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Supply Chains

What is Anime and Why It Matters

Anime refers to a style of animated content that originates from Japan but has grown into a multi-billion dollar international industry. Today, anime is not just entertainment—it is a critical driver of cultural exports, content licensing, merchandising, and even co-production deals. Its unique storytelling, visual artistry, and ability to transcend language barriers make it a powerful global medium.

For Vitrina members, anime offers a window into emerging consumer trends, high-growth production markets, and opportunities for co-production, licensing, and distribution deals.

Most Popular Anime Globally (2025)

Here are the top globally popular anime titles as of 2025, based on streaming data, fanbase activity, social media engagement, and international licensing volumes:

1. Attack on Titan (Final Season Part 3)
2. Jujutsu Kaisen
3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
4. One Piece
5. My Hero Academia
6. Spy x Family
7. Chainsaw Man
8. Tokyo Revengers
9. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War
10. Solo Leveling (Korean Webtoon adaptation making waves globally)

These titles dominate across platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and regional OTTs in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

How Anime Drives Entertainment Supply Chains

From voice-over localization to international licensing and co-productions, anime fuels a multifaceted supply-chain ecosystem:

• Production Studios: Japan, South Korea, China, and now Southeast Asia.
• Post-Production and VFX: Color grading, compositing, sound design.
• Localization Services: Subtitling, dubbing, M&E, script adaptation.
• Distribution Networks: Licensing deals for TV, OTT, AVOD, and FAST channels.
• Merchandising Ecosystems: Toys, apparel, gaming, live events.

Trends and Genres in High Demand

Anime audiences have matured. Popular sub-genres include:

• Shonen (Action-adventure targeted to young males)
• Isekai (Parallel-world fantasy themes)
• Seinen (Mature, philosophical narratives)
• Slice of Life (Emotion-driven everyday storytelling)
• LGBTQ+ and Diversity-Themed Stories (Gaining global traction)

Vitrina’s data shows increased interest in diverse storylines, underrepresented creators, and cross-border genre blending.

Anime Co-Productions and Global Partnerships

Co-productions are a booming trend. Recent examples:

• Netflix’s anime investments in Korea, India, and the Philippines
• France-Japan collaborations via studios like Ankama and MAPPA
• Saudi Arabia and UAE funding Middle East-Japan anime concepts
• Latin American studios collaborating with Japanese IP holders

These alliances unlock new audience clusters, tax incentives, and shared production resources.

Distribution and Streaming Dynamics

Anime is not just broadcast content anymore. It’s a premium OTT currency. Vitrina tracks how:

• Disney+, Netflix, Crunchyroll, Bilibili, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime have anime-specific licensing teams.
• Exclusive streaming rights are part of broader strategic acquisitions.
• Localized Anime Channels on FAST platforms are emerging globally.

Key Anime Production Companies and Markets

Top production hubs include:

• Japan: Toei Animation, MAPPA, Wit Studio, Bones, Ufotable
• Korea: Studio Mir, Red Dog Culture House
• China: Haoliners Animation League
• India: Green Gold Animation, Toonz Media
• Europe: Studio La Cachette, Ankama
• LATAM: Ánima, Hampa Studio

Vitrina members use these profiles to assess potential partners based on specialization, track record, collaboration experience, and global reach.