Anime Market Report 2026

The anime market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $31.39 billion in 2025 to $34.52 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to japan-centric production culture, early anime broadcast networks, manga adaptations popularity, traditional cel animation techniques, cult following in overseas markets.

The anime market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $48.47 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growth of online streaming platforms, expansion into emerging markets, adoption of ai-based animation tools, increasing cross-cultural collaborations, rising merchandise and licensing revenue. Major trends in the forecast period include globalization of anime culture, increasing demand for streaming platforms, growth of anime merchandising and licensing, expansion of niche and indie anime productions, cross-media storytelling and adaptations.

The anime market is expected to experience growth driven by the increasing penetration of social media. Social media platforms and applications enable users to create, share, and interact with content, as well as connect and communicate with others. This growth in social media penetration is due to its user-friendly interface, accessibility via mobile devices, diverse content offerings, networking capabilities, entertainment value, and effectiveness for marketing and advertising purposes. Social media platforms benefit the anime market by providing a global stage for promotion, engaging with fans, fostering community development, and gathering feedback. For example, Acodez IT Solutions reported that Facebook's daily active users reached 2.08 billion in 2023, marking an increase of 96 million users compared to the previous year. Thus, the expanding presence of social media platforms is fueling growth in the anime market.

Leading companies in the anime market are responding to the growing demand for collectible figures among anime enthusiasts by introducing innovative products such as Nendoroid figurines. These figurines are small, highly detailed, and stylized in a super-deformed manner, typically around 10 cm (3.9 inches) tall. They feature cute designs that depict characters from anime, manga, and video games in a chibi style. For instance, Good Smile Company Inc., a Japan-based manufacturer specializing in hobby products, launched a Nendoroid figurine of Hitori Gotou, a prominent character from the anime series Bocchi the Rock, in January 2023. The figurine showcases Hitori in her school uniform, complete with a guitar, and includes additional accessories such as a guitar strap, music sheet, and microphone.

In May 2024, Toho Co., Ltd., an entertainment company based in Japan, acquired Science SARU, an animation studio, for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition is part of Toho's strategy to strengthen its animation business, improve animation quality, and support the ongoing growth of the anime sector. Science SARU is known for its contributions to the anime industry and its expertise in creating compelling animated content.

Major companies operating in the anime market are Toei Animation Co. Ltd., Sanrio Co. Ltd., Netflix Inc., Bandai Namco Holdings Inc., Kodansha Ltd., Crunchyroll LLC, VIZ Media LLC, MADHOUSE Inc., Production I.G Inc., Right Stuf Inc., Gainax Co. Ltd., Good Smile Company Inc., Wit Studio Inc., Studio Ghibli Inc., Kyoto Animation, Pierrot Co. Ltd., Bones Inc., A-1 Pictures, Tatsunoko Production, Progressive Animation, Atomic Flare, J.C.Staff Co. Ltd., Studio Deen Co. Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the anime market in 2025. Middle East is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the anime market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the anime market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The anime market includes revenues earned by entities by providing merchandising and licensing, dubbing and subtitling, marketing and promotion. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.