Japan's Anime Market–A Growing Investment Opportunity with Major Backing from Industrial Giants

The Japanese anime industry is increasingly catching the attention of investors worldwide. In 2023, the Japan anime market was valued at USD 12.72 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% from 2024 to 2030. This steady rise is driven by global demand, digital distribution advances, and the flourishing otaku culture, which remains the backbone of anime’s sustained popularity.

Adding momentum to this booming sector, two of Japan's largest industrial and financial players have quietly started investing in anime. Marubeni Corporation, traditionally rooted in cereals and chemicals, has diversified and is now targeting the manga and anime markets through a new partnership with Shogakukan, one of Japan's leading publishers. This venture highlights how even non-entertainment giants are recognizing the financial potential within anime.

At the same time, Mizuho Securities, a key member of Japan's Mizuho keiretsu (business alliance), launched an anime film fund in 2024. The brokerage is raising funds from institutions and high-net-worth individuals in lots starting at JPY 300 million (approximately $200,000), with a target of raising $15 million by the year’s end. This direct investment into anime production from a major financial institution underlines the sector’s robust growth prospects.

The global appeal of anime is another major contributor to its growth. International entertainment companies have been aggressively acquiring Japanese anime streaming firms to expand their content portfolios. A prime example is Sony Pictures Entertainment’s acquisition of Crunchyroll LLC from AT&T in August 2021 through Funimation Global Group, a joint venture with Aniplex Inc.. This deal brought Crunchyroll's content to more than 120 million registered users across 200 territories, solidifying Japan’s role as the hub of global anime content.

Amidst this backdrop, BloomZ Inc. (Nasdaq: BLMZ), a well-known name in the voiceover industry for animation, recently made its mark by going public through an IPO in July 2024. While BloomZ has built a strong reputation in providing voiceover services for some of the top anime titles, rumours are circulating that the company may be planning to expand into the anime production business itself. If true, this could be a significant development for BloomZ, adding another layer of growth potential to their portfolio as they branch into full-scale animation production.

Japanese manga, often serving as the foundation for anime adaptations, is another critical component of the market. Major titles such as Demon Slayer, One Piece, and Attack on Titan have successfully transitioned from manga to anime and video game formats, creating a cross-media ecosystem that amplifies fan engagement. The success of these adaptations not only fuels viewership but also boosts related industries such as video gaming and merchandise, further solidifying anime’s role in Japan’s economy.

The Japan anime market offers diverse revenue streams, ranging from streaming services and live-action adaptations to manga and video game adaptations. With the entry of major conglomerates like Marubeni and Mizuho Securities, and companies like BloomZ Inc. potentially venturing into anime production, the sector is poised for significant growth.

As Japan’s anime industry continues to expand its global footprint and attract heavyweight investors, it offers a compelling investment opportunity for those looking to tap into a high-growth entertainment sector. For investors, now may be the ideal time to explore opportunities in this dynamic market.