Anime Industry Exceeds 2.5 Trillion Yen in 2019

An early look at this year's annual anime industry report from The Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) revealed that the estimated global market value of the industry hit a record high of 2,511.2 billion yen (approx. US$24.19 billion) in 2019.

The global market value—which is determined by domestic and overseas sales in Japanese animation and related industries—grew by 329.8 billion yen (approx. US$3.176 billion) from the previous high of 2,181.4 billion yen (approx. US$21.03 billion) estimated for 2018, an increase of 15.1%. Both figures represent the largest single-year increases since the AJA was established in 2002. The 2019 market value was also roughly double the 2009 value.

Growth in 2019 was strong domestically and overseas, with the latter market also hitting a record high of 1,200.9 billion yen (approx. US$11.57 billion). From 2014 to 2017, the domestic market declined while the overseas market surged. Both saw minimal gains in 2018 before substantial increases last year, when the anime industry's global value set a new record for a seventh consecutive year.

Animation Business Journal and Anime! Anime! founder Tadashi Sudo states the outlook for 2020 is bleak—largely due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. There is speculation that sales figures for live performances, merchandise, and theater tickets will decrease. In spite of a potential negative impact from the pandemic, Aniplex, Shueisha, and ufotable are experiencing historic success with the Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba) film. Kimetsu no Yaiba Movie: Mugen Ressha-hen set a box office record in Japan for a film's first ten days, and totaled 23.35 billion yen (approx. US$225 million) in box office revenue through its first 30 days. The total made it the fifth-highest grossing film ever in Japan as of November 16.

The AJA and its 83 member companies seek to promote Japanese animation while supporting those involved in its creation. The organization has run Anime Mirai (formerly the Young Animator Training Project) since 2014, and has published the cited annual industry report since 2009. The full 2020 report (detailing 2019) will be available on November 30, and can be purchased from the AJA's official website. Past editions of the report can be downloaded for free in English and in Japanese.

Source: Animation Business Journal, The Association of Japanese Animations