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Just a few years back, anime was considered to be a niche interest that was once a part of the geek community, where one was shamed as the “weird kid” for enjoying Japanese animation. However, the art form has grown past such criticism, and one can now proudly go out in public wearing their favorite anime merchandise.
The art form has evolved more than a worldwide sensation, where people around the world are captivated by its narrative and bewitching animation. Though anime has always been popular in Japan, it has reached an all-new level of overseas popularity that has surpassed the domestic market altogether.
Recently, a report has been released that has made every otaku feel proud as their niche interest has culminated into mainstream popularity. However, that’s not all because it is seizing control swiftly of the pop industry.
Anime popularity takes over the West!
2024 has been a year of milestones for the anime industry, where it has continued to transcend cultural boundaries and exploded in popularity on a global scale. Some of us were aware of titles likeDragon Ball, Naruto, Bleach, Sailor Moon,and many more, which have been popular among Japanese viewers.
However, thanks to the pandemic back in 2020, it initiated the rise of anime on a global scale. Streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more were showcasing some of the most popular series that hooked everyone in the West. Thus, everyone around the world looks forward to the original content that created an unlimited variety of stories to choose from.
Fast forward to 2025, and the industry has yet again achieved another pivotal milestone According to the latest report, Anime Industry Report by the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) viaAnimexNews, the international market has surpassed Japanese sales for the second time in history.
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The report showcased unparalleled success in 2023, where it had a whopping revenue that soared to 3.3465 trillion yen, which is around $21.27 billion USD, indicating an insane 14.3% year-over-year increase. This growth was mainly driven by the overseas market, which was accountable for a major 51.5% of the total revenue, which reached an insane 1.7222 trillion yen, which converts to $10.94 billion USD.
In comparison, the domestic market was responsible for only 49.5% of the revenue, that is, 1.6243 trillion yen or $10.32 billion USD. The Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) also mentioned that the overseas market showcased a significant growth rate of 18%, which thoroughly eclipsed the domestic market, which indicated a growth rate of only 10.6%.
The organization states that as per the study conducted in 2023, the overall anime industry market has multiplied over the years, with the global market surpassing Japan for the consumption of anime content.
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Needless to say, North America and Asia have emerged as the primary consumers for the increased appetite for the art form, where the two regions collectively generated 72% of the global revenue, resulting in a yield of $14.3 billion USD.
While Asia generated only $1.6 billion, which is 29% of the revenue, the expansion campaign was led by NA, where they contributed to a streaming revenue of $2.2 billion USD, or 41% of the global total. Thus, signaling a new era around the horizon for Japanese animation on the global stage.
What does anime’s growth on a global scale mean?
With reports and data supporting how anime has grown significantly, the taboo complexion of finding them as mere Japanese cartoons has diminished, capturing the hearts of millions of people worldwide.
From finding your social media filled with eye-pleasing transitions to drawing real-life comparisons in real life, where football players likeErling HaalandandHarry Kanewould recreate iconic goals fromBlue Lock.Additionally, Tinsel Town celebrities and internet personalities such as Keanu Reeves, Megan Thee Stallion, IShowSpeed, and many more have publicly expressed their love for anime.
These factors have significantly contributed to the growth, with anime films such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train andJujutsu Kaisen 0grossing$507.1and$173.9 millionat the worldwide box office, respectively via The Numbers.
With massive success revolving around these projects, it would mean investors would be more keen on investing in the industry, which will serve as their revenue catalyst, which will further nurture the growth of the industry.
Tushar Auddy
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1784
Tushar Auddy is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, primarily covering WWE. He has contributed to anime, MCU, DCU, animation, and TV Series, giving sharp insights and coming up with his own unique theories, which take the fandom by storm.
