Japan’s anime industry generated a record ¥4.49 trillion, approximately $28.5 billion, in 2025, marking a 15.8 per cent increase from the previous year and its strongest performance on record, The Hollywood Reporter reported. The figures, released by the Association of Japanese Animations on October 30 at TIFFCOM 2026, reflect the expanding global commercial reach of Japanese animation across television, cinema, streaming, merchandise, music, events and international licensing. The latest performance also marks the first time the industry’s broad market valuation has exceeded ¥4 trillion, reinforcing anime’s position as one of Japan’s most influential cultural exports.
International demand remained the industry’s largest growth driver, with overseas revenue rising 17.2 per cent to ¥2.54 trillion, equivalent to approximately $16.1 billion. This exceeded domestic revenue, which increased 14.1 per cent to ¥1.91 trillion, or around $12.1 billion. Overseas markets accounted for 57.1 per cent of total industry revenue, extending a trend in which international earnings have surpassed Japan’s domestic market. Major releases, including Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, alongside the continued global popularity of established franchises, have helped expand the commercial value of Japanese animation beyond its traditional audience.
The growth is also reshaping Japan’s ambitions for its creative economy. The government has set a target of generating ¥20 trillion in overseas sales from its wider content industries by 2033, with anime expected to contribute ¥6 trillion. Meanwhile, revenue generated directly by Japanese animation studios reached a record ¥505.5 billion, up 8.4 per cent from 2024. However, the Association of Japanese Animations has highlighted the importance of improving international localisation, adapting content to regional markets and strengthening anti-piracy measures. As global demand continues to expand, the industry’s next challenge will be ensuring that production companies and creators capture a greater share of the value generated by anime’s international success.
