Anime Market

Anime Market 2024, Size and Trends:

The global anime market size was valued at USD 33.6 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 63.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.37% from 2025-2033 Asia Pacific currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of 38.7% in 2024. The growth of the Asia Pacific region is driven by strong local production, technological advancements, expansive fan bases, and significant governmental support for cultural exports.

Digital streaming services are significantly broadening the reach of anime, making it accessible to viewers worldwide. This global availability is introducing anime to new markets and demographics. Additionally, anime conventions and fan events play a crucial role in maintaining high levels of engagement within the community. These events offer fans opportunities to meet, exchange ideas, and experience anime culture firsthand. Besides this, technological improvements in animation software and techniques are enhancing the visual quality of anime, making it more attractive to a broader audience. These advancements enable more detailed and visually striking animations that captivate viewers. Moreover, the anime industry is capitalizing on the strong fan base by expanding into a wide range of merchandise, including apparel, toys, posters, and more. This not only serves as a significant revenue stream but also helps in brand building and fan engagement.

The United States plays a crucial role in the market, driven by the increasing collaborations between Japanese anime studios and American entertainment companies. These collaborations often result in English-language versions of popular anime and cross-cultural projects that appeal to local audiences. Additionally, the continued release of new installments in beloved franchises, especially those with established fanbases plays a significant role in driving interest in anime. These new series not only bring fresh content for long-time fans but also attract new viewers through their connection to iconic characters and stories. The involvement of original creators, ensures that the essence of the franchise is maintained, fostering loyalty and excitement. For instance, "Dragon Ball Daima" can be streamed on Crunchyroll from October 2024 in the US and various other areas. The series tracks Goku and his companions, who are turned into tiny versions of themselves by a misused wish, as they set out on a quest to reverse it. This latest entry signifies the following part of the Dragon Ball story, showcasing Akira Toriyama's impact throughout.

Anime Market Trends:

Growing emergence of anime as a source of inspiration for other media

The emergence of anime as a source of inspiration for other media is creating a positive outlook for the market. Over the years, it has become a rich source of creative ideas and narratives transcending its original medium. Its imaginative storytelling, diverse character designs, and unique visual style have influenced various forms of entertainment, including video games, comics, live-action films, and television shows. Various successful game franchises draw inspiration from anime aesthetics and storytelling, appealing to fans and the broader gaming community. Additionally, adaptations of popular video games have further bolstered the collaboration between the two industries. Furthermore, anime's influence on comics (manga) has been reciprocal, with many anime series adaptations of successful manga works. The reciprocal promotion between anime and manga has enhanced their collective market attraction. The anime industry's unique visual aesthetics and engaging stories have also been adopted by film and television sectors. According to the company's report, Ontario's film and television sector added USD 1.8 billion to the province's economy in 2023. Live-action adaptations of anime series and films influenced by anime themes have achieved success in both Japan and globally.

Expansion of anime studios and production companies

The expansion of anime studios and production companies is offering numerous opportunities for the market. As per the reports, about 50% of animation studios will be cloud-based by 2026. As the demand for anime content has increased globally, these studios and companies have risen to meet the growing needs of the industry. With increased financial investment and advanced technologies, they have been able to produce high-quality anime with stunning visuals and captivating storytelling. The expansion of anime studios has also led to a more diverse range of anime series and films, catering to various genres and target audiences. This diversity has attracted a broader fan base, both within Japan and internationally, contributing to the overall growth of the market. Moreover, the expansion of production companies has facilitated collaborations with international partners, leading to co-productions and global distribution of the content. This globalization of the anime industry has further expanded its reach and popularity, reaching audiences beyond Japan's borders. 

Rising animation technology advancements

The increasing adoption of animation technology advancements is catalyzing the market. Animation technology advancements have revolutionized the production process, enabling studios to create visually stunning and sophisticated anime series and films. Computer-generated imagery (CGI) has become a prominent feature in modern anime, enhancing the visual quality and allowing for more complex and dynamic scenes. CGI integration has led to smoother animations and more realistic special effects, elevating the viewing experience. Furthermore, digital tools and software advancements have streamlined the production workflow, making it more efficient and cost-effective. As per the research report of the IMARC Group, the global digital content creation market reached USD 18.9 Billion in 2024. Animators can now create intricate details and expressive characters more easily and precisely. The adoption of animation technology has also opened doors to experimentation and innovation, creating unique art styles and storytelling techniques. As anime is continuing to evolve because of cutting-edge technology, it is attracting a wider audience and consequently driving the overall market by setting new standards in quality as well as creativity.

Anime Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global anime market, along with forecast at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on revenue source.

Analysis by Revenue Source:

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

Merchandising represents the largest segment, which accounted for a market share of 35.8% in 2024. The segment growth is primarily driven by the robust international demand for anime-themed products. As fanbases expand beyond traditional geographic boundaries, there is a rise in demand for merchandise including apparel, action figures, posters, and home decor items. These products allow fans to express their affinity and connect with their favorite series on a personal level. The growing number of e-commerce platforms is also significantly facilitating the distribution and accessibility of anime merchandise, effectively bridging the gap between Japanese anime producers and international audiences. Additionally, strategic collaborations between anime studios and renowned global brands are introducing limited-edition products, further stimulating buyer interest and sales. These partnerships not only enhance the visibility of anime properties but also embed them deeper into popular culture, ensuring sustained demand and revenue growth from merchandising.

Regional Analysis:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

Asia Pacific dominated the anime market, accounting for a market share of 38.7% in 2024. The dominance is due to the region’s deep-rooted cultural affinity for anime and manga, which originated in the region. This historical connection is fostering a widespread acceptance and proliferation of anime across multiple generations, making it a mainstream form of entertainment. The region boasts a well-established infrastructure for anime production, with numerous studios in Japan leading the industry in both quality and innovation. Additionally, Asia Pacific benefits from strong governmental support for cultural exports, which includes anime, helping to promote these products internationally. The increasing penetration of internet and mobile devices is also playing a crucial role, enabling easy access to streaming platforms where anime content is abundantly available. Furthermore, the rise of anime conventions and exhibitions in the region strengthens fan communities and boosts fan engagement through immersive experiences. For example, Mela! Mela! Anime Japan!! is a major anime festival set to take place in New Delhi on September 28-29, 2024, as a component of the Japan Month festivities. The event will include anime screenings, concerts, cosplay contests, workshops, and displays showcasing Japanese pop culture and industries. Coordinated with the Embassy of Japan, JETRO, and various essential partners, the festival seeks to enhance cultural and economic connections between India and Japan.

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Anime Market Analysis

In 2024, the United States accounted for a market share of 80% in North America. The United States anime market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by several key factors. A major driver is the increasing global popularity of Japanese culture, including anime, which has become a mainstream entertainment genre. Various online platforms are making anime more accessible to a broader audience, allowing viewers to enjoy a diverse range of genres and styles from anywhere. The streaming era is enabling US fans to watch new episodes simultaneously with their Japanese release, heightening engagement and reducing piracy. Another important aspect is the increasing popularity of anime among youthful groups and specialized audiences. Millennials and Gen Z, raised on anime like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Sailor Moon, still enjoy watching these shows for entertainment. Social media sites are enhancing anime culture, fostering lively fan communities and increasing its attractiveness. As per the reports, there were 246.0 million users of social media in the United States by January 2023. In addition to this, merchandising is vital for market expansion, as fans enthusiastically buy items such as clothing, figurines, and memorabilia. The rise of anime conventions throughout the US, including Anime Expo and Otakon, offers chances for fans to engage with the culture, boosting sales and showcasing new titles.

Europe Anime Market Analysis

The increasing accessibility, diverse audience engagement, and cultural crossover appeal are few factors that are contributing to the market growth. One of the primary drivers is the proliferation of streaming platforms, which offer extensive libraries of anime series and films. These platforms make it easier for European audiences to access both classic and contemporary titles, often with multilingual subtitles and dubbing to cater to the region’s linguistic diversity. The ease of internet services in the region is also encouraging individuals to watch these series. In 2024, reports indicated that 94% of households in the EU had internet access. Moreover, the growing acceptance of anime as a mainstream entertainment medium is also contributing to its expansion. Millennials and Gen Z, who were introduced to anime through iconic shows like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Pokémon during their childhood, continue to engage with the medium as adults. This generational influence is increasing the popularity of anime across different demographics in Europe. Moreover, the rise of anime conventions and cultural festivals across Europe, such as Japan Expo in France and MCM Comic Con in the UK, is creating dedicated fan communities. These events not only showcase anime but also promote related industries like manga, cosplay, and merchandise. Such gatherings strengthen the cultural and commercial appeal of anime in the region. Additionally, collaborations between European creators and Japanese studios, along with anime screenings in cinemas and film festivals, are enhancing visibility and appreciation. 

Asia Pacific Anime Market Analysis

The anime market in the Asia-Pacific region is propelled by a mix of cultural connections, technological progress, and a swiftly growing user demographic. Being the origin of anime, the area has a strong cultural bond with the form, boasting a rich history of narrating tales through lively animation. Japan is a leading nation in anime production that significantly impacts the market with its world-famous studios and creators. A major factor is the rising popularity of streaming services among the general population in the area. These platforms allow users to access high-quality content for streaming whenever they want. The extensive access to internet services and low-cost mobile devices, especially in developing countries such as India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, is driving market expansion. According to Invest India, the typical monthly data usage per user in India hit 20.27GB by March 2024. In addition to this, rising income levels in the Asia Pacific nations are enabling more people to invest in entertainment items, such as anime-related products, manga, and subscription services. Merchandising, which encompasses action figures, collectibles, and clothing, plays a major role in the growth of the market, as fans are enthusiastic about showcasing their fandom. Additionally, the variety of narratives in anime and its attraction to various demographics contribute to its popularity. From thrilling shonen adventures to heartfelt shojo tales and sophisticated seinen themes, anime serves viewers of every age and taste. This inclusiveness, paired with localization initiatives like subtitles and dubbed versions, has broadened the medium's audience.

Latin America Anime Market Analysis

The Latin American anime market is driven by a passionate fan base, growing accessibility, and cultural resonance. Anime has a longstanding presence in the region, with iconic series like Dragon Ball Z, Saint Seiya, and Naruto shaping the childhoods of many. This nostalgic connection impels continued interest across generations. Moreover, the expansion of streaming platforms is making anime widely accessible, with Spanish and Portuguese subtitles and dubbing catering to local audiences. The higher adoption of mobile devices further facilitates anime consumption, especially among younger viewers. In early 2024, Brazil had 210.3 million active mobile cellular connections. Merchandising serves as another crucial motivator, with enthusiasts enthusiastically buying anime-inspired clothing, figurines, and memorabilia. Gatherings such as anime conventions and fan meetups promote community involvement, enhancing the cultural attraction.

Middle East and Africa Anime Market Analysis

The anime market in the Middle East and Africa is shaped by rising accessibility, cultural changes, and an expanding young population. Streaming platforms are expanding anime’s reach, offering subtitled and dubbed content in Arabic and other regional languages, making it more appealing to local audiences. A young and tech-savvy population across the region plays a significant role, as anime resonates with their demand for diverse and engaging content. In the Arab region, the count of individuals aged 15-24 reached around 82 million in 2023 and is projected to rise to 108 million by 2050, according to the HPC. In addition to this, well-liked genres like action, fantasy, and adventure resonate strongly, matching the tastes of these viewers. Cultural adaptation through localized content, including language-specific dubbing and themes, is enhancing anime’s relevance. 

Competitive Landscape:

Key players in the market are forming strategic partnerships with technology companies to leverage advancements in animation and distribution platforms. Moreover, these companies are connecting with fans via interactive digital experiences and social media to foster dedicated communities centered on their brands. Initiatives to broaden income sources involve venturing into merchandise sales, organizing live events, and partnering with different entertainment industries, guaranteeing their competitiveness and relevance in a rapidly changing marketplace. Additionally, prominent companies are proactively broadening their global presence by improving streaming services and obtaining international licensing agreements, thereby increasing anime's accessibility around the globe. They are making significant investments in creating original content and refreshing classic franchises to appeal to both new and nostalgic viewers. In 2024, "Haikyu!! The film "Decisive Battle at the Garbage Dump," showcasing the Karasuno vs. Nekoma game, was set to debut in theaters in the US and UK on May 31, 2024. The film was scheduled to be accessible for streaming on Crunchyroll once its cinema release ended.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the anime market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• Aniplex of America Inc
• Bones Inc
• Crunchyroll
• Kyoto Animation Co. Ltd.
• Madhouse Inc
• P.A. Works Inc.
• Pierrot Co. Ltd
• Shout! Factory LLC
• Studio Ghibli Inc.
• Toei Animation Co. Ltd.
• VIZ Media LLC (Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co. Ltd)

Latest News and Developments:

• December 2024: Toei Animation's One Piece anime series and HYPLAND, a streetwear brand in Los Angeles announced plans to collaborate for the second part of a stylish fashion collaboration. The brand unveiled the official images and release dates of the highly anticipated collection. New sets include 32 new items of clothing in collections, which high spot reversible Sherpa fleece jacket prints of famous characters like Luffy, Nami, Chopper, Sanji, Doflamingo, Usopp, Law and Zoro. Other featured clothing items also include hoodies, sweatpants, jorts and tees. Rugs and blankets round out the entire new set.
• December 2024: Iyuno announced the casting of Madeline Dorroh and Jonathon Ha as leads in the upcoming English dub of ice-skating anime Medalist, which is set to premiere on Hulu in the United States at the same time as the subtitled version starting January 4, 2025. Disney+ will stream the series in countries outside the US.
• May 2024: The grand opening of the One Piece restaurant in Las Vegas was a major achievement, being the first anime-themed restaurant in the US to have official approval. It included a themed menu, special merchandise, and intended to take advantage of the anime's worldwide popularity.

Anime Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the anime market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global anime market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the anime industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.