International growth of anime: record figures and new challenges

Anime continues its global expansion: international platforms and sales account for most of the growth, but this internationalization brings challenges in monetization and the structure of the production chain.

Recent market studies indicate that a large part of the revenue comes from licensing, streaming, and merchandising abroad. While this opens up opportunities, it also reveals tensions: global distribution concentrates power in large platforms that negotiate rights in their favor, and part of the value generated remains outside the creators’ coffers. In addition, growing international interest is putting pressure on studios to maintain intense schedules and higher standards, which accentuates the need for personnel and resources.

Companies and governments are exploring models to capture more value (direct agreements, events, cultural tourism), but the debate over who gains most from the “export of anime” remains open. For the Japanese industry, the challenge is to transform the boom into sustainable income and better working conditions for its professionals.