Anime Market Size

Global Anime Market size was recorded at USD 29.34 billion in 2023, which is estimated to be at USD 31.87 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 56.93 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.64% from 2024 to 2031. The expansion of the market is driven by factors such as growing popularity among young individuals, the adoption of manga, anime shows, and technological development, among others.

In the scope of work, the report includes products offered by companies such as Kyoto Animation Co., Ltd, Pierrot Co., Ltd., Production I.G, Studio Ghibli, Inc., Sunrise, Inc. (Bandai Namco Filmworks), Crunchyroll (Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.), Good Smile Company, Inc, TOEI ANIMATION Co., Ltd, Sentai Holdings, LLC (AMC Networks), VIZ Media, LLC, and others.

The anime market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing global demand for Japanese animation. Anime has transcended cultural boundaries to become a popular and influential form of entertainment worldwide. The appeal of anime extends beyond traditional audiences, attracting diverse demographics including children, teenagers, and adults. A significant factor contributing to market growth is the presence of digital distribution platforms.

The rise of streaming services such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon is making anime more accessible to international audiences, allowing viewers to conveniently explore a wide range of anime titles. Additionally, surging merchandising opportunities within the market are further fueling industry progress.

Anime refers to a style of animation originating from Japan that has gained widespread popularity and recognition on a global scale. It encompasses a diverse range of animated content, including television series, films, and web series, characterized by its distinct artistic style and storytelling techniques. One of the defining features of anime is its visually striking artwork, often featuring characters with large, expressive eyes, detailed backgrounds, and dynamic animation sequences.

Anime covers a wide spectrum of genres, catering to audiences of all ages and interests. Anime content is distributed through various channels, including television broadcasting, streaming platforms (such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu), and theatrical screenings. The widespread availability of anime on digital platforms has significantly expanded its accessibility to global audiences, enabling viewers to stream their favorite anime shows and movies on-demand.

Anime Market Size, By Revenue, 2024-2031

Analyst’s Review

The growth of the anime market is propelled by strategic collaborations and partnerships within the industry. Studios and production companies are forming partnerships with technology providers to leverage innovative solutions for content creation, distribution, and monetization. These collaborations are crucial in optimizing operational efficiencies and enhancing the overall quality of anime productions.

Additionally, the rise of merchandising and licensing opportunities associated with popular anime franchises is aiding market growth. Merchandise such as toys, apparel, and collectibles are generating additional revenue streams and fostering deeper fan engagement and brand loyalty, thereby facilitating market expansion.

Anime Market Growth Factors

The market for anime is experiencing significant growth, mainly driven by increasing demand for internet-based channels and anime-based gaming applications. As digital platforms continue to gain prominence, consumers are increasingly turning to online streaming services and gaming platforms to access and enjoy anime content.

Japanese anime has a strong presence in the global gaming industry, with many popular franchises being adapted into interactive games. This convergence of anime and gaming is expanding the reach of anime content and attracting a broader audience of gamers and anime enthusiasts.

Moreover, the appeal of Japanese anime extends beyond traditional entertainment formats, gaining prominence in diverse sectors such as merchandise, events, and conventions. This multi-dimensional approach to content distribution is supporting the growth of the anime market globally.

The anime industry is facing significant challenges due to rising production costs and a shortage of skilled professionals, thereby hampering market growth. Production costs in the market are rising primarily due to increasing labor expenses, which can be attributed to workstyle reforms, as well as higher unit costs for hiring entrepreneurs. This increase in costs is outpacing the growth in production orders, placing financial strain on studios.

However, technological advancements, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR), are expected to lower the labor cost, thereby augmenting the growth of the market. As technology advances and becomes more accessible and as consumers increasingly invest in premium entertainment experiences, the market is expected to witness notable growth in the coming years.

Anime Industry Trends

The anime market is witnessing a notable trend characterized by the increased demand for anime games, driven by the growing popularity of virtual surround sound and in-game communication features. This trend showcases a notable shift towards more immersive gaming experiences that leverage the unique appeal of anime aesthetics and storytelling.

The widespread adoption of innovative technologies, particularly virtual reality (VR), is expected to boost market growth in the gaming sector. The rising demand for VR gaming equipment is anticipated to fuel the development of anime-themed VR experiences, offering enthusiasts a new dimension of interactive entertainment.

Furthermore, the broad distribution of anime content across multiple mediums, including online distribution channels, comics, VR games, and social media platforms, is fostering industry growth.

A notable trend in the anime industry is the increasing collaboration between anime studios and manga series writers. This strategic partnership involves anime producers working closely with original manga creators to adapt their stories into animated series. Collaborating with manga series writers allows anime studios to leverage traditional and popular storylines, characters, and themes that resonate with existing fan bases.

By adhering to the source material and preserving the essence of the original manga, the key players are likely to engage dedicated manga readers while also enticing new audiences. This trend strengthens the relationship between manga and anime and stimulates the growth of the anime market.

Collaborative efforts facilitate fresh perspectives and creative synergy in animated productions, resulting in compelling storytelling and captivating visuals that enhance viewer engagement.

Segmentation Analysis

The global market is segmented based on type and region.

By Type

Based on type, the market is segmented into T.V., movie, video, internet distribution, merchandising, music, pachinko, and live entertainment. The merchandising segment led the anime market in 2023, reaching a valuation of USD 8.03 billion.

The demand for anime merchandise, including t-shirts, keychains, posters, and miniatures, is experiencing a surge in popularity among young consumers. This trend is driven by the widespread availability of anime products through a variety of online and offline platforms, providing greater accessibility and convenience to enthusiasts.

The accessibility of anime merchandise is fueling a trend of collecting figurines, keychains, t-shirts, and other products featuring popular anime characters, contributing significantly to segmental growth. The appeal of owning tangible items that reflect one's favorite anime series or characters is resulting in a surge in demand, catering to the diverse interests and passions of anime fans worldwide.

Anime Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global anime market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, MEA, and Latin America.

Anime Market Size & Share, By Region, 2024-2031

The Asia-Pacific Anime Market share stood around 38.10% in 2023 in the global market, with a valuation of USD 11.18 billion. The region's dominance in the global market is supported by the rising popularity and cultural value of anime.

Japan boasts a rich and well-established anime industry, which has consistently produced high-quality content for decades. The deep cultural connection between Japan and anime has cultivated a substantial fan base and a growing demand for anime-related products and events.

The widespread accessibility of anime through digital platforms is expected to play a critical role in expanding its popularity and contributing to its dominance in the Asia-Pacific market. As digital infrastructure continues to evolve and connectivity improves, the expanding reach of anime is expected to strengthen its position as a fundamental element of entertainment and cultural expression in the region.

Europe is projected to experience the fastest growth over the forecast period at a CAGR of 9.43%. Europe represents a dynamic and evolving region within the global anime market, characterized by a growing audience base and increasing interest in Japanese animation. A significant factor contributing to the popularity of anime in Europe is the rise of digital platforms and streaming services.

Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Funimation have made anime easily accessible to European viewers, allowing them to discover and engage with a diverse range of anime content from Japan and other regions. The convenience of streaming platforms has played a crucial role in expanding the reach of anime and attracting new audiences across Europe.

Furthermore, the cultural diversity and openness to international media in Europe have facilitated the acceptance and appreciation of anime as a unique form of artistic expression. European audiences, particularly younger demographics, are drawn to the creative storytelling, compelling characters, and visually captivating animation styles.

Competitive Landscape

The global anime market report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the fragmented nature of the industry. Prominent players are focusing on several key business strategies such as partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, product innovations, and joint ventures to expand their product portfolio and increase their market shares across different regions.

Strategic initiatives, including investments in R&D activities, the establishment of new manufacturing facilities, and supply chain optimization, could create new opportunities for market growth.

List of Key Companies in Anime Market

Kyoto Animation Co., Ltd
Pierrot Co.,Ltd
Production I.G
Studio Ghibli, Inc
Sunrise, Inc. (Bandai Namco Filmworks)
Crunchyroll (Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.)
Good Smile Company, Inc
TOEI ANIMATION Co., Ltd
Sentai Holdings, LLC (AMC Networks),
VIZ Media, LLC

Key Industry Developments

June 2023 (Collaboration): KC Global Media Asia (KCGM) and Amagi collaborated to implement Amagi's flagship SaaS offerings. This was aimed at the distribution of Amagi's premium anime channel, Animax, across various over-the-top (OTT) platforms in India. By entering the Southeast Asian market with this launch, KC Global Media Asia was able to increase viewer and advertising access to its premium content.
June 2023 (Expansion): Dentsu Group established a new firm Dentsu Anime Solutions Inc., aimed to offer anime licensing solutions to expand its anime business. Dentsu Anime Solutions Inc.'s primary goal was to supply anime and license to Japanese and foreign broadcasters and streaming platforms, along with merchandise. This initiative reflects Dentsu Group's commitment to growing and strengthening its position in the international anime industry.

The Global Anime Market is Segmented as:

By Type

T.V.
Movie
Video
Internet Distribution
Merchandising
Music
Pachinko
Live Entertainment

By Region

North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe
- France
- U.K.
- Spain
- Germany
- Italy
- Russia
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- North Africa
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
Latin America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America