Japanese anime captivated global audiences in 2023 like never before, achieving record-breaking revenues and expanding its cultural influence worldwide. According to Parrot Analytics and the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA), anime generated $19.8 billion in total global revenue, including $5.5 billion from streaming and $14.3 billion from merchandising sales, underscoring its significant economic and cultural impact worldwide.
“Anime is bigger than ever. Its record-breaking revenues and global impact continue to capture hearts and inspire imaginations worldwide. This collaboration between AJA and Parrot Analytics will unlock new opportunities for creators, ensuring that anime's cultural legacy thrives while opening new economic opportunities for Japan on the global stage,” said Macoto Tezka, visualist and filmmaker, and honorary director of The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum.
“Anime is a major driver of ancillary businesses such as consumer products, gaming, and live events, creating ripple effects across the global economy,” added Douglas Montgomery, former Chairman of the Japan America Society of Southern California. “By tapping into these interconnected industries, the anime sector can unlock immense economic potential and foster innovation that extends far beyond traditional media.”
According to the “Anime Industry Report,” anime accounted for 6% of global streaming revenue in 2023, with North America contributing $2.2 billion (41% of anime's streaming revenue) and Asia $1.6 billion (29%). Notably, 41% of anime's streaming revenue originated from North America, highlighting the region's strong engagement with the medium. Asia led merchandising revenue with $5.46 billion, followed by North America at $4.97 billion, together comprising 73% of global anime merchandise sales.
Across platforms, anime drove over $2 billion in revenue for Netflix globally, demonstrating its importance as a cornerstone of the platform's content library and accounting for 38% of total anime streaming revenue.
Advanced insights from Parrot Analytics reveal untapped pathways for expanding revenue streams, particularly in merchandising, streaming, and emerging international markets. “Japan is at the heart of the global entertainment ecosystem, and anime is a clear testament to its creative power,” said Alejandro Rojas, VP of Applied Analytics and Global Head of Parrot IQ at Parrot Analytics. “Our expertise in streaming economics, global entertainment analytics, and IP valuation enables Japanese creators to unlock new revenue opportunities and expand their global footprint even further,” he concluded.