Japan’s anime market hits record $28.2 billion in 2025

Japan’s anime market hits record $28.2 billion in 2025 – Señal News

Japan’s anime market hits record $28.2 billion in 2025

Overseas revenue accounted for 57.1% of the total, while domestic sales also posted double-digit growth. Studio revenues reached a new high, although production economics remain a challenge.

Japan’s anime industry reached a record US$28.2 billion in 2025, with overseas markets accounting for 57.1% of total revenue.

Japan’s anime industry reached a record ¥4.45 trillion (US$28.2 billion) in 2025, up 15.8% year-on-year, according to preliminary figures from the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA), presented atTIFFCOM. International markets generated ¥2.54 trillion (US$16.1 billion), representing 57.1% of total revenue, while domestic sales rose 14.1% to ¥1.91 trillion (US$12.1 billion). Overseas spending has exceeded domestic spending for three consecutive years.

The figures mark a shift from previous years, when international growth outpaced a relatively flat domestic market. “Both the domestic and overseas markets are growing steadily,” said Masahiro Hasegawa, editorial supervisor at the AJA’s annual report. AJA president Kazuhiko Ishikawa added that“Japanese animation’s global reach continues to expand as the medium becomes increasingly familiar to international audiences“.

Direct revenue for Japanese animation studios also reached a record ¥505.5 billion (US$3.2 billion), up 8.4%. However, studio earnings represent only around 11% of the wider industry’s total value, which includes merchandise, music, streaming and other downstream businesses. Overseas contracts accounted for 27.9% of studio revenue, up from 25.5% in 2024, reflecting growing direct partnerships with international players.

Box office performance and streaming exposure were key growth drivers. “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” generated nearly US$800 million worldwide, while “Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc” surpassed US$190 million. Japanese anime also accounted for 100 of the 300 most-voted television series on IMDb, including nine titles in the top 20.

Japan is targeting ¥6 trillion (US$38.1 billion) in anime exports as part of a broader ¥20 trillion international content sales goal by 2033. Plans include stronger localization, anti-piracy measures and distribution infrastructure. The challenge, however, remains translating global demand into sustainable revenues and better working conditions for the studios and creators behind the content.

“Both the domestic and overseas markets are growing steadily””
Masahiro HasegawaEditorial supervisor

JapanAssociation of Japanese Animations (AJA)Anime industryTIFFCOManimé