GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Manga Industry Statistics

The manga industry is experiencing steady growth globally, with increasing sales and popularity both in print and digital formats, driven by diverse content offerings and expanding international markets.

Highlights: Manga Industry Statistics

  • In 2019, the manga market in Japan was worth around 5,176 million U.S dollars.
  • One Piece, a popular manga series, has sold over 480 million copies worldwide.
  • Physical manga sales in 2019 were up 4.2% in the US, which is quite significant considering the general decline in print media sales.
  • Digital manga sales in Japan overtook physical sales for the first time in 2017.
  • Korea represents a surprising 25% of all overseas manga exports from Japan.
  • Chinese web users read 800 million pages of manga per day.
  • Manga represented 80% of the total comic sales in France in 2013.
  • The top 50 manga series in North America comprised 15.3 million units sold in 2016.
  • Manga titles offered by US publishers quadrupled between 2001 and 2007, from 1200 to 5000.
  • In 2020, 8 out of the top 20 adult graphic novels in the United States were manga titles.
  • In 2020, 83.45 million people read printed anime, cartoon, and manga products in Japan.
  • Demon Slayer manga was sold 82.345 million copies in 2020, almost 26 times more than in 2019.
  • In the United States, manga sales have seen an average annual growth of 8-10% in the past few years.
  • Digital manga publication comprised approximately 50% of the entire manga market in Japan in 2016.
  • In 2018, an estimated 230 million volumes of manga were sold in Japan.
  • In 2019, the manga app "Manga Plus" by Shueisha had been downloaded over 3 million times globally.
  • In 2019, for the third year in a row, sales of digital manga outperformed physical manga sales, reaching up to 171.1 billion yen (approx. $1.6 billion).

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The Latest Manga Industry Statistics Explained

In 2019, the manga market in Japan was worth around 5,176 million U.S dollars.

The statistic states that the manga market in Japan had a value of approximately 5,176 million U.S dollars in the year 2019. This indicates the total revenue generated from the sales of manga publications in Japan during that year. The sizeable market value reflects the popularity and significant economic impact of manga as a form of entertainment and cultural export from Japan. Such statistics serve as a key indicator of the market demand for manga in Japan and can also be used to analyze trends, make projections, and assess the overall health and growth potential of the manga industry in the country.

One Piece, a popular manga series, has sold over 480 million copies worldwide.

The statistic that One Piece, a popular manga series, has sold over 480 million copies worldwide is a testament to the immense popularity and widespread appeal of the franchise. This figure highlights the significant reach of the series not only in its native Japan but across various countries and regions around the globe. The milestone of 480 million copies sold positions One Piece as one of the best-selling manga series in history, emphasizing the strong fan base and continued success of the series since its inception. This statistic underscores the cultural impact and success of One Piece in the manga industry, solidifying its status as a beloved and influential work in the entertainment world.

Physical manga sales in 2019 were up 4.2% in the US, which is quite significant considering the general decline in print media sales.

The statistic that physical manga sales in the US increased by 4.2% in 2019 is notable because it signifies a positive growth trend in a market that has been experiencing a decline in print media sales overall. This increase is significant as it defies the larger trend of decreasing physical book sales due to the rise of digital media and e-books. The popularity of manga, particularly among younger audiences, has likely contributed to this growth, along with factors such as collector’s editions, limited editions, and the overall appeal of physical format for manga enthusiasts. The 4.2% increase indicates a strong and sustained demand for physical manga in the US market, showcasing the enduring appeal of this particular medium in the face of evolving consumer preferences.

Digital manga sales in Japan overtook physical sales for the first time in 2017.

The statistic that digital manga sales in Japan overtook physical sales for the first time in 2017 indicates a significant shift in consumer behavior within the Japanese manga market. This trend reflects the increasing preference for digital content consumption due to various factors such as convenience, availability, and technological advancements. The rise of digital manga sales can be attributed to the widespread use of smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, providing readers with easy access to a wide range of manga titles online. Furthermore, the digital format offers benefits such as instantaneous delivery, storage convenience, and potentially lower prices, creating a more attractive option for consumers compared to traditional physical copies. This milestone signals a turning point in the manga industry and underscores the rapid evolution of the publishing landscape towards digital platforms.

Korea represents a surprising 25% of all overseas manga exports from Japan.

The statistic that Korea represents a surprising 25% of all overseas manga exports from Japan signifies a significant market share held by Korea in terms of importing Japanese manga. This suggests that Korean consumers have a high demand for Japanese manga, leading to a substantial portion of all manga exports leaving Japan going to Korea. The number “25%” highlights Korea’s importance as a major destination for Japanese manga in the overseas market, indicating a strong cultural exchange and popularity of Japanese manga in Korea. This statistic showcases the influence and reach of Japanese manga beyond its domestic market and emphasizes the global impact and appeal of this form of entertainment.

Chinese web users read 800 million pages of manga per day.

The statistic that Chinese web users read 800 million pages of manga per day indicates the immense popularity and widespread consumption of manga content in China. Manga refers to a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels that have gained international popularity. The fact that Chinese web users are collectively reading such a large volume of manga pages daily suggests a strong interest in this form of entertainment within the Chinese online community. This statistic highlights the significant role that manga plays in the daily lives and leisure activities of Chinese internet users, showcasing the cultural influence and appeal of manga in the digital age.

Manga represented 80% of the total comic sales in France in 2013.

The statistic indicates that in 2013, manga comprised 80% of the overall comic sales in France. This suggests that the market for manga, a style of Japanese comics, was the dominant force in the comic industry in France during that year, outpacing other forms of comics such as traditional European or American ones. The high market share held by manga signifies a strong preference or popularity among consumers for this specific genre, likely driven by factors such as unique art styles, captivating storylines, and diverse themes that appeal to a wide audience. The statistic highlights the significant impact and influence of manga on the comic market in France in 2013.

The top 50 manga series in North America comprised 15.3 million units sold in 2016.

The statistic “The top 50 manga series in North America comprised 15.3 million units sold in 2016” indicates the total number of manga volumes from the top 50 best-selling series that were purchased by consumers in North America during the year 2016. This figure of 15.3 million units sold serves as a key indicator of the popularity of Japanese manga within the North American market. It highlights the significant demand for manga among readers in the region and can provide insights into consumer preferences, market trends, and the economic impact of the manga industry in North America for that particular year.

Manga titles offered by US publishers quadrupled between 2001 and 2007, from 1200 to 5000.

The statistic indicates a substantial increase in the number of manga titles offered by US publishers during the period from 2001 to 2007. Specifically, the number of manga titles available quadrupled, growing from 1200 to 5000. This surge suggests a growing interest and demand for manga among readers in the United States during this timeframe. The increased offering of manga titles by US publishers also reflects a significant expansion of the market for manga in the country, potentially driven by factors such as increased globalization, digital technology advancements, and the popularity of Japanese pop culture worldwide.

In 2020, 8 out of the top 20 adult graphic novels in the United States were manga titles.

The statistic “In 2020, 8 out of the top 20 adult graphic novels in the United States were manga titles” indicates that manga, a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels, had a significant presence and popularity in the American market that year. Specifically, out of the 20 adult graphic novels that ranked the highest in terms of sales or popularity, 8 of them belonged to the manga genre. This suggests that manga was well-received by consumers and held a notable share of the adult graphic novel market in the U.S. in 2020, reflecting a growing interest and demand for this particular type of content among readers.

In 2020, 83.45 million people read printed anime, cartoon, and manga products in Japan.

In 2020, a total of 83.45 million individuals in Japan engaged with printed anime, cartoon, and manga products. This statistic highlights the widespread popularity and cultural significance of these media forms in Japan. The significant number of people reading these printed materials underlines the importance of anime, cartoons, and manga in Japanese society, not only as forms of entertainment but also as a reflection of the country’s artistic and storytelling traditions. The statistic indicates a high level of interest and consumption of these products, pointing towards a strong and enduring market for printed anime, cartoon, and manga in Japan.

Demon Slayer manga was sold 82.345 million copies in 2020, almost 26 times more than in 2019.

The statistic “Demon Slayer manga was sold 82.345 million copies in 2020, almost 26 times more than in 2019” highlights a significant surge in the popularity and sales of the manga series within a one-year period. This exponential growth can be attributed to various factors, such as increased marketing efforts, positive word-of-mouth reviews, and potentially the release of an anime adaptation or other related media that boosted the franchise’s visibility. The striking comparison of nearly 26 times more sales in 2020 compared to the previous year clearly indicates a remarkable and noteworthy expansion of the fan base and consumer demand for the Demon Slayer manga.

In the United States, manga sales have seen an average annual growth of 8-10% in the past few years.

The statistic indicates that manga sales in the United States have been steadily increasing at an average annual rate of 8-10% over the past few years. This upward trend suggests a growing popularity and demand for manga, a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels. Factors contributing to this growth could include increased availability of manga titles in bookstores and online retailers, as well as a growing appreciation for Japanese pop culture among American audiences. The consistent annual growth rate indicates a positive outlook for the manga industry in the United States, potentially leading to further expansion and diversification of the market in the years to come.

Digital manga publication comprised approximately 50% of the entire manga market in Japan in 2016.

The given statistic indicates that digital manga publication, referring to manga that is distributed and consumed digitally rather than in physical form, accounted for roughly half, or 50%, of the total manga market in Japan in the year 2016. This data suggests a significant shift in consumer behavior towards digital platforms for accessing and reading manga content. The increasing popularity of digital manga publications may reflect broader trends in digitalization and technological advancements impacting the publishing industry, as well as evolving preferences among readers for the convenience and accessibility offered by digital formats. This statistic highlights the importance of digital distribution channels in the manga market and points towards the ongoing transition towards digital media consumption in the publishing sector.

In 2018, an estimated 230 million volumes of manga were sold in Japan.

The statistic indicates that in 2018, the Japanese market for manga, which are graphic novels or comics originating from Japan, was robust with an estimated 230 million volumes sold. This figure represents the total number of physical copies of manga purchased by consumers throughout the year. Manga is an integral part of Japanese popular culture, enjoyed by people of all ages, and this statistic highlights the enduring popularity and commercial success of this form of entertainment in Japan. The high sales volume suggests a sustained demand for manga in Japan and underscores its significance as a cultural and economic phenomenon in the country.

In 2019, the manga app “Manga Plus” by Shueisha had been downloaded over 3 million times globally.

The statistic that in 2019, the manga app “Manga Plus” by Shueisha had been downloaded over 3 million times globally indicates the significant popularity and widespread adoption of the app among manga readers worldwide. This level of downloads suggests a high level of interest and engagement with the content offered on the app, which includes a variety of manga series from different genres. The large number of downloads also reflects the growing trend of digital consumption of manga and the convenience of accessing content on mobile devices. Furthermore, it underscores the success of Shueisha in providing a platform that caters to the preferences of manga enthusiasts and expands the reach of their publications to a global audience.

In 2019, for the third year in a row, sales of digital manga outperformed physical manga sales, reaching up to 171.1 billion yen (approx. $1.6 billion).

The statistic highlights that in 2019, sales of digital manga continued to show a trend of growth and dominance over physical manga sales for the third consecutive year. The data reveals that digital manga sales reached a notable high of 171.1 billion yen, equivalent to approximately $1.6 billion USD. This significant shift in consumer behavior indicates a preference for digital formats among manga readers, likely driven by factors such as convenience, accessibility, and the widespread use of digital devices. The trend underscores the evolving landscape of the manga industry, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing consumption habits and technological advancements in order to stay competitive and meet the demands of modern audiences.

References

0. – https://www.www.publishersweekly.com

1. – https://www.asia.nikkei.com

2. – https://www.www.animenewsnetwork.com

3. – https://www.www.forbes.com

4. – https://www.www.japantimes.co.jp

5. – https://www.www.statista.com

6. – https://www.comicbook.com

7. – https://www.www.scmp.com

8. – https://www.www.j-cast.com

9. – https://www.apnews.com

10. – https://www.icv2.com

11. – https://www.www.npd.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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