JETRO published "US Market Report on Anime-Related Services and Products," providing detailed analysis of anime industry current status and growth opportunities in the United States, the world's largest entertainment market, through comprehensive research and market assessment.
US Anime Market Scale and Growth Dynamics
US anime market reached .7 billion in total value during 2024, encompassing streaming services (.2 billion), merchandise sales (.8 billion), gaming content (.9 billion), theatrical releases (.4 billion), and related services (.4 billion). Market growth rate averaged 18.7% annually over past three years.
Streaming platform dominance includes Crunchyroll (8.9 million subscribers), Funimation integration, Netflix anime content (67 original series), and Hulu anime library serving 45.6 million regular anime viewers. Streaming revenue represents 28.6% of total market value with subscription and advertising models.
Demographic analysis reveals core audience of 18-34 years (67.8% of viewership) with growing acceptance among mainstream consumers. Gender distribution shows 52.3% male and 47.7% female viewership with increasing female audience participation across age groups.
Content Distribution and Platform Strategy
Theatrical distribution expanded significantly with major releases including "Demon Slayer: Mugen Train" (.5 million US box office), "Jujutsu Kaisen 0" (.1 million), and studio releases achieving mainstream cinema success. Annual theatrical anime revenue reached million in 2024.
Streaming service strategies include simultaneous global releases, subtitle and dubbing options, and exclusive content development. Platform investment in anime content totaled million in 2024 with original series production and exclusive licensing agreements.
Digital distribution includes video-on-demand services, mobile applications, and social media platform content reaching diverse audience segments through multiple touchpoints and engagement mechanisms.
Merchandise Market and Consumer Products
Anime merchandise market reached .8 billion annually including apparel (.2 billion), collectibles ( million), toys and figures ( million), home goods ( million), and accessories ( million). Merchandise sales grew 23.4% year-on-year.
Collectibles segment shows exceptional growth with limited edition figures, premium merchandise, and collector items commanding high prices. Average spending per anime fan on merchandise reached annually with dedicated collectors spending ,200-2,400 annually.
Retail distribution includes specialty stores (2,340 locations), mainstream retailers, online marketplaces, and convention sales. Major retailers include Hot Topic, BoxLunch, GameStop, and Target expanding anime merchandise sections.
Gaming Integration and Interactive Entertainment
Anime-based gaming market generated .9 billion revenue through mobile games (.6 billion), console games ( million), and PC games ( million). Popular titles include "Genshin Impact," "Dragon Ball" series, and "Naruto" franchise games.
Mobile gaming dominance reflects broader entertainment trends with gacha-style games, RPGs, and action games based on popular anime properties. Average revenue per user (ARPU) reached monthly for anime-based mobile games.
Gaming merchandise and virtual goods sales include in-game purchases, digital collectibles, and cross-media promotional items generating additional revenue streams while enhancing fan engagement and brand loyalty.
Industry Events and Community Engagement
Convention attendance reached record levels with Anime Expo (450,000 attendees), New York Comic Con anime programming, and regional events totaling 2.34 million annual convention participants. Convention economic impact includes million in direct spending.
Community engagement includes social media followings (Instagram anime accounts: 89 million followers), online forums, fan art creation, and user-generated content supporting brand awareness and audience development.
Industry awards recognition includes mainstream media coverage, critics' awards, and cultural impact acknowledgment elevating anime status from niche entertainment to mainstream cultural phenomenon.
Production and Localization Services
US anime production services include dubbing studios, translation services, and adaptation companies generating million annual revenue. Localization quality improvements address cultural adaptation, voice acting talent, and technical production standards.
Co-production opportunities include US-Japan partnerships, original content development, and adaptation projects. American studios increasingly collaborate with Japanese producers creating hybrid content appealing to both markets.
Technology services include streaming platform development, digital distribution solutions, and content management systems supporting industry infrastructure and global content delivery capabilities.
Licensing and Intellectual Property Management
Licensing market includes character licensing, brand partnerships, and cross-media rights generating .23 billion annual value. Major licensors include Toei Animation, Studio Pierrot, and Madhouse managing extensive property portfolios.
Brand collaborations include fashion partnerships, food products, automotive tie-ins, and technology accessories expanding anime presence across consumer categories. Licensing agreements typically include merchandise, digital content, and promotional rights.
Intellectual property protection includes trademark management, copyright enforcement, and anti-piracy measures ensuring legitimate content distribution and revenue protection for rights holders and distributors.
Market Challenges and Growth Opportunities
Market challenges include content oversaturation, piracy concerns, and competition from other entertainment categories. Content discovery and audience retention require continued innovation in marketing strategies and platform development.
Growth opportunities include mainstream audience expansion, premium content development, immersive experiences (VR/AR applications), and international co-productions creating diverse content appealing to broader demographics.
Emerging technologies include streaming platform innovation, interactive content development, and blockchain applications for collectibles and fan engagement creating new revenue streams and audience experiences.
Future Market Projections and Strategic Recommendations
Market projections suggest continued growth reaching .4 billion by 2027 driven by mainstream acceptance, content quality improvements, and distribution platform expansion. Streaming services expected to maintain dominance while theatrical and merchandise markets grow steadily.
Strategic recommendations include audience diversification, quality content investment, technology integration, and cultural authenticity maintenance while adapting to US market preferences and consumption patterns.
The comprehensive market analysis concludes that US anime industry demonstrates exceptional growth trajectory with mainstream market acceptance, diverse revenue streams, and expansion opportunities requiring strategic positioning, quality content development, and innovative distribution approaches to capitalize on growing consumer demand and cultural influence.