Japan’s anime industry grew by 15.8% to reach $28.18 billion (JPY4.45TR) in 2025, driven by surging international demand and blockbuster theatrical releases, according to a special report shared by the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) at TIFFCOM this week.
The Bottom Line
- Overseas revenues hit $16.1 billion (JPY2.54TR), accounting for nearly 57% of the total market share, while domestic revenues reached $12 billion (JPY1.9TR).
- Production outfits saw revenues flowing back increase by 8% to $3.2 billion (JPY505BN) as more companies secure equity positions in their intellectual property.
- Global phenomenon Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie — Infinity Castle cleared $800 million worldwide, cementing itself as Japan’s highest-grossing film of all time.
Overseas Markets Outpace Domestic Growth
International revenues registered a 17% growth rate, outpacing domestic gains which rose by just over 14% year-on-year. Back in 2020, foreign earnings surpassed domestic figures for the very first time, and the disparity between the two sectors has steadily widened ever since.
AJA releases a free ENG summary of ”Anime Industry Report 2025”8pp / ~20 charts covering Japan’s ANIME market size & latest trends.「アニメ産業レポート2025 サマリー（英語版)公開」https://t.co/8kaddvoKBo
Masahiro Hasegawa, Editor-in-Chief of AJA’s Anime Industry, noted the structural shift in how Japanese studios operate. “Many Japanese business entities are going overseas to pursue revenue opportunities, so we expect this trend to continue,” Hasegawa stated.
The report revealed that growth rates in both domestic and overseas revenues climbed in 2025, in contrast to the 2024 numbers were international rates were much higher than domestic numbers.
Production Outfits Secure Intellectual Property Equity
Revenues flowing back directly to production outfits increased by 8% to reach $3.2 billion (JPY505BN) in 2025, up from $2.95 billion (JPY466BN) the previous year. Hasegawa explained that more production companies are taking equity positions in their works, holding tightly onto their intellectual property to ensure a direct share of overseas revenue.
This financial restructuring coincides with the content industry being designated as one of the core industries of Japan. However, expansion into up-and-coming global regions brings distinct logistical hurdles.
| Metric | 2024 Figure | 2025 Figure |
|---|---|---|
| Total Industry Revenue | Not Reported | $28.18 Billion (JPY4.45TR) |
| Overseas Revenue | Not Reported | $16.1 Billion (JPY2.54TR) |
| Domestic Revenue | Not Reported | $12.0 Billion (JPY1.9TR) |
| Production Outfits Revenue | $2.95 Billion (JPY466BN) | $3.2 Billion (JPY505BN) |
Blockbuster Films Drive Theatrical Success
The year 2025 proved exceptionally lucrative thanks to the global success of the feature film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie — Infinity Castle, which pulled in over $800 million worldwide.
Derived from popular manga sources, Chiikawa The Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island has emerged as a top-performing animated feature. Directed by Kei Oikawa, produced by Cypic, and distributed by Toho, the film grossed $159 million worldwide following its July theatrical release in Japan.
“Anime’s international breakthrough has already been realized,” Hasegawa concluded, noting that expanding into emerging global markets requires careful localization strategies and robust countermeasures against piracy.
Upcoming Theatrical Slate
Japanese studios maintain a packed release schedule for animated features heading into late 2026 and early 2027. The upcoming slate includes Expelled from Paradise: Resonance of the Heart on November 13, 2026, followed by Witch on the Holy Night on November 20, 2026, and The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady’s Treasure on December 11, 2026.
Looking ahead to early next year, Medalist is scheduled for release on February 19, 2027, with Doraemon: Nobita’s Steam-Powered Time Machine following on March 5, 2027.
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