Anime Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (T.V., Movie, Video, Internet Distribution, Merchandising, Music), By Genre (Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Romance & Drama, Sports, and Others), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Anime Market Size & Trends

The global anime market size was estimated at USD 31.23 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% from 2024 to 2030. The growing demand in sales and popularity of Japanese anime content is expected to fuel the market growth in the coming years. The increasing demand for internet-based distribution and gaming applications, constituting a significant portion of Japan's overseas sales, is expected to be a major driver of market expansion. In addition, the market's value creation has been significantly aided by the contributions of animators, artists, publishers, developers, and other creative agencies.

In Japan region, the online platforms witnessed a sudden emergence of additional members, increasing the amount of time spent watching animated episodes and movies. For instance, in October 2023, Crunchyroll (Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.) and GSN, both a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., partnered to launch a 24*7 anime streaming channel for anime-curious audiences on Amazon Freevee, LG Channels, The Roku Channel, among others.

Furthermore, the advancements in the latest technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and the Internet of Things (IoT), among others, coupled with the increasing levels of disposable income, are expected to fuel the market growth. Moreover, young generation has increased its spending on most up-to-date, technologically advanced gadgets and products, which, in turn, is expected to drive the industry’s growth in the coming years.

In addition, the demand for anime games is on the rise due to growing popularity of virtual surround sound and in-game communication. This trend is significantly impacting the market, as more and more people are drawn towards immersive gaming experience. The market is anticipated to witness a significant growth in the coming years, owing to advancements in innovative technologies such as virtual reality and consequent rise in demand for VR gaming equipment. The broad distribution of anime content through various mediums, such as Over the Top (OTT) streaming platforms, comics, television, games, and social media, is also contributing to the industry's growth.

COVID-19 pandemic's emergence had a significant impact on the market as many animated TV programs that were already in production got canceled or delayed. Theatrical releases and live performances were also affected because of lockdowns put in place in several major cities. However, streaming services such as YouTube and Netflix gained popularity both during and after pandemic.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market growth stage is medium, and pace of the market growth is accelerating. The anime market is characterized by a high degree of innovation as the industry usually draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including manga, novels, video games, and original concepts, among others, which allows for a diverse range of storylines and themes. In addition, animation studios and streaming platforms consistently strive to push creative boundaries, employing cutting-edge storytelling techniques, unique visual styles, and advanced animation technologies to captivate audiences.

The anime market is also characterized by a medium level of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity by the leading players. Animation studios, streaming platforms, and entertainment conglomerates are actively engaging in mergers and acquisitions to consolidate their market presence, expand content libraries, and diversify offerings. This strategic approach allows companies to leverage collaborations, gain access to intellectual properties, and enhance their competitive edge in the evolving landscape.

The market experiences industry competition influenced by the impact of regulations. The sector operates within a framework of regulatory guidelines that shape content creation, distribution, and licensing. These regulations, whether related to broadcasting standards or intellectual property rights, play a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape. Compliance with industry-specific regulations can be a factor that sets companies apart, ensuring ethical practices and adherence to content standards.

As consumers have access to a variety of entertainment services beyond traditional anime platforms, such as video games, streaming services for other genres, and social media platforms, anime providers face competition for viewers' attention. To stand out in this landscape, companies in the market regularly implement strategies to differentiate their offerings, enhance user experience, and provide unique content.

In the market, industry competition is significantly influenced by the preferences and demands of the end-user. As viewers increasingly seek diverse and personalized content experiences, anime providers are compelled to understand and cater to evolving tastes of their audience. The competition revolves around creating content that resonates with different demographic groups, including age brackets and cultural backgrounds.

Type Insights

The merchandising segment led the market and held for a revenue share of more than 30% in 2023. Merchandising strategy and products are tactics or initiatives that help enhance the organization's revenue generation. The reason for this growth is attributed to the control of licensing and merchandising rights, provides studios an opportunity to earn additional revenue from sale of their products or use of their properties or proprietary characters, leading to a rise in overall revenue.

The Internet distribution segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Substantial growth in anime content sales through online streaming platforms and mobile applications in foreign markets is one of the major factors contributing to segment’s growth. Furthermore, to stay ahead of the competition, streaming services such as Netflix, Inc. and Nippon Television Holdings, Inc. partnered to acquire the licenses for numerous anime titles. For instance, in August 2022, Netflix, Inc. partnered with Nippon Television Holdings, Inc. and licensed 13 anime titles. The company is consistently striving to broaden its collection of anime content to draw in a more extensive audience across the globe, which is driving its significant market share in 2023

Genre Insights

Action & Adventure held for largest market revenue share in 2023. This is attributable to the widespread appeal and enduring popularity of dynamic and thrilling storytelling. Action & adventure genre's capacity to seamlessly blend captivating storylines with exciting action sequences appeals to both established fans and newcomers alike. Furthermore, growing adoption of streaming platforms facilitating convenient access to several anime titles is solidifying its position as the leading revenue contributor in the market.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy are anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2030. Significant advancements in game and animation technologies have accelerated in recent years, helping the sci-fi genre to create more advanced and engaging content and characters. Additionally, the availability of a wide range of anime titles in this segment on various streaming platforms has further contributed to its popularity, which is driving the growth of the segment.

Regional Insights

The North America region is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of over 16% over the forecast period. This is due to the growing adoption of anime in the region, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, where anime has gained a significant fan base and popularity. The sale of anime merchandise has also seen a rise in the region, further driving the growth of the anime market. The area is home to various studios, including Aniplex of America Inc., AnimEigo, Inc., and Discotek Media, that cater to the anime fan community. Furthermore, the number of retail stores for anime has increased in various cities, such as California and North Carolina, which is expected to propel the growth of the anime market.

Europe Anime Market Trends

The anime market in Europe accounted for a market share of nearly 14% in 2023. The popularity of anime in Europe is attributed to various factors, including the availability of dubbed or subtitled versions of popular anime series, the rapid growth of streaming platforms, and the increasing number of anime festivals and conventions.

The market in the UK accounted for a CAGR of more than 10% over the forecast period. The availability of streaming platforms and the growing number of anime titles being licensed for distribution in the UK are the factors contributing to the rise of the anime market in the country.

The Anime market in Germany is expected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 13% over the forecast period. The country’s market strength is attributed to the trend of viewers using online modes for consumption of anime and due to the popularity of action & adventure genre anime in the country.

The market in France accounted for the largest revenue share of the European anime market in 2023. The rise of anime conventions and festivals in France, where fans can meet and interact with fellow enthusiasts, as well as participate in cosplay competitions and other related events, is driving the anime market growth in the country.

Asia Pacific Anime Market Trends

The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% over the forecast period. This is attributed to the growing popularity of anime content among young individuals in China and India. Also, the region has a large fan base for popular anime genres such as sci-fi, comedy, humor, horror, action, romance, supernatural, and slice-of-life, which is propelling the market growth in the region.

The market in Japan has been leading the industry with over 40% revenue share in 2023, and it is projected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. Japan has over 600 animation studios, with Tokyo alone housing more than 500 anime studios, making it a hub for animation. The popularity of manga, or Japanese comic novels, is also on the rise, inspiring a new generation of creative individuals to pursue careers in the industry, which is expected to fuel market growth across the region further.

The market in China is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 12% over the forecast period. This growth is attributed to Chinese companies significantly investing in anime platforms to meet the growing demand for anime in the country and generate significant revenue from the upcoming opportunities. For instance, in August 2022, Tencent Holdings Ltd. acquired a creative studio based in Japan with numerous hit Nintendo Switch games as a part of its talent acquisition.

The market in India is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 13% from 2024 to 2030. The factors, including the rise of Japanese pop culture, global media exposure, and high demand from Millennials and Gen Z, are contributing to the anime market growth in India country.

MEA Anime Market Trends

The market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of nearly 14% over the forecast period. The rise in disposable incomes and the growing interest in Japanese culture have contributed to the growth of the anime market in the Middle East and Africa.

The market in Saudi Arabia is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of nearly 15% over the forecast period. The rapid growth in viewership of anime in the country owing to the availability of a variety of anime content over different broadcasting platforms is boosting the market’s growth.

Key Anime Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include Crunchyroll (Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.); Sentai Holdings, LLC, Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.; and Good Smile Company, Inc.

• Crunchyroll (Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.) operates an Over-the-top (OTT) platform that hosts anime series, and games and sells anime merchandise in the form of figures, and clothing, among others.

• Sentai Holdings, LLC is an entertainment company, which specializes in dubbing and distribution of Asian cinema and Japanese animation.

Discotek Media, Viz Media, LLC, and Ufotable Co., Ltd. are some of the emerging market participants in the anime market.

• Discotek Media primarily focuses on licensing and distribution of Japanese films, anime, and television series.

• Ufotable Co., Ltd participates in animation planning and production, series composition and scenario production, character planning, development, and design, planning, and production of mobile content, among others.

Recent Developments

• In November 2023, Crunchyroll (Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.) collaborated with Crocs, a footwear company, to release footwear inspired by the popular Shonen Jump manga JUJUTSU KAISEN, including three limited-edition shoe models and Jibbitz.

• In November 2023, Sunrise, Inc. (Bandai Namco Filmworks) collaborated with Atlas V, a virtual reality (VR) production company, to create a full-length VR anime for the Gundam franchise. The project, titled "Mobile Suit Gundam Silver Phantom," is specifically designed for Meta Quest.

•  In January 2022, AMC Networks acquired Sentai Filmworks, which allowed it to expand to a wider audience and provide efficient distribution of its content and merchandise to a larger customer base.

• In January 2023, Good Smile Company, Inc. launched a small figurine (Nendoroid) of Hitori Gotou from the Bocchi the Rock! series even before season 2 was announced. The figurine comes with added accessories to suit the character.

• In August 2021, Sony Entertainment Inc. acquired the company, to bring more anime to a larger audience. With this acquisition, Sony would expand its business activities and operations in anime production globally.

Anime Market Report Scope

Global Anime Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global anime market report based on type, genre, and region:

• Anime Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • T.V.

  • Movie

  • Video

  • Internet Distribution

  • Merchandising

  • Music

  • Pachinko

  • Live Entertainment

• Anime Genre Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Action & Adventure

  • Sci-Fi & Fantasy

  • Romance & Drama

  • Sports

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Poland

    • Hungary

    • Austria

    • Russia

    • Netherlands

    • Finland

    • Sweden

    • Czech Republic

    • Rest of Europe

  • Asia Pacific

    • Australia & New Zealand

    • China

    • Philippines

    • South Korea

    • Indonesia

    • Vietnam

    • Thailand

    • Malaysia

    • India

    • Rest of Asia Pacific

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Rest of Latin America

  • Middle East & Africa (MEA)

    • Saudi Arabia

    • Turkey

    • Rest of Middle East & Africa

  • Japan