Japan’s anime industry reached a new financial milestone in 2025, with global spending climbing to a record 4.45 trillion yen, or approximately $28.2 billion. The figure represents a 15.8% increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing commercial reach of Japanese animation across theatrical releases, streaming platforms, merchandise, music, and live events.
The preliminary figures were presented by Masahiro Hasegawa, editor-in-chief of the Association of Japanese Animations’ (AJA) annual Anime Industry Report, during TIFFCOM, the market associated with the Tokyo International Film Festival. The finalized data is expected to appear in the 2026 edition of the report, scheduled for publication in December.
The latest figures also reveal an important shift in the industry. While overseas markets continue to generate the majority of anime-related spending, Japan’s domestic market recorded stronger growth than in the previous year, helping the industry achieve a new overall record.
Overseas Anime Spending Crosses $16 Billion
International markets remained the largest contributor to the anime industry’s expansion in 2025. Overseas spending increased by 17.2% to 2.54 trillion yen, equivalent to approximately $16.1 billion. Japan’s domestic market grew by 14.1% to 1.91 trillion yen, or around $12.1 billion.
Overseas consumers accounted for 57.1% of total anime-related spending, up from 56.5% in 2024. International revenue had already surpassed domestic spending in 2023, and the gap has continued to widen.
However, the latest results suggest that growth is no longer driven exclusively by international audiences. Domestic spending increased at a much faster rate than the 4.6% growth recorded in 2024, based on revised figures for 2023. Hasegawa also cautioned that currency fluctuations and broader economic conditions influence comparisons between domestic and overseas markets.
The AJA’s broader market estimate includes spending on anime films, television series, streaming, merchandise, music, and live entertainment. It therefore measures the wider business surrounding anime rather than revenue earned by animation studios alone.
Anime Studios See Record Revenue as Japan Targets Global Expansion
The growth extends beyond consumer spending. Revenue earned directly by Japanese animation studios increased by 8.4% to a record 505.5 billion yen, or approximately $3.2 billion. Although this was slower than the 9.1% increase recorded in 2024, it represents another milestone for the companies responsible for producing anime.
Overseas business accounted for 27.9% of studio revenue, compared with 25.5% in the previous year. Hasegawa explained that studios do not always work directly with international partners, which partly accounts for the difference between overseas consumer spending and the revenue reaching production companies.
He also highlighted a growing interest in studios owning rights to the works they produce. As Hasegawa explained,
“The idea of studios holding the rights to their own works and managing them to generate revenue is growing year by year.”
This shift could allow production companies to benefit more directly from international licensing, distribution, and merchandise sales instead of relying primarily on production fees.
Anime’s Global Popularity Could Help Japan Reach Its 2033 Target
Japanese anime’s growing visibility across international box offices and streaming charts has strengthened expectations for further expansion. Hasegawa pointed to Japanese titles reaching high positions on global entertainment rankings, saying, “I believe the breakthrough has truly been achieved.”
The industry also has a role in Japan’s broader export ambitions. The Japanese government aims to generate 20 trillion yen, or approximately $126.9 billion, in overseas sales of Japanese content by 2033. Anime is expected to contribute 6 trillion yen, around $38.1 billion, toward that target.
According to the figures cited at TIFFCOM, Japanese content generated 6.1 trillion yen in overseas revenue in 2024, with anime accounting for roughly one-third of that amount.
The AJA’s industry survey identifies localization and anti-piracy measures as key priorities for companies looking to expand internationally. Adapting content to regional languages, cultural expectations, and legal requirements could help studios reach more viewers and convert their popularity into sustainable business.
Merchandise and related services represent another major opportunity. While anime has long supported extensive merchandise and licensing businesses in Japan, overseas success has largely centered on watching shows and films. Expanding character goods and family-oriented anime products internationally could help studios build longer-lasting relationships with fans.
AJA president Kazuko Ishikawa also stressed the importance of improving working conditions for creators and production management staff, arguing that they need an environment where they can work with confidence and peace of mind.
The final 2025 figures are expected in the AJA’s Anime Industry Report 2026, due in December. Until then, the preliminary data points to an industry growing across both domestic and international markets, with the next challenge being to ensure that creators and production studios benefit from anime’s expanding global reach.
