Animenomics
@animenomics.com
Animenomics shares insights on the business and market forces driving the anime and manga industries in Japan and around the world.
🗞️ Newsletter: https://news.animenomics.com/
📧 Contact: editors@animenomics.com
🗞️ Newsletter: https://news.animenomics.com/
📧 Contact: editors@animenomics.com
Japan's antitrust regulator is preparing guidelines to regulate how anime production committees, studios, and streamers negotiate and share information after an inquiry into labor practices in the industry highlighted structural issues.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Japan antitrust regulator highlights anime industry issues
Plus: Conglomerate invests in French anime co-producer; Light novel publisher TO Books set to IPO; Comici launches English-language manga reading platform; and more
news.animenomics.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:06 PM
Japan's antitrust regulator is preparing guidelines to regulate how anime production committees, studios, and streamers negotiate and share information after an inquiry into labor practices in the industry highlighted structural issues.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Link-U Technologies, which built digital manga platforms like Shueisha's MANGA Plus and Square Enix's Manga UP!, is pursuing AI-driven manga app development as the digital manga market undergoes a shift in Japan and abroad.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Link-U pursues AI-driven manga app development
Plus: Itochu invests in Taiwan e-commerce service popular with anime merchandise buyers; Magazine House grows manga business; Anime arcade machines at FamilyMart; and more
news.animenomics.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Link-U Technologies, which built digital manga platforms like Shueisha's MANGA Plus and Square Enix's Manga UP!, is pursuing AI-driven manga app development as the digital manga market undergoes a shift in Japan and abroad.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Toho is elevating its United Kingdom subsidiary into a European regional headquarters, with the film distribution and production giant also buying Glasgow-based anime distributor @alltheanime.com from Embracer Group's Plaion Pictures.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Toho buys UK anime distributor from Embracer
Plus: Overseas anime merchandise licensing contracts jump; Shifts in anime streaming subscription revenues; Genda and Bushiroad enter into an alliance; and more
news.animenomics.com
December 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Toho is elevating its United Kingdom subsidiary into a European regional headquarters, with the film distribution and production giant also buying Glasgow-based anime distributor @alltheanime.com from Embracer Group's Plaion Pictures.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Japan's US$1.3 billion manga app market stands to benefit from a new law forcing Apple and Google to allow app developers to direct users to external stores in order to pay for purchases, bypassing app store fees that cut into revenue.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
New app store law benefits Japan's manga apps
Plus: Japan faces glut of secondhand anime merchandise; 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' ends China run amid political tensions; Toho touts vertical integration in anime; and more
news.animenomics.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Japan's US$1.3 billion manga app market stands to benefit from a new law forcing Apple and Google to allow app developers to direct users to external stores in order to pay for purchases, bypassing app store fees that cut into revenue.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Warner Bros. has spent the last 20 years investing in anime, including leading production committees for "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" and "Record of Ragnarok", but a possible sale of the company could impact its expansive anime portfolio.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Dozens of anime at stake in Warner Bros. sale
Plus: Sony to issue stablecoins for anime, game payments; Japanese prime minister appeals to Saudi investors; Kadokawa dominates annual light novel rankings; and more
news.animenomics.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Warner Bros. has spent the last 20 years investing in anime, including leading production committees for "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" and "Record of Ragnarok", but a possible sale of the company could impact its expansive anime portfolio.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
The Japan Times interviewed Animenomics editor @rhandjaja.bsky.social about the implications of the latest political spat between China and Japan on the anime industry.
Japan’s anime, films and pop stars are feeling the freeze in China as canceled shows, postponed movie releases and uncertainty loom.
Culture caught in crossfire as Japan and China rift escalates
Beijing’s restrictions on Japanese entertainment have canceled concerts and postponed film releases, leaving artists and fans in limbo.
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December 8, 2025 at 5:48 PM
The Japan Times interviewed Animenomics editor @rhandjaja.bsky.social about the implications of the latest political spat between China and Japan on the anime industry.
Japan's user-generated web novel platforms have become a growing source of original stories to be adapted into manga, anime, and film, but their operators are contending with a rise in submitted works that are generated by AI.
Read this headline and more in this week's business briefing.
Read this headline and more in this week's business briefing.
Web novels, a growing source of anime stories, see rise in AI works
Plus: Mamoru Hosoda film underperforms in box office debut; Kadokawa buys Singapore anime festival organizer; Light anime boost small manga publishers; and more
news.animenomics.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Japan's user-generated web novel platforms have become a growing source of original stories to be adapted into manga, anime, and film, but their operators are contending with a rise in submitted works that are generated by AI.
Read this headline and more in this week's business briefing.
Read this headline and more in this week's business briefing.
CyberAgent has designated the head of its anime and IP business division as the company's next chief executive officer, reflecting its shift from digital advertising as a core business to entertainment in the last five years.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
CyberAgent names head of anime as next CEO
Plus: Print manga decline reduces Japanese children's access to manga; Bandai Namco focuses on royalty income; Startup to launch English manga platform in 2026; and more
news.animenomics.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:05 PM
CyberAgent has designated the head of its anime and IP business division as the company's next chief executive officer, reflecting its shift from digital advertising as a core business to entertainment in the last five years.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Kadokawa is writing down the financial value of its nearly ¥3 billion acquisition of anime studio Doga Kobo as the publisher moves to integrate back-office operations and improve profitability across its seven anime studio subsidiaries.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Kadokawa writes down Doga Kobo acquisition
Plus: Anime studio closures at highest level in 7 years; 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' sets sights on China; Web novel platform upstart targets romance readers; and more
news.animenomics.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Kadokawa is writing down the financial value of its nearly ¥3 billion acquisition of anime studio Doga Kobo as the publisher moves to integrate back-office operations and improve profitability across its seven anime studio subsidiaries.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Overseas revenues of Japan's anime industry saw the third consecutive year of double-digit growth in 2024, according to the Association of Japanese Animations, but there is concern at home that anime's domestic market is stagnating.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Anime market outside Japan up 26% in 2024
Plus: Toei Animation looks abroad to form new studios; Kodansha forms Hollywood studio; Disney bets on 'Twisted-Wonderland' to draw anime fans; and more
news.animenomics.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Overseas revenues of Japan's anime industry saw the third consecutive year of double-digit growth in 2024, according to the Association of Japanese Animations, but there is concern at home that anime's domestic market is stagnating.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Animenomics has been named as a finalist in the Los Angeles Press Club's National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards.
We are nominated for a story published in February about how the end of de minimis duty exemptions affects imports of anime merchandise into the United States.
We are nominated for a story published in February about how the end of de minimis duty exemptions affects imports of anime merchandise into the United States.
October 30, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Animenomics has been named as a finalist in the Los Angeles Press Club's National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards.
We are nominated for a story published in February about how the end of de minimis duty exemptions affects imports of anime merchandise into the United States.
We are nominated for a story published in February about how the end of de minimis duty exemptions affects imports of anime merchandise into the United States.
Japan's new conservative government under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has signaled new emphasis on supporting exports of the country's entertainment content, such as anime, manga, and video games.
Read this headline and more in this week's business briefing.
Read this headline and more in this week's business briefing.
Japan renews focus on anime, manga exports
Plus: Gov't to encourage loans to fund anime, film productions; 'Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc' leads global box office; LINE Manga seeks sports webtoon innovations; and more
news.animenomics.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Japan's new conservative government under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has signaled new emphasis on supporting exports of the country's entertainment content, such as anime, manga, and video games.
Read this headline and more in this week's business briefing.
Read this headline and more in this week's business briefing.
New York-based anime film distributor GKIDS, which was acquired by film giant Toho last year, plans to invest in more anime co-productions in order to further grow the North American anime market.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
GKIDS to expand anime co-productions under Toho
Plus: Ex-Netflix anime chief's studio develops AI background art tool; Hulu Japan launches digital manga service; Kyoto university builds anime curriculum in India; and more
news.animenomics.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
New York-based anime film distributor GKIDS, which was acquired by film giant Toho last year, plans to invest in more anime co-productions in order to further grow the North American anime market.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Japan's wholesale trading conglomerates are paving the way for anime, manga, and video game companies to enter the retail merchandising market around the world thanks to their experience in overseas business development.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Manga merchandise availability grows in U.S.
Plus: AI anime studio raises $3m funding round; Bandai Namco Filmworks to become sole Gundam IP rightsholder; Globalization of October anime lineup; and more
news.animenomics.com
October 15, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Japan's wholesale trading conglomerates are paving the way for anime, manga, and video game companies to enter the retail merchandising market around the world thanks to their experience in overseas business development.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Anime rightsholders frustrated with what they view as inadequate safeguards against unauthorized use of intellectual property have forced OpenAI to restrict Sora users' ability to generate videos of specific anime characters by name.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
OpenAI restricts anime IP use on AI video generator
Plus: Kadokawa diversifies its 'isekai' portfolio; CyberAgent taps WIT STUDIO producer to lead new anime studio; 2.5D musicals record fastest growth in years; and more
animenomics.substack.com
October 8, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Anime rightsholders frustrated with what they view as inadequate safeguards against unauthorized use of intellectual property have forced OpenAI to restrict Sora users' ability to generate videos of specific anime characters by name.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Crunchyroll is reentering digital manga distribution in the United States and Canada with a new platform built by Japanese manga application development pioneer Link-U Group.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Crunchyroll relaunches digital manga service
Plus: Multiple October anime premieres delayed; Mercari to open global marketplace app for secondhand merch; Newspaper starts 'oshikatsu' advertising; and more
news.animenomics.com
October 1, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Crunchyroll is reentering digital manga distribution in the United States and Canada with a new platform built by Japanese manga application development pioneer Link-U Group.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Japanese amusement giant Genda is taking control of its North American business and consolidating 14 subsidiaries, showing confidence in local demand for entertainment experiences like Kiddleton claw machines with anime-themed prizes.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Anime arcade machines sweep North America
Plus: Chinese trading card giant enters U.S. market; 'Chainsaw Man' tops Japan box office; Kodansha president explains Roblox partnership; and more
news.animenomics.com
September 24, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Japanese amusement giant Genda is taking control of its North American business and consolidating 14 subsidiaries, showing confidence in local demand for entertainment experiences like Kiddleton claw machines with anime-themed prizes.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Anime cafes are popping up throughout Southeast Asia, where anime fans say they view brands more favorably when anime-inspired products are offered.
Read this story by Jakarta-based correspondent Yohana Belinda.
Read this story by Jakarta-based correspondent Yohana Belinda.
Anime cafes brew fandom in Southeast Asia
From anime-adorned lattes to narrative-inspired curries, a wave of cafes in the region is leveraging pop culture fandom to create vibrant, community-focused culinary destinations
news.animenomics.com
September 22, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Anime cafes are popping up throughout Southeast Asia, where anime fans say they view brands more favorably when anime-inspired products are offered.
Read this story by Jakarta-based correspondent Yohana Belinda.
Read this story by Jakarta-based correspondent Yohana Belinda.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle's first anime film opened in 49 territories last weekend and topped multiple box office charts worldwide, including in North America, with IMAX screens making significant contributions to ticket sales.
Read this headline and more in this week's business briefing.
Read this headline and more in this week's business briefing.
First 'Demon Slayer' finale film tops box office charts
Plus: Anime mobile game revenue grows outside Japan; Disney to invest in Webtoon Entertainment; Publishers prefer coin payments in third-party manga apps; and more
news.animenomics.com
September 17, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle's first anime film opened in 49 territories last weekend and topped multiple box office charts worldwide, including in North America, with IMAX screens making significant contributions to ticket sales.
Read this headline and more in this week's business briefing.
Read this headline and more in this week's business briefing.
Reposted by Animenomics
Animenomics will present a current overview of how the anime industry works this Saturday, September 13, as part of @animelockdown.bsky.social programming on twitch.tv/animelockdown.
Join us to learn about anime studio financials, anime production committees, and more!
Join us to learn about anime studio financials, anime production committees, and more!
September 13, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Animenomics will present a current overview of how the anime industry works this Saturday, September 13, as part of @animelockdown.bsky.social programming on twitch.tv/animelockdown.
Join us to learn about anime studio financials, anime production committees, and more!
Join us to learn about anime studio financials, anime production committees, and more!
September 12, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Animenomics will present a current overview of how the anime industry works this Saturday, September 13, as part of @animelockdown.bsky.social programming on twitch.tv/animelockdown.
Join us to learn about anime studio financials, anime production committees, and more!
Join us to learn about anime studio financials, anime production committees, and more!
A senior executive at TMS Entertainment has urged Netflix to share more details on viewer demographics amid efforts by anime producers seeking to reclaim control of marketing efforts for their titles from global streaming platforms.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Anime studios seek more data from streamers
Plus: Hobby retail chain Suruga-ya targets U.S. expansion; Frontier Works acquires Yokohama anime studio; Japanese content market sets new record; and more
news.animenomics.com
September 10, 2025 at 5:15 PM
A senior executive at TMS Entertainment has urged Netflix to share more details on viewer demographics amid efforts by anime producers seeking to reclaim control of marketing efforts for their titles from global streaming platforms.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Light novel and manga publisher Overlap will offer 40% of its holding company shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange beginning in October, a sign of optimism in the market for Japan's digital-first light novels and their anime adaptations.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Light novel publisher Overlap readies for IPO
Plus: Manga publishers' licensing rights sales jump; Nagoya jeweler expands anime IP collaborations; Weekly Shonen Jump searches for next hit sports manga; and more
news.animenomics.com
September 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Light novel and manga publisher Overlap will offer 40% of its holding company shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange beginning in October, a sign of optimism in the market for Japan's digital-first light novels and their anime adaptations.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Manga's rapid global growth in recent years has been driven almost entirely by rising demand for physical deluxe edition releases rather than digital manga, says an advisor to manga licensing broker Tuttle-Mori Agency.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Deluxe editions drive global manga growth
Plus: Los Angeles to host new anime awards; Japanese entertainment spending hits new record; Virtual YouTuber named to Forbes Japan 30 Under 30; and more
news.animenomics.com
August 27, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Manga's rapid global growth in recent years has been driven almost entirely by rising demand for physical deluxe edition releases rather than digital manga, says an advisor to manga licensing broker Tuttle-Mori Agency.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Japanese anime studios' average annual revenue edged up last year, but a persistent labor shortage is creating a mixed fiscal picture. Large studios sensitive to higher production costs are seeing lower profits compared to 2023.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Labor deficit muddles anime studio financials
Plus: Anime studios shift foreign transactions to new markets; Japan's SVOD leader publishes novels, targets adaptations; Webtoon apps pivot to short videos; and more
news.animenomics.com
August 20, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Japanese anime studios' average annual revenue edged up last year, but a persistent labor shortage is creating a mixed fiscal picture. Large studios sensitive to higher production costs are seeing lower profits compared to 2023.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.
Read this and more headlines in this week's business briefing.