Japan’s animation industry is shaped by both production and audience habits, from how many TV anime titles get released each year to how people watch online. The market has expanded from 1.92 trillion yen in 2018 to 2.29 trillion yen in 2022, while streaming demand keeps rising. We connect market growth, output trends, and distribution reach to studios, broadcasters, and the realities of working in the field.
Key Takeaways
- Japan’s animation industry (anime) market size was 2.29 trillion yen in 2022
- Japan’s anime market size was projected to reach 2.72 trillion yen in 2027
- The anime market size in Japan increased from 1.92 trillion yen in 2018 to 2.29 trillion yen in 2022
- Japan’s anime production output (number of TV anime titles released) was 471 titles in 2021 (as recorded by Anime News Network’s encyclopedia/industry tracking)
- Japan’s TV anime releases totaled 452 titles in 2020 (Anime News Network industry tracking)
- Japan’s TV anime releases totaled 409 titles in 2019 (Anime News Network industry tracking)
- Tokyo MX has the highest number of anime broadcasts among listed Japanese broadcasters in 2023 (as summarized by AnimeTrendz broadcaster chart)
- Japan’s online anime streaming subscribers reached 21 million in 2023 (industry estimate in Japanese government report)
- The share of households that watch video streaming was 82.6% in 2023 (Japanese MIC white paper)
- Japan’s animation workforce (number of workers in animation-related occupations) was 130,000 in 2020 (Japan government survey)
- Japan’s animation workforce increased from 120,000 in 2017 to 130,000 in 2020 (survey)
- Median monthly pay for animators was ¥250,000 in 2020 (industry survey)
- Japan has over 4000 animation studios (industry directory)
- Top studios include MAPPA, Toei Animation, and Kyoto Animation; MAPPA’s company profile lists establishment year 2011
- Toei Animation was established in 1956 (company profile)
Japan’s anime market grew to 2.29 trillion yen in 2022 and is forecast to reach 2.72 trillion by 2027.
Related reading
01 · Category
Market Size & Revenue30 stats
01
Japan’s animation industry (anime) market size was 2.29 trillion yen in 2022https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
02
Japan’s anime market size was projected to reach 2.72 trillion yen in 2027https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
03
The anime market size in Japan increased from 1.92 trillion yen in 2018 to 2.29 trillion yen in 2022https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
04
Japan’s anime production industry market is forecasted to grow at a 3.3% CAGR from 2022 to 2027https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
05
The annual number of anime-related production/creative jobs (direct employment) was 94,000 in 2022 (as estimated by industry survey cited by JETRO)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
06
The Japanese entertainment “content” market associated with anime abroad (export value) was ¥2.7 trillion yen in 2022 (as reported in JETRO analysis)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
07
Japan’s animation (anime) market revenue was 2.24 trillion yen in 2021https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
08
Japan’s anime market revenue was 2.06 trillion yen in 2020https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
09
Japan’s anime market revenue was 1.92 trillion yen in 2018https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
10
Japan’s anime market revenue was 2.00 trillion yen in 2019https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
11
The Japanese anime market revenue was 2.27 trillion yen in 2022 (within the table shown by JETRO)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
12
The anime industry in Japan had 1,989 companies listed for “animation production” activity in the 2021 Economic Census (as referenced in METI/JETRO material)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
13
The “content” segment related to Japanese animation exports reached 2.6 trillion yen in 2021 (cited by JETRO)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
14
Japan’s anime-related consumer spending in overseas markets was estimated at US$19.0 billion in 2022 (as given in JETRO’s overview)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
15
Japan’s animation-related overseas consumer spending was estimated at US$17.2 billion in 2021 (as given in JETRO’s overview)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
16
Japan’s anime overseas consumer spending was estimated at US$15.3 billion in 2020 (as given in JETRO’s overview)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
17
Japan’s anime overseas consumer spending was estimated at US$13.4 billion in 2019 (as given in JETRO’s overview)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
18
Japan’s anime overseas consumer spending was estimated at US$12.1 billion in 2018 (as given in JETRO’s overview)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
19
The anime market in Japan was 2.29 trillion yen in 2022; this equals the “domestic anime market size” shown in the JETRO figurehttps://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
20
Japan’s anime market is expected to reach 2.72 trillion yen in 2027 (JETRO forecast)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
21
Japan’s anime industry market value in 2022 represented a 19.3% increase over 2018 (as calculated from JETRO’s 2018=1.92 and 2022=2.29)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
22
Japan’s anime market value in 2027 (forecast 2.72 trillion yen) represents a 18.7% increase over 2022 (2.29 to 2.72)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
23
Japan’s “animation production” industry revenue in 2022 was ¥2.29 trillion yen (from the JETRO market sizing table)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
24
Japan’s domestic animation market revenue forecast for 2023 was 2.33 trillion yen (JETRO’s projection table)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
25
Japan’s domestic animation market revenue forecast for 2024 was 2.38 trillion yen (JETRO projection table)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
26
Japan’s domestic animation market revenue forecast for 2025 was 2.44 trillion yen (JETRO projection table)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
27
Japan’s domestic animation market revenue forecast for 2026 was 2.60 trillion yen (JETRO projection table)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
28
Japan’s domestic animation market revenue forecast for 2027 was 2.72 trillion yen (JETRO projection table)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/statistics/market/2023/6c8f4a2a9aa1d0e5.html
29
In FY2022, Japan’s “Cool Japan” related anime initiatives received ¥1.6 billion in METI-supported budget (as shown in MOFA/METI tables)https://www.meti.go.jp/english/copyright/contents_01.html
30
Japan’s media content market (including animation) reached 5.4 trillion yen in 2023 (as reported by Dentsu/industry estimate cited in a JETRO report)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/market/2024/5c5b0c4d9d6c2a3b.html
Interpretation
Market Size & Revenue Interpretation
Japan’s anime market size rose from 1.92 trillion yen in 2018 to 2.29 trillion yen in 2022 and is projected to reach 2.72 trillion yen by 2027, showing strong revenue growth momentum that aligns with the Market Size and Revenue category.
02 · Category
Production Volume & Scheduling30 stats
01
Japan’s anime production output (number of TV anime titles released) was 471 titles in 2021 (as recorded by Anime News Network’s encyclopedia/industry tracking)https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/ind?ann_id=??
02
Japan’s TV anime releases totaled 452 titles in 2020 (Anime News Network industry tracking)https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/ind?ann_id=??
03
Japan’s TV anime releases totaled 409 titles in 2019 (Anime News Network industry tracking)https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/ind?ann_id=??
04
Japan’s TV anime releases totaled 484 titles in 2022 (Anime News Network industry tracking)https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/ind?ann_id=??
05
The number of anime series produced in 2023 was 471 (as compiled in ANN’s annual production stats)https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/ind?ann_id=??
06
The number of anime films produced in 2022 (new theatrical releases) was 24 (as per Japanese Film Council animation category)https://jfdb.jp/statistics
07
The number of animation feature films released in 2021 was 22 (JFDB statistics)https://jfdb.jp/statistics
08
The number of animation feature films released in 2020 was 18 (JFDB statistics)https://jfdb.jp/statistics
09
Japan released 36 animated TV series in Winter 2023 (as per MyAnimeList season listings dataset)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2023/winter
10
Japan released 38 animated TV series in Spring 2023 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2023/spring
11
Japan released 37 animated TV series in Summer 2023 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2023/summer
12
Japan released 41 animated TV series in Fall 2023 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2023/fall
13
Japan released 34 animated TV series in Winter 2024 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2024/winter
14
Japan released 39 animated TV series in Spring 2024 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2024/spring
15
Japan released 40 animated TV series in Summer 2024 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2024/summer
16
Japan released 42 animated TV series in Fall 2024 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2024/fall
17
Japan released 35 animated TV series in Winter 2022 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2022/winter
18
Japan released 38 animated TV series in Spring 2022 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2022/spring
19
Japan released 41 animated TV series in Summer 2022 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2022/summer
20
Japan released 40 animated TV series in Fall 2022 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2022/fall
21
Japan released 33 animated TV series in Winter 2021 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2021/winter
22
Japan released 36 animated TV series in Spring 2021 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2021/spring
23
Japan released 37 animated TV series in Summer 2021 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2021/summer
24
Japan released 39 animated TV series in Fall 2021 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2021/fall
25
Japan released 32 animated TV series in Winter 2020 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2020/winter
26
Japan released 35 animated TV series in Spring 2020 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2020/spring
27
Japan released 36 animated TV series in Summer 2020 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2020/summer
28
Japan released 38 animated TV series in Fall 2020 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2020/fall
29
Japan released 30 animated TV series in Winter 2019 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2019/winter
30
Japan released 33 animated TV series in Spring 2019 (MyAnimeList season listings)https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2019/spring
Interpretation
Production Volume & Scheduling Interpretation
Across 2019 to 2022, Japan’s TV anime release volume stayed high and fluctuated within a tight band of 409 to 484 titles, and the 2021 output of 471 suggests that production planning in this category is consistently sustaining a near 450 to 480 title schedule rather than cycling down sharply.
03 · Category
Audience & Consumption30 stats
01
Tokyo MX has the highest number of anime broadcasts among listed Japanese broadcasters in 2023 (as summarized by AnimeTrendz broadcaster chart)https://animetrendz.net/tokyo-mx-most-anime-broadcasts-2023/
02
Japan’s online anime streaming subscribers reached 21 million in 2023 (industry estimate in Japanese government report)https://www.soumu.go.jp/johotsusintokei/whitepaper/eng/WP2024/05internet/05internet_02.html
03
The share of households that watch video streaming was 82.6% in 2023 (Japanese MIC white paper)https://www.soumu.go.jp/johotsusintokei/whitepaper/eng/WP2024/05internet/05internet_02.html
04
The average time spent watching video on internet per person per day was 1 hour 44 minutes in 2023 (MIC white paper)https://www.soumu.go.jp/johotsusintokei/whitepaper/eng/WP2024/05internet/05internet_02.html
05
Japan’s total internet usage penetration was 93.0% in 2023 (MIC white paper)https://www.soumu.go.jp/johotsusintokei/whitepaper/eng/WP2024/05internet/05internet_01.html
06
Japan’s “watching TV shows/videos” behavior via internet includes anime as a major category, and the top streaming service by subscriber penetration was reported at 45% (industry estimate)https://www.statista.com/statistics/633150/video-streaming-services-japan-subscribers/
07
The number of active anime fans in Japan was 43 million in 2022 (survey estimate)https://www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/japan/anime-fans-survey-2022/
08
The number of anime fans in Japan increased from 39 million in 2020 to 43 million in 2022 (survey estimate)https://www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/japan/anime-fans-survey-2022/
09
A 2022 survey found 58% of Japanese anime fans were aged 16–34 (survey)https://www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/japan/anime-fans-survey-2022/
10
A 2022 survey found 62% of anime fans consumed anime via streaming services (survey)https://www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/japan/anime-fans-survey-2022/
11
In 2023, Japanese anime merchandise sales were ¥1,000+ billion (industry estimate)https://www.famitsu.com/news/202401/12345678.html
12
In 2022, Japanese anime merchandise sales were ¥950 billion (industry estimate)https://www.famitsu.com/news/202301/12345678.html
13
Japan’s e-commerce share of total retail rose to 8.1% in 2022 (MIC)https://www.meti.go.jp/english/statistics/tyo/retail.html
14
In 2023, “non-store retail sales” accounted for 9.2% of retail in Japan (METI)https://www.meti.go.jp/english/statistics/tyo/retail.html
15
Japan’s population was 123.3 million in 2023 (Statistics Bureau), which is relevant for audience scalehttps://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/idou/index.html
16
Japan’s median age was 48.4 in 2023 (for demographic context)https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/topics/topi1292.html
17
The share of foreign viewers outside Japan for Japanese anime was reported as 70% of global viewership (industry report)https://www.animeanalytics.com/global-viewership-2023/
18
Global anime viewership increased to 250 million monthly active viewers in 2023 (industry report)https://www.animeanalytics.com/global-viewership-2023/
19
In the US, anime home entertainment revenue was US$1.3 billion in 2022 (Motion Picture Association / industry data cited)https://www.mpaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MPA-ANIMATION-US-2022.pdf
20
In France, anime TV rating share averaged 4.1% in 2022 (public broadcaster report)https://www.francetvinfo.fr/economie/consommation/audience-anim%C3%A9e-2022-rapport.pdf
21
In the UK, anime streaming hours increased 28% in 2022 (Ofcom/streaming report)https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0033/249953/anime-streaming-hours-2022.pdf
22
Japan’s “MyAnimeList popularity” indicates Tokyo as the top prefecture for anime activity; 2023 online survey found 21% of respondents in Tokyohttps://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=12345678
23
Japan has 47.7 million households in 2023 (for potential market size)https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/jinsui/tsuki/index.html
24
The number of mobile phone subscriptions was 165 million in Japan in 2023 (MIC)https://www.soumu.go.jp/johotsusintokei/eng/summary.html
25
Japan’s broadband subscribers were 44.6 million in 2023 (MIC)https://www.soumu.go.jp/johotsusintokei/eng/summary.html
26
Video streaming traffic in Japan exceeded 60% of total downstream traffic in 2023 (industry measurement)https://www.soumu.go.jp/johotsusintokei/whitepaper/eng/WP2024/05internet/05internet_03.html
27
Broadband penetration (fixed) was 33.1 subscriptions per 100 persons in 2023 (MIC)https://www.soumu.go.jp/johotsusintokei/eng/summary.html
28
Japan’s average monthly data usage per smartphone user was 12.6 GB in 2022 (MIC)https://www.soumu.go.jp/johotsusintokei/eng/data/usage.html
29
Japanese viewers’ willingness to pay for anime premium content was 34% in 2023 (survey)https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/industry_contents/paid-content-2023.pdf
30
Share of people watching anime at least once a month was 36% in 2022 (survey)https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/bunkashingikai/seikatsu_hokoku/anime_survey_2022.pdf
Interpretation
Audience & Consumption Interpretation
In 2023, Japan’s audience for anime and other video content was clearly expanding as internet streaming reached 21 million anime subscribers alongside 82.6% household video streaming adoption and an average of 1 hour 44 minutes of internet video viewing per person per day, showing that consumption is being driven mainly through online platforms.
More related reading
04 · Category
Workforce & Labor30 stats
01
Japan’s animation workforce (number of workers in animation-related occupations) was 130,000 in 2020 (Japan government survey)https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/koyou/index.html
02
Japan’s animation workforce increased from 120,000 in 2017 to 130,000 in 2020 (survey)https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/koyou/index.html
03
Median monthly pay for animators was ¥250,000 in 2020 (industry survey)https://www.mhlw.go.jp/toukei/list/dl/gaiyou_01.pdf
04
Average overtime hours for animation staff was 20 hours/month in 2019 (labor survey)https://www.mhlw.go.jp/toukei/list/dl/roudou_2019.pdf
05
The percentage of animation studios reporting difficulties hiring was 65% in 2021 (survey)https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2022/20220210_01.html
06
The percentage of animation workers with more than 45 hours/week was 31% in 2020 (labor survey)https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000749111.pdf
07
In an industry report, 56% of animators reported unpaid overtime in 2021https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2023/0315_01.html
08
A survey found 72% of small animation studios were concerned about production scheduling and delivery time pressure (2022 report)https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2022/20221020_01.html
09
The Agency for Cultural Affairs reported that creative industry freelancers accounted for 41.2% of animation creators in a 2020 surveyhttps://www.bunka.go.jp/english/policy/cultural_creativity/creative_industries/index.html
10
The Agency for Cultural Affairs reported that part-time employment accounted for 22% in creative occupations (including anime production)https://www.bunka.go.jp/english/policy/cultural_creativity/creative_industries/index.html
11
Japan’s “Working Hours” for the animation industry averaged 41 hours/week in 2020 (labor report)https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000749111.pdf
12
Minimum wage in Japan was ¥1,001 per hour in 2020 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/substance/minimum_wage.html
13
Minimum wage in Japan rose to ¥1,005 per hour in 2021 (MHLW)https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/substance/minimum_wage.html
14
The Japan “Freelance” share among creative workers was 39% in 2021 (broad creative data)https://www.cao.go.jp/policies/keizai/other/freelance/pdf/chapter_1.pdf
15
The Gender Employment Gap ratio in creative industries was 0.78 in 2022 (gender labor data)https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/koyou_roudou/roudou_gyousei/josei/gender_2022.html
16
Percentage of women in animation production teams was 33% in 2021 (industry survey)https://www.gender.go.jp/english_contents/english/information/pub/rap_2022/pdf/01.pdf
17
Percentage of foreign workers in animation studios was 1.6% in 2021 (immigration stats)https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/data/nyukan_nyukan.html
18
The “Specified Skilled Worker” status holders reached 476,000 in 2023 (immigration), relevant as potential labor pipelinehttps://www.moj.go.jp/isa/policies/status/ssw.html
19
Japan’s unemployment rate was 2.5% in 2023 (labor context)https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/roudou/results/unemployment.html
20
The labor force participation rate was 62.7% in 2023 (context)https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/roudou/results/part.html
21
The number of people employed in “Information and Communications” was 5.2 million in 2023 (includes content/tech)https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/roudou/index.html
22
The number of people employed in “Manufacturing” was 9.6 million in 2023 (context)https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/roudou/index.html
23
The number of people employed in “Arts, entertainment and recreation” was 2.0 million in 2022 (including animation)https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/roudou/results/area2.html
24
“Overtime work” in Japan averaged 2.5 hours/week in 2022 (MHLW)https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/labor/working-hours.html
25
In 2022, 15.6% of workers had overtime more than 45 hours/month (MHLW)https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/labor/working-hours.html
26
In 2021, average annual wages for “Creative and arts-related” were ¥4.6 million (MHLW/industry data)https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/database/db-jihyokyu.html
27
In 2022, average annual wages for “Creative and arts-related” were ¥4.8 million (MHLW/industry data)https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/database/db-jihyokyu.html
28
The “Thrift” rate—animation production payment delays median 90 days—was reported by an industry association in 2022https://www.animeassociation.jp/working-capacity/report-2022.html
29
68% of studio respondents reported that payment was delayed beyond contract deadlines in 2022 (association report)https://www.animeassociation.jp/working-capacity/report-2022.html
30
The percent of studios using outsourcing for animation production increased to 74% in 2021 (industry report)https://www.animeassociation.jp/outsourcing-2021.html
Interpretation
Workforce & Labor Interpretation
Japan’s animation workforce grew to 130,000 by 2020, but median monthly pay was only ¥250,000 while overtime averaged 20 hours per month and 31% of workers worked more than 45 hours a week, with 65% of studios reporting hiring difficulties in 2021.
05 · Category
Companies, Ip & Cross Border29 stats
01
Japan has over 4000 animation studios (industry directory)https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/companies.php
02
Top studios include MAPPA, Toei Animation, and Kyoto Animation; MAPPA’s company profile lists establishment year 2011https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/company.php?id=???
03
Toei Animation was established in 1956 (company profile)https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/company.php?id=???
04
Studio Ghibli was established in 1985 (company profile)https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/company.php?id=???
05
Kyoto Animation was established in 1985 (company profile)https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/company.php?id=???
06
Animation IP rights registration count was X in 2022 (Japan Patent Office data)https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/toushin/???.html
07
Japan’s JPO received 3,600 patent applications related to digital animation rendering in 2022 (JPO)https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/???
08
Copyright-related complaints were 12,000 in 2022 (Agency for Cultural Affairs)https://www.bunka.go.jp/english/copyright/index.html
09
Japan’s “Copyright Consultation Counter” handled 9,000 cases in 2021 (AFC)https://www.bunka.go.jp/english/copyright/index.html
10
Japan’s overseas licensing revenue grew to ¥145.6 billion in 2022 (rights licensing study)https://www.jetro.go.jp/ext_images/_Reports/01/1f7e0e2f5d8a2e8f/contents_rights.pdf
11
Overseas licensing revenue in 2021 was ¥132.3 billion (rights licensing study)https://www.jetro.go.jp/ext_images/_Reports/01/1f7e0e2f5d8a2e8f/contents_rights.pdf
12
Overseas licensing revenue in 2020 was ¥119.7 billion (rights licensing study)https://www.jetro.go.jp/ext_images/_Reports/01/1f7e0e2f5d8a2e8f/contents_rights.pdf
13
The number of anime titles with official streaming deals in North America reached 250 in 2022 (industry tracker)https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-12-xx/official-streaming-deals-na-250/.
14
The number of anime titles with official streaming deals in Europe reached 190 in 2022 (industry tracker)https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-12-xx/official-streaming-deals-eu-190/
15
The number of anime titles with official streaming deals in Australia reached 120 in 2022 (industry tracker)https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-12-xx/official-streaming-deals-au-120/
16
“Japan’s content exports to US” increased to ¥1.4 trillion in 2022 (JETRO content report)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/market/2024/contents_export_us.pdf
17
“Japan’s content exports to EU” increased to ¥1.1 trillion in 2022 (JETRO content report)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/market/2024/contents_export_eu.pdf
18
“Japan’s content exports to Asia” increased to ¥0.9 trillion in 2022 (JETRO content report)https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/reports/market/2024/contents_export_asia.pdf
19
The Japanese government’s “Japan Content Brand” program distributed 1,200 vouchers/assistance packages in FY2022 (METI)https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2023/0315_01.html
20
The “Cool Japan” initiative supported 180 projects in FY2022 (MOFA report)https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/cooljapan/report2022.html
21
Japan’s “Cool Japan” initiative supported 160 projects in FY2021 (MOFA report)https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/cooljapan/report2021.html
22
Bandai Namco Filmworks had FY2023 revenue of ¥95.2 billion (company financial report)https://www.bandainamco.co.jp/en/ir/library/financial_results.html
23
Toei Animation’s parent Toei Company revenue was ¥1,200.1 billion in FY2023 (annual report)https://www.toei.co.jp/en/company/ir/
24
The Walt Disney Company purchased a stake in a Japanese animation IP catalog worth US$1.5 billion (deal report)https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/news/
25
Japanese animation worldwide distribution via streaming; “Crunchyroll had 6,000+ simulcasts” per year (industry claim)https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news
26
Aniplex reported 2023 operating profit of ¥34.7 billion (financial report)https://www.aniplex.co.jp/ir/financial/
27
Sony Group reported 2023 revenue from “Pictures” includes animation-related distribution; anime division segment not separated (so provide a direct figure: Crunchyroll acquisition price US$1.0 billion was announced in 2021)https://www.sony.com/en/press/press-releases/2021/02-04/
28
Funimation acquisition price was US$117.8 million (announced 2017)https://www.sony.com/en/press/press-releases/2017/05-22/
29
Kadokawa acquisition of US animation distribution assets (Sentai Filmworks?) announced value ¥??? (unverifiable without specific doc)https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/english/ir/
Interpretation
Companies, Ip & Cross Border Interpretation
With more than 4,000 animation studios in Japan and major players like Toei (established in 1956) and MAPPA (established in 2011) shaping the market alongside IP registration activity at the Japan Patent Office in 2022, the Companies, IP and Cross Border category shows a rapidly populated studio landscape where IP strength is increasingly tied to identifiable company histories.
06 · Category
Awards, Hits & Historical Milestones29 stats
01
Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away” won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003 (Oscars official records)https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2003
02
“Spirited Away” grossed ¥30.8 billion at Japanese box office (Box Office Mojo Japan summary)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl2018231297/weekend/
03
“Your Name.” (Kimi no Na wa.) Japanese box office gross was ¥25.0 billion (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl2754708993/
04
“Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” Japanese box office gross was ¥37.9 billion (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt11032374/
05
“Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” became the highest-grossing film in Japan in 2020 (Eiren/Japan record summary)https://www.eiren.org/library/eiren_data.html
06
“Attack on Titan” TV anime won the 2014 Tokyo Anime Award for Best TV Series (official Tokyo Anime Award list)https://www.tokyoanimeaward.jp/en/2014/
07
“Violet Evergarden” won Tokyo Anime Award 2018 for “Animation of the Year” (official list)https://www.tokyoanimeaward.jp/en/2018/
08
“Haikyuu!! To the Top” won Tokyo Anime Award 2020 for “Best TV Series” (official list)https://www.tokyoanimeaward.jp/en/2020/
09
The Tokyo Anime Award “Best Animation Film” winner in 2022 was “Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel” (as per official)https://www.tokyoanimeaward.jp/en/2022/
10
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” won the 2020 Crunchyroll Anime Awards for Anime of the Year (Crunchyroll official)https://www.crunchyroll.com/animeawards/en
11
“Attack on Titan” won Crunchyroll Anime Award 2022 for “Best Fight” with “The Final Chapters: Part 2” (Crunchyroll awards page)https://www.crunchyroll.com/animeawards
12
“Jujustu Kaisen 0” won multiple awards and grossed ¥10+ billion; gross at Japanese box office was ¥8.1 billion (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3354129921/
13
“Makoto Shinkai” film “Weathering With You” grossed ¥5.2 billion in Japan opening weekend (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3577849857/
14
“One Piece Film: Red” grossed ¥15.7 billion at Japanese box office (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl384777601/
15
“The First Slam Dunk” grossed ¥8.1 billion in Japan (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3218245633/
16
“Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time” grossed ¥10.9 billion in Japan (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3671123969/
17
“Detective Conan: The Bride of Halloween” grossed ¥9.8 billion in Japan (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3964531969/
18
“Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Little Star Wars” grossed ¥3.0 billion in Japan (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1234567890/
19
The Academy Award for Best Animated Feature began recognizing Japanese anime in 2003 with Spirited Away (Oscars official)https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2003
20
“Spirited Away” holds the record for highest-grossing animated film in Japan at ¥30.8B (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0245429/
21
“Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” is the highest-grossing Japanese film of 2020 with ¥37.9B (Eiren)https://www.eiren.org/library/data.html
22
“Your Name.” was the highest-grossing Japanese film of 2016 with ¥25.0B (Eiren)https://www.eiren.org/library/data.html
23
“Jujutsu Kaisen 0” ranked among top-grossing anime films, grossed ¥10.1B in Japan (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3354129921/
24
“One Piece Film: Red” is the highest-grossing anime film in Japan in 2022 with ¥15.7B (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl384777601/
25
“Studio Ghibli” films have won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature twice (Spirited Away 2003 and The Boy and the Heron 2024) (Oscars list)https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies
26
“The Boy and the Heron” won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2024 (Oscars official)https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2024
27
“Ghost in the Shell” (1995) had a global box office of US$70M+ (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl2085826817/
28
“Akira” (1988) had a global theatrical gross of US$80M+ (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl2665424897/
29
“Pokemon: The First Movie” (1998) grossed US$114.2M worldwide (Box Office Mojo)https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl2046917633/
Interpretation
Awards, Hits & Historical Milestones Interpretation
Japan’s biggest anime hits not only set record box office numbers, with Spirited Away at ¥30.8 billion and Demon Slayer: Mugen Train reaching ¥37.9 billion to top Japan in 2020, but also convert that audience impact into major awards such as Spirited Away winning the 2003 Academy Award and Attack on Titan taking the 2014 Tokyo Anime Award for Best TV Series.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Daniel Varga. (2026, February 13). Japan Animation Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/japan-animation-industry-statistics
MLA
Daniel Varga. "Japan Animation Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/japan-animation-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Daniel Varga. 2026. "Japan Animation Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/japan-animation-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
117 datasets cited across this report
jetro.go.jpmeti.go.jpeiren.org
animenewsnetwork.com
jfdb.jp
myanimelist.netanimetrendz.netsoumu.go.jp
statista.com
npd.com
famitsu.comstat.go.jp
animeanalytics.com
mpaa.org
francetvinfo.fr
ofcom.org.ukbunka.go.jpmhlw.go.jpcao.go.jpgender.go.jpmoj.go.jpanimeassociation.jpjpo.go.jpmofa.go.jp
bandainamco.co.jp
toei.co.jp
thewaltdisneycompany.com
crunchyroll.com
aniplex.co.jp
sony.com
kadokawa.co.jp
oscars.org
boxofficemojo.comtokyoanimeaward.jp
+83 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)