The golden egg-laying chicken of Japan
TPO – The Japanese anime industry is expected to reach a record size of $28.18 billion in 2025, a 15.8% increase driven by both domestic and international markets. Behind this growth lies a strategy of leveraging licensing rights, merchandise, and the global power of anime brands.
Báo Tiền Phong•31/10/2026
According to preliminary figures released by the Animation Association of Japan (AJA) at TIFFCOM 2026 – Asia’s leading digital content and film market – on October 30th, the Japanese anime market is expected to reach 4,449.1 billion yen (approximately $28.18 billion) in 2025, a 15.8% increase year-on-year. This marks the first time the industry has exceeded 4 trillion yen. Compared to 2015, the market has more than doubled.
Domestic revenue reached 1,910 billion yen, an increase of 14.1%, while the international market reached 2,542.6 billion yen, an increase of 17.2%. Foreign customers contributed 57.1% of the total industry size, further affirming the growing role of the international market.
According to AJA, the above figure reflects the anime market in a broad sense, encompassing consumer spending on movies, television, online content, merchandise, music , and related events. Therefore, it’s not simply ticket sales revenue or studio profits.
Its appeal extends beyond the borders of Japan.
The most important driving force behind anime in recent years has been its ability to reach a global audience. The rise of Netflix and other online <a href="https://comicvibe.com/classic-game-memories-comparing-original-hardware-and-revival-platforms/” title=”Classic Game Memories: Comparing Original Hardware and Revival Platforms”>platforms has freed Japanese animation from the dependence of domestic television broadcast schedules or theaters. Audiences in the US, Europe, and Asia can access new works almost simultaneously, thus forming a cross-border fanbase.
This is also a factor that helps anime transcend the boundaries of films exclusively for children. Stories with psychological depth, complex fantasy worlds , multi-dimensional character development, and a distinctive visual style allow this genre to reach a wide audience, from teenagers to adults.
The success of Demon Slayer , One Piece , Jujutsu Kaisen , and Attack on Titan demonstrates that Japanese anime has built enduring brands. These works not only attract viewers through each season but also maintain audience interest through sequels, movies, and international promotional activities.
In 2025, blockbusters like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle further solidified anime’s appeal in the film market. The fact that Japanese animated films can create box office events in many countries shows that anime has become a significant part of the global film market, rather than just a product catering to a niche audience.
Making money from the copyright ecosystem.
Another reason for the rapid growth of the anime industry is its potential for commercial exploitation that extends far beyond the content of the films.
A successful film can generate multiple revenue streams: broadcasting rights, theatrical releases, streaming, video games, toys, clothing, character models, soundtracks, and fan events. The value of a brand therefore doesn’t end when the film finishes but can be maintained for many years.
According to the analysis presented at TIFFCOM 2025 on the AJA report, licensing activities in the international market are expanding. Instead of just purchasing broadcasting or film screening rights, foreign partners tend to sign agreements that include rights to market goods and organize events. This approach allows the commercial value of a brand to be exploited in multiple ways.
In fact, this business model has already flourished in Japan. Character merchandise accounts for a large share of the domestic market, from collectibles, comics, and clothing to products in collaboration with fashion and food brands. As the overseas fan base grows, the potential for exporting these products also expands.
According to Masahiro Hasegawa, who is in charge of editing AJA’s annual report, Japanese anime has been successful in bringing its content to international audiences, but converting viewers into customers who purchase merchandise and use related services still has much potential.
Domestic market accelerates
While anime growth in previous years was primarily driven by overseas markets, 2025 shows a simultaneous resurgence in Japan. Domestic revenue is projected to increase by 14.1%, significantly higher than the 4.6% increase in 2024.
One of the driving forces is the appeal of long-standing anime brands, along with the emergence of new works that have the potential to create a box office impact. Anime is not only present in theaters but is also associated with shopping, tourism , exhibitions, and community events.
In particular, incorporating popular anime brands into promotional activities, commercial collaborations, and experiential spaces expands fans’ spending power. Audiences not only buy movie tickets but are also willing to spend money on merchandise related to their favorite characters or participate in related events.
This combination of revenue streams makes the anime market less dependent on the success of individual films. A film may not achieve outstanding box office success, but it can still generate significant commercial value through licensing, merchandise, and brand exploitation.
The downside of growth
Despite the market constantly breaking records, the prosperity of the anime industry does not mean that all businesses and workers are benefiting proportionally.
According to AJA data released at the same time, the revenue of animation production companies is projected to reach 505.5 billion yen in 2025, an increase of 8.4%.
The gap between the two figures shows that the economic value generated from anime is distributed across many different stages. Those holding the rights, publishing, distributing, and selling the merchandise can benefit greatly, while studios directly involved in production face pressure regarding costs and manpower.
Previously, Screen Daily cited a survey by Teikoku Databank stating that in 2024, 20.9% of Japanese animation production companies recorded declining revenue, while 41.8% experienced no growth. Rising production and labor costs are significant concerns, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The challenge, therefore, is not only to continue expanding the market but also to ensure reo emphasized the importance of building a better working environment so that creators and production management teams can confidently dedicate themselves to their work
With the goal of increasing Japan’s content export revenue to 20 trillion yen by 2033, with anime contributing 6 trillion yen, the government is viewing animation as a strategic industry. The record set in 2025 shows that this goal is achievable, but the next step will depend on the ability to transform cultural appeal into sustainable economic value while protecting the creators of these works.
Original article
https://tienphong.vn/con-ga-de-trung-vang-cua-nhat-ban-post1890152.tpo
Tag:#animecopyrightJapanese anime#anime revenueDemon Slayer#animeexportJapanese Anime Sets Record#anime market
Trending by Category
The two volcanic caves of Krông Nô have been classified as national monuments.
Công Luậnmột giờ trước
Vietnamese music learns from Kpop and seeks a path to “export”: What is the key?
Báo Dân trímột giờ trước
The Editor-in-Chief of Crabit Kidbooks has been selected as a judge for the 2028 Hans Christian Andersen Award.
Báo Nhân dân2 giờ trước
Closing Ceremony of Phase 1 of the 2026 National Solo and Ensemble Traditional Musical Instrument Competition
As a cold front arrives, the North experiences rain and a drop in temperature.
Báo Gia đình và Xã hội2 giờ trước
