Japan’s Anime Industry Hits $25 Billion in 2024, Driven by Global Growth
Japan’s animation industry reached a remarkable milestone in 2024, generating revenues of $25 billion (approximately 3.8 trillion yen), marking a growth of 14.8 percent compared to the previous year. This surge is primarily attributed to the increasing international appeal of anime, as detailed in the latest report by the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA). The findings were unveiled during the TIFFCOM content market, which coincided with the Tokyo International Film Festival.
The AJA’s annual Anime Industry Report 2025 revealed that overseas markets accounted for a significant portion of this growth, with international revenue reaching $14.25 billion (approximately 2.17 trillion yen). This figure represents 56 percent of the total sales for 2024. In contrast, domestic revenues stood at $10.97 billion (around 1.67 trillion yen), which is 44 percent of the overall earnings. The report emphasized that international sales have been the primary driver of growth, with a notable 26 percent increase year-on-year. Domestic sales, on the other hand, saw a modest rise of just 2.8 percent over the same period.
Shifting Dynamics in the Anime Market
Masahiko Hasegawa, the AJA report’s lead author, highlighted the significant shift in the anime market dynamics. “The overseas market now far exceeds local revenues, and this gap will only widen,” he stated. He noted that growth now encompasses bundled contracts that include theatrical rights, streaming, merchandising, and events, rather than focusing solely on content distribution.
The impressive growth figures for 2024 do not account for the recent blockbuster success of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, which debuted on September 12, 2024, and quickly became the highest-grossing Japanese film in history, amassing an astonishing $670 million globally. Another recent release, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, has also contributed to the rising revenues, generating $139 million worldwide since its launch on October 24, 2024. Both films were released by Sony’s anime division, Crunchyroll, in collaboration with Sony Pictures.
The AJA has been compiling industry data for over two decades, and it reported consistent growth in the anime sector since 2009. Notably, the international revenue for Japan’s anime industry surpassed domestic sales for the first time in 2020.
Growth of Anime Studios
The report also underscores the financial health of anime studios, which are pivotal to the industry’s success. In 2024, anime production companies recorded a 9.1 percent increase in revenue, totaling $3.06 billion (approximately 466.2 billion yen). Revenue from overseas studio operations reached $781 million (around 118.8 billion yen), further illustrating how the global success of anime is largely supported by creative work conducted within Japan.
As the anime industry continues to flourish on an international scale, it is clear that Japan’s beloved art form is not only a cultural export but also a significant contributor to the global entertainment landscape. The ongoing expansion and innovation in this sector promise to further elevate its profile and economic impact in the coming years.
