A new book titled “Anime Economy (Ekonomii): A Scenario for Global Strategy Revealed Through On-Site Reporting and Data” is set to release on July 27, 2026. The volume examines the paradox that Japanese anime IP is among the most watched content in the world yet one of the least monetized, using on-the-ground reporting and data analysis to chart a path forward for Japan’s entertainment industry.
The overseas market for Japanese anime has surpassed 2 trillion yen, exceeding the domestic market. Today, many of the world’s Gen Z consumers engage with anime daily, and Japanese IPs like Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man have achieved simultaneous global hits, transforming anime into a borderless global culture. However, despite this massive viewership, challenges remain in revenue generation, rights utilization, talent development, and data infrastructure.
The book takes 2025 as a turning point and covers topics including Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (Chapter 1: Akaza Returns), the Chainsaw Man – Reze Arc film, Crunchyroll (under Sony Group), Netflix as a major streaming platform, the Hollywood live-action Gundam film, the Spanish-language market of 480 million people, the growing anime booms in India and Indonesia, the rise of Korean webtoons and Chinese animation, and the Japanese government’s strategy to achieve 20 trillion yen in overseas content sales. Through on-site reporting in the U.S. and Spain, interviews with key industry figures, and extensive data, the book deciphers Japan’s global entertainment strategy.
Intended for anime fans, content business professionals, manufacturers, trading companies, advertising agencies, investors, government officials, startups, and students aiming to enter the entertainment industry, the book offers insights into the future of Japan-originated content.
Book Details
| Title | “Anime Economy (Ekonomii): A Scenario for Global Strategy Revealed Through On-Site Reporting and Data” |
|---|---|
| Author | Hirashima Ayako (Nikkei Entertainment! Editorial Committee Member) |
| Release Date | July 27, 2026 (Monday) |
| Specifications | 46-size, softcover, 336 pages |
| Price | 2,200 yen (plus tax) |
| ISBN | 978-4-296-20975-0 |
| Publisher | Nikkei BP |
| Distributor | Nikkei BP Marketing |
Main Topics Covered
- Why 2025 became a turning point for the anime industry
- Where Japanese anime loses profit in the 2 trillion yen overseas market
- New rules for global simultaneous hits as shown by Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man
- Why Crunchyroll and Netflix invest heavily in Japanese anime
- Why the North American market remains the starting point for global expansion
- Why the Spanish-language market of 480 million people is gaining attention
- The new anime booms in India and Indonesia
- Whether Korean webtoons and Chinese animation pose a threat to Japan
- Feasibility of the Japanese government’s 20 trillion yen overseas content sales strategy
- How data analysis and fandom utilization affect industrial competitiveness
- The real meaning behind the live-action Gundam film
- How trading companies, talent agencies, and IT firms view anime IP
About the Author
Hirashima Ayako is an editorial committee member for Nikkei Entertainment! She has covered the entertainment industry for over 20 years, handling music, film, television, idols, and comedians. In recent years, her focus has been on the global expansion of anime and IP business, conducting on-site reporting in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and other regions.
