Japan’s Anime Market Reaches Record $28.2 Billion

Japan’s anime business reached a record 4.45 trillion yen ($28.2 billion) in 2025, rising 15.8% from the previous year. Masahiro Hasegawa, lead editor of the annual industry report published by the group, presented the preliminary figures at TIFFCOM on October 30, 2026. Final figures are due in December.

Overseas sales climbed 17.2% to 2.54 trillion yen ($16.1 billion), while the domestic market increased 14.1% to 1.91 trillion yen ($12.1 billion). International revenue made up 57.1% of the total, compared with 56.5% in 2024. The previous year’s growth was much more uneven: overseas sales rose 26%, while domestic growth was 4.6% using revised figures.

The headline total covers consumer spending across areas including television, films, streaming, merchandise, music and live events. Revenue received by animation studios, a narrower measure, rose 8.4% to 505.5 billion yen ($3.2 billion). Overseas business accounted for 27.9% of studio revenue, up from 25.5% a year earlier. Hasegawa said more studios were seeking to retain rights to their work and earn revenue from them.

Japan’s government has set a goal of 20 trillion yen in overseas sales of Japanese content by 2033, including a 6 trillion yen anime target. Industry survey responses identified localization for different languages, cultures and laws, along with anti-piracy work, as priorities. Hasegawa said expanding merchandise and services for international fans could help anime grow beyond its current strength as entertainment to watch. Association head Kazuko Ishikawa said improving conditions for creators and production staff was essential.