Anime Market

Anime Market Size and Share Analysis

The global market for anime is expected to increase from US$31.9 Bn in 2024 to US$54.1 Bn by the end of 2031. The market is anticipated to record a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031.

Key Highlights of the Market

• The market is exploring new avenues like streaming, gaming, and licensing beyond television, merchandise, and film.
• North America market to expand at a notable CAGR of 15% during the forecast period from
• The increasing popularity of anime globally creates new markets and opportunities.
• Streaming services like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu have democratized access to a vast library of anime titles, offering viewers the flexibility to watch anytime and anywhere.
• The merchandising segment commanding a substantial revenue share exceeding 28% in 2023.
• Increasing collaborations between anime studios, global brands, and creators are expanding the market's reach and diversifying content offering.

Attributes	Key Insights
Market Size (2024E)	US$31.9 Bn
Projected Market Value (2031F)	US$54.1 Bn
Global Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2024 to 2031)	7.8%
Historical Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2019 to 2023)	6.0%

Market Introduction and Trend Analysis

The anime industry has evolved from a niche interest to a global cultural force. Originating in Japan, anime has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique art style, compelling storytelling, and diverse genres.

The market has experienced exponential growth, driven by factors such as increased internet penetration, the rise of streaming platforms, and the globalization of pop culture. This expansion has led to new opportunities for anime studios, distributors, and merchandise companies.

Key market trends shaping the anime market include the increasing popularity of anime among Western audiences, the diversification of anime content, and the integration of technology, such as virtual and augmented reality into the anime experience.

Anime's popularity extends far beyond Japan, with a dedicated and passionate fanbase in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The rise of conventions, cosplay events, and dedicated anime communities further illustrates its cultural impact and global appeal.

Cultural influence is also evident in merchandise sales, gaming adaptations, and collaborations across various industries, indicating anime's pervasive reach and influence.

Several emerging trends are shaping the future of the market. These include the increasing influence of digital platforms for content discovery and consumption, the rise of original anime productions by streaming giants and independent studios, and collaborations between anime creators and global brands to expand market reach.

Historic Growth and Course Ahead

The anime market witnessed a significant surge in international viewership during the historical period from 2019 to 2023. Anime's appeal transcended geographical boundaries, attracting a diverse global audience eager to explore its rich storytelling, vibrant characters, and unique visual styles.

Streaming platforms played a pivotal role in this expansion, with services like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu making anime more accessible outside of Japan. The historical period witnessed an increase in original anime productions by both established studios and new entrants. The market for anime witnessed a CAGR of 6.0% during the historical period.

The market is poised for continued expansion and innovation. Advances in technology, evolving consumer preferences, and strategic industry collaborations are expected to drive growth. As anime cements its position as a global entertainment powerhouse, its ability to adapt to digital trends and engage diverse audiences will be critical to sustaining its upward trajectory in the years to come. The market is projected to record a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period.

Market Growth Drivers

Expansion of Digital Streaming Platforms

One of the foremost drivers influencing the anime market is the expansion and dominance of digital streaming platforms. Platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu have revolutionized how anime content is consumed globally.

These platforms offer extensive libraries of anime series and films, providing subscribers with on-demand access to a diverse range of genres and titles.

Digital streaming platforms have significantly increased the accessibility of anime outside of Japan. Fans worldwide can now discover and enjoy anime content conveniently on their smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers.

The accessibility has broadened the global audience base for anime, attracting viewers who may not have had access to traditional broadcast channels or physical media.

Streaming platforms facilitate simulcasting, where anime episodes are released globally within hours of their premiere in Japan. This reduces piracy rates and allows international fans to engage with the latest content simultaneously.

Moreover, platforms invest in subtitling, dubbing, and cultural localization efforts to adapt anime for diverse linguistic and cultural audiences, further enhancing viewer engagement and satisfaction.

Growth of Anime Merchandising and Licensing

Another significant driver for the market is the robust growth of merchandising and licensing opportunities. Anime's popularity has transcended the screen, influencing fashion trends, consumer products, and collectibles globally.

Characters from popular anime series adorn merchandise such as clothing, accessories, figurines, and stationery, catering to a dedicated fanbase eager to connect with their favorite shows and characters on a personal level.

Anime studios and production companies collaborate with global brands to license anime characters and themes for various products and promotional campaigns.

The cross-media approach expands the visibility of anime brands beyond traditional entertainment platforms, reaching new audiences and generating additional revenue streams.

Successful anime franchises often spawn video games, novels, comics, and live-action adaptations, further diversifying their cultural impact and commercial appeal.

Anime merchandise enjoys strong demand in international markets, facilitated by e-commerce platforms that enable fans globally to purchase licensed products directly from manufacturers and distributors.

Social media platforms and fan communities play a crucial role in promoting merchandise and fostering fan engagement through cosplay events, conventions, and online forums.

Factors Impeding the Market

Production Costs, and Budget Constraints

One of the primary restraints in the anime market is the escalating production costs associated with creating high-quality animated content. Anime production involves various stages, including scriptwriting, character design, animation, voice acting, and post-production.

The demand for visually stunning animation, complex storytelling, and adherence to high standards of production quality drives up costs.

Smaller studios and independent creators often struggle to secure adequate funding and resources to produce anime that meets audience expectations.

Budget constraints can limit the scope of animation, result in longer production cycles, or force compromises in animation quality and storytelling depth. This can hinder studios from taking creative risks or exploring innovative storytelling techniques.

Market Saturation and Competition

Another significant restraint in the market is the increasing competition and market saturation. The popularity of anime has led to a surge in the number of titles being produced each year, resulting in a crowded marketplace with diverse offerings across various genres and themes.

Market saturation makes it challenging for new and lesser-known anime series to gain visibility and attract a dedicated fanbase.

With numerous anime series released annually, gaining audience attention and standing out amidst the competition becomes increasingly difficult.

Established franchises and popular genres often dominate viewer preferences and receive more significant promotional efforts, leaving less room for new and experimental content. This can stifle creativity and limit opportunities for unique storytelling and artistic expression.

Future Opportunities for Anime Market Players

Expanding Merchandising and Licensing Opportunities

Anime's popularity extends beyond the screen, driving demand for merchandise, licensing agreements, and cross-media adaptations. This presents an opportunity for industry participants to diversify revenue streams and extend brand visibility through strategic partnerships and innovative merchandising strategies.

Anime merchandise, including figurines, apparel, accessories, and collectibles, continues to be a lucrative market segment. Collaborations with retailers, online stores, and pop culture conventions can enhance distribution channels and reach a broader consumer base.

Leveraging popular characters and iconic designs, industry participants can capitalize on fan enthusiasm and consumer demand for exclusive and limited-edition merchandise. Anime studios can explore licensing agreements with global brands to expand their reach into new consumer markets.

Collaborations with fashion brands, gaming companies, and lifestyle products can create synergies that appeal to both anime enthusiasts and mainstream audiences. These partnerships not only drive merchandise sales but also elevate the visibility of anime brands in diverse industries and cultural contexts.

Category-wise Analysis

Action & Adventure Rank Top in Market Share

This segment is estimated to top market share due to compelling storylines, coupled with high-stakes situations, keep viewers hooked. Also, well-rounded characters with relatable journeys contribute to audience engagement.

Action and adventure resonate with a wide audience, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background. Humans have an innate desire for excitement and escapism, which action-adventure anime delivers in abundance.

Merchandising Emerges as a Pivotal Segment

Category	Market Share in 2023
Merchandising Segment	28%

Merchandising in the anime industry covers a wide range of products including figurines, clothing, accessories, stationery, and more. This diversity caters to a broad audience, from hardcore fans to casual enthusiasts.

Anime has a strong cultural impact globally, with fans eager to own merchandise that reflects their favorite characters and series. This cultural affinity drives sales across various demographic.

The merchandising segment asserted its dominance within the anime market, commanding a substantial revenue share exceeding 28% in 2023. This remarkable achievement underscores its pivotal role in the industry's financial landscape.

Region-wise Analysis

North America to Exhibit a Remarkable CAGR of 15%

North America market to expand at a notable CAGR of 15% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. A dedicated and expanding community of anime enthusiasts is driving demand in the region. Moreover, a thriving market for anime-related merchandise is contributing to revenue growth.

Targeting specific demographics or genres can yield significant returns in the region. Large-scale events have increased anime's visibility and popularity in North American market. All these factors contribute significantly in the regional market growth.   

Competitive Landscape Analysis

The anime industry offers abundant opportunities for companies to capitalize on their investments, drawing numerous prominent players into the fold.

Amidst a landscape marked by mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships, businesses are strategically positioning themselves to enhance their market potential, propelling the anime sector to new heights.

While competitiveness abounds, companies can distinguish themselves by delivering unique and captivating content, understanding user preferences, and showcasing preferred selections. This dynamic approach enables them to not only thrive but also lead in this vibrant marketplace.

Recent Industry Developments

June 2023

Dentsu Group unveiled its innovative initiative in June 2023 to launch Dentsu Anime Solutions Inc., a dedicated entity poised to revolutionize anime licensing solutions. This new venture will specialize in distributing anime content and licensing products to a global audience, catering not only to Japanese broadcasters but also to international streaming platforms and merchandise markets.

October 2023

Crunchyroll (owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.) and GSN, also a Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. subsidiary, joined forces in October 2023 to introduce a ground-breaking 24/7 anime streaming channel. This collaborative effort brings curated anime content to platforms like Amazon Freevee, LG Channels, and The Roku Channel, catering specifically to a diverse audience eager to explore the world of anime.

Market Report Scope

Attributes	Details
Forecast Period	2024 to 2031
Historical Data Available for	2019 to 2023
Market Analysis	US$ Billion for Value
Key Regions Covered	North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America The Middle East & Africa
Key Countries Covered	The United States Canada The United Kingdom Germany France Italy Spain Poland Hungary Austria Russia Netherlands Finland Sweden Czech Republic Rest of Europe Australia & New Zealand China Philippines South Korea Indonesia Vietnam Thailand Malaysia India Rest of Asia Pacific Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Saudi Arabia Turkey Rest of Middle East & Africa
Key Market Segments Covered	Anime Type Anime Genre Region
Key Companies Profiled	Studio Ghibli, Inc. Pierrot Co., Ltd. Production I.G, Inc. Bones Inc. Kyoto Animation Co., Ltd. MADHOUSE, Inc. Sentai Holdings, LLC (AMC Networks) VIZ Media, LLC Ufotable Co., Ltd. Sunrise, Inc. (Bandai Namco Filmworks) Toei Animation Co., Ltd. Crunchyroll (Progressive Animation Works Co., Ltd. Atomic Flare Good Smile Company, Inc. Discotek Media
Report Coverage	Market Forecast Company Share Analysis Competition Intelligence DROT Analysis Market Dynamics and Challenges Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization & Pricing	Available upon request

Anime Market Research Segmentation

By Anime Type

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

By Anime Genre

• Action & Adventure
• Sci-Fi & Fantasy
• Romance & Drama
• Sports
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• The Middle East & Africa

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