Japan’s animation industry has achieved remarkable growth, with revenues surging by 14.8 percent to reach a record total of $25 billion (approximately 3.8 trillion yen) in 2024. This expansion is largely attributed to the increasing international popularity of Japanese anime. The figures were disclosed this week by the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) during the TIFFCOM content market, which coincides with the Tokyo International Film Festival.
The AJA’s preview of its annual Anime Industry Report for 2025 revealed that international sales now constitute a significant portion of the industry, accounting for 56 percent of total revenues, or $14.25 billion (around 2.17 trillion yen). In contrast, domestic revenues in Japan reached $10.97 billion (approximately 1.67 trillion yen), representing 44 percent of the total. Notably, overseas revenues contributed the majority of last year’s growth, soaring by 26 percent year-on-year, while local sales only saw a modest increase of 2.8 percent.
Anime’s Global Footprint and Future Growth
According to Masahiko Hasegawa, the lead author of the AJA report, the gap between international and domestic revenues is expected to widen. “The overseas market now far exceeds local revenues, and this gap will only widen,” he stated. The report indicates that current growth is driven by varied revenue streams, including bundled contracts that cover theatrical rights, streaming, merchandising, and events, rather than solely content distribution.
The exceptional performance of anime in 2024 does not even account for the recent blockbuster success of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, released on September 12. This film has shattered records to become the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time, amassing an astounding $670 million at the global box office. Another title, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, has also contributed to the industry’s outstanding figures, generating $139 million worldwide since its premiere on October 24. Both films were launched by Cryunchyroll, in collaboration with Sony Pictures.
The AJA has been tracking detailed industry data for over two decades and reports continuous growth in the anime sector since 2009. Notably, the international revenue for Japan’s anime industry exceeded domestic sales for the first time in 2020, highlighting a significant shift in market dynamics.
Production Growth and Revenue Insights
The report also emphasizes the importance of anime studios, which are crucial to the industry’s success. In 2024, the production sector experienced a record growth rate of 9.1 percent year-on-year, culminating in total sales of $3.06 billion (around 466.2 billion yen). Notably, overseas revenue for anime studios reached $781 million (approximately 118.8 billion yen), illustrating how much of anime’s global success originates from creative efforts in Japan.
As the international appeal of anime continues to grow, the industry is poised for further expansion, driven by both established titles and emerging productions. The combination of strong domestic foundations and an ever-increasing global audience suggests a bright future for Japan’s beloved animation sector.
