Japan’s anime spending reached ¥4.45tn as domestic sales accelerated
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
Japan’s anime market grew sharply at home in 2025, breaking a pattern in which domestic growth lagged behind overseas expansion. Worldwide consumer spending reached a record ¥4.45 trillion ($28.2 billion), up 15.8% on 2024, with both markets recording strong growth.
Overseas spending rose 17.2% to ¥2.54 trillion ($16.1 billion), while Japan’s market grew 14.1% to ¥1.91 trillion ($12.1 billion); overseas sales made up 57.1% of the total. Revenue earned directly by studios rose 8.4% to ¥505.5 billion ($3.2 billion), with 27.9% from overseas. The preliminary figures will be finalised in the Association of Japanese Animations’ report due in December; Japan’s government is targeting ¥6 trillion in anime exports by 2033.
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In short
- Japan’s anime market set a record at ¥4.45 trillion in 2025.
- Domestic spending grew 14.1%, faster than in 2024.
- Overseas buyers accounted for 57.1% of the total.
How this story developed
- 47 minutes ago The figures show domestic growth strengthening alongside overseas expansion: Japan’s market rose 14.1%, while overseas spending climbed 17.2%; final numbers are due in December.
- 51 minutes ago Japanese anime spending hit a record ¥4.45 trillion worldwide in 2025, with strong growth in both Japan and overseas markets, according to preliminary figures.
Explained simply
Japanese anime is animation made in Japan, though the term is also used for the wider industry built around it. Money comes from several sources, including streaming, television, cinema, merchandise and licensing rights.
The Association of Japanese Animations tracks spending in Japan and overseas, including income across these different parts of the market. Studios make up one part of the industry; much of the value can go to distributors, streaming services and companies that sell related products.
The market’s growth matters to studios, businesses and policymakers because it affects investment and plans to sell Japanese cultural products abroad. Japan’s government has set a target for anime exports, while the industry’s reported totals are subject to revision.
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Originally published by Variety as “Japan’s Anime Market Hits Record $28.2 Billion as Local Sales Surge”.