Global Anime Market - Seizing Growth Opportunities The global anime market continues to expand rapidly, driven by a blend of traditional storytelling and emerging technologies like generative AI (GenAI). As anime's reach broadens across the globe, major markets like Japan and rising players in Southeast Asia are leveraging these tools to accelerate growth. According to PwC's Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2024–2028, the anime industry, along with other sectors in the Entertainment & Media (E&M) ecosystem, is uniquely positioned to harness the power of AI and digital transformation.
GenAI: A Catalyst for Anime Production Efficiency
Generative AI has emerged as a game-changer for the global entertainment industry, with far-reaching implications for anime production. In Japan, where anime is a cultural cornerstone, studios are increasingly adopting GenAI to enhance the creative process. From generating scripts and dialogues to creating storyboards and even animating 3D models from static images, AI is driving efficiencies that allow producers to focus more on storytelling while reducing time and costs associated with traditional production methods.
This digital transformation is not limited to Japan. Other regions in Asia, such as Indonesia, are also incorporating AI-driven tools into their creative processes. Indonesian anime and comic producers, for instance, are exploring AI to streamline workflows and boost productivity. The rise of AI-assisted production across Asia reflects a broader trend in the global anime industry, where technology and creativity are converging to meet growing demand.
A Growing Global Audience for Anime
While Japan remains the epicentre of the anime industry, the global appetite for anime content is expanding at an unprecedented rate. The association between anime and video gaming has played a critical role in driving this growth. Video games, deeply intertwined with anime themes and characters, continue to captivate audiences worldwide, and the convergence of these two industries presents lucrative opportunities for both creators and investors.
Japan’s influence in gaming has also bolstered the anime industry’s international standing. With video gaming becoming increasingly popular across all age groups in Japan, the country is well-positioned to capitalise on anime’s growing global audience. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian markets such as Indonesia are emerging as hotspots for video games and esports, with projected revenue growth of 16.0% CAGR through 2028, according to PwC. The Indonesian government’s support for the gaming and anime sectors further highlights the region’s potential as a major player in the global anime market.
Strategic Investments and Collaborations
As anime’s global popularity soars, companies are investing in new technologies and business models to stay ahead of the curve. Notably, gaming giants like Nintendo are poised to release the next generation of their popular consoles, such as the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025. This evolution will likely deepen the connection between gaming and anime, appealing to younger demographics with more interactive and social gameplay.
Collaborations between major entertainment companies also underscore the increasing synergy between anime, gaming, and broader media franchises. In early 2024, Disney and Epic Games announced a groundbreaking partnership to integrate Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars universes into the Fortnite ecosystem. These kinds of cross-media partnerships are further blurring the lines between gaming, anime, and traditional entertainment, offering consumers immersive and expansive content experiences.
The Future of Anime in a Dynamic Ecosystem
The future of the anime industry looks brighter than ever, driven by innovation, international collaboration, and strong market fundamentals. GenAI is set to play an integral role in reshaping the production landscape, offering greater efficiency and creativity. As gaming and anime become increasingly interconnected, companies are well-positioned to seize new growth opportunities.
For investors, the current share price of anime and related media companies, such as BloomZ Inc (NASDAQ: BLMZ), presents a solid value buy. The ongoing technological advancements and expanding global audience create a fertile environment for long-term growth. With strong revenue forecasts and the adoption of AI, the anime market remains a key segment within the dynamic E&M ecosystem, offering substantial opportunities for investors looking to capitalise on the future of entertainment.
