. American and Japanese sequential art and animation have a long, storied, symbiotic relationship.
In terms of response to the show, the fanbase is...I dunno. I'm not really involved in the fan community surrounding this show, but I know it gets a bad rap. Since I'm not really involved, I can't speak to that with any certainty though.
In terms of critical reception though, as in the response to the show itself, it has been universally positive. In fact, Steven Universe is already one of the most successful shows in Cartoon Network history!
It's a story about a boy named Steven and his family, and their relationships and adventures. It's filled with science fiction and magic and nostalgic color schemes and beautiful songs. Not only does this show float my boat, it floats my entire fleet.
