Sony Is Betting Big on the Global Growth of Anime

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It’s not unexpected that Sony, after investing heavily in Kadokawa last year, is further committing to the worldwide expansion of anime content. At its CES 2025 press conference, this intention was clearly demonstrated.

Aniplex president Atsuhiro Iwakami and Crunchyroll’s leader Rahul Purini spoke passionately about the charm of the medium and their aspirations to lead the industry in a captivating discussion that lasted for quite some time. They unveiled plans for a new Ghost of Tsushima series, set for release in 2027, and disclosed that all their affiliates are collaborating to ensure Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle’s international theater debut becomes a significant global event in the near future.

Quite remarkably, the company pointed out that anime has been exceptionally well-received by Generation Z and Generation Alpha viewers. Additionally, they observed a level of engagement in these fanbases rarely witnessed in other mediums; these audiences have an intense affection for the characters, content, and narratives, which makes them particularly attractive to entrepreneurs.

As a hardcore gamer, I can’t help but notice how anime, once seen as just for nerds, is now a massive global business. In the past decade alone, the market value of Japanese entertainment has skyrocketed more than twice its original size. And guess what? By 2030, experts say it could be worth an unbelievable $60 billion worldwide!

Sony aims not only to claim a slice of that market, but also to be the leading force within it. Although it will encounter fierce competition from companies such as Disney and Netflix, it is confident that its Japanese roots combined with its distinct blend of subsidiaries give it an advantageous position to spearhead this industry sector.

Indeed, it’s undeniable that our company holds a significant edge in this area. The world of music, television, films, and gaming are intricately linked, and Sony plays an integral role in each of these realms. This multi-faceted involvement aligns perfectly with the company’s ‘One Sony’ vision.

Purini stated that we have a special chance to work together as one team within the entire Sony group, in order to cater to the needs of anime enthusiasts and creative minds.

As a dedicated anime enthusiast, I’m excitedly speculating that if the anime industry continues to expand at the projected pace, Sony might just dominate the scene in the upcoming years.

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2025-01-07 17:06