Japan’s anime industry hits record $28.5 billion revenue in 2025

The Japanese anime industry reached a historic financial milestone in 2025, generating approximately 4.5 trillion yen, or roughly $28.5 billion. According to preliminary data from the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) presented at TIFFCOM, this represents a 15.8% increase from the previous year.

A significant shift in the industry's economic structure was observed as international revenue surpassed domestic sales. Overseas markets contributed approximately $16 billion, accounting for 57.1% of the total market, while the domestic Japanese market generated about $12 billion. International sales have consistently outpaced domestic consumption since 2020.

Key drivers of this growth include the massive commercial success of the film “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle,” which earned approximately $800 million globally. The expansion is further supported by the rise of global streaming platforms, increased licensing deals, and robust merchandise sales. Kazuko Ishikawa, president of the AJA, emphasized the importance of fostering a supportive ecosystem for creators to maintain this momentum.