In-Depth Overview of the Leading 7 Companies in the Anime Market

Anime refers to animated shows and movies originating from Japan, characterized by colorful visuals, imaginative storytelling, and themes that range from fantasy and sci-fi to slice-of-life dramas. Anime has grown from a niche entertainment form to a global phenomenon, influencing pop culture, fashion, and even technology. Over the past few decades, anime has exploded in popularity worldwide, thanks to streaming platforms, social media, and passionate fan communities.

The vibrant world of anime is powered by studios, distributors, and streaming platforms that bring these animated stories to audiences worldwide. Let’s explore the key players in the anime industry and how they shape this billion-dollar phenomenon. 

What is An Anime?

Anime is a style of animation that originated in Japan. It includes numerous genres, ranging from action and adventure to romance and horror. Unlike usual Western cartoons, anime often features complex storylines, deep character development, and a unique artistic style that sets it apart.

Anime can be divided into several categories based on the target audience.

• Sh?nen (for young boys): Examples include Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, and One Piece.
• Sh?jo (for young girls): Examples include Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura.
• Seinen (for adult men): Examples include Attack on Titan and Berserk.
• Josei (for adult women): Examples include Nana and Paradise Kiss.
• Kodomo (for young children): Examples include Doraemon and Pokémon.

The diversity in storytelling and art styles has made anime a favorite medium for audiences across all age groups.

The Anime Production Process

Producing an anime series or film is a complex procedure involving multiple stages.

Planning and Pre-Production

Before an anime is made, studios plan the story, budget it, and schedule it. Many anime are adaptations of manga (Japanese Comics), light novels, or video games. Original anime, created without prior source material, is less common but can become highly popular (Neon Genesis Evangelion is an example).

Scriptwriting and Storyboarding

Writers and directors work together to create scripts and storyboards. These blueprints outline each episode, detailing character movements, dialogue, and key scenes.

Animation Production

This is the most labor-intensive stage. It involves:

• Character Designing: Artists create detailed sketches of characters.
• Background Art: Backgrounds are painted separately to match the anime’s setting.
• Key Animation: Animators draw keyframes while assistants fill in the frames between them in order to create fluid motion.

Voice Acting & Sound Design

Voice actors, also known as seiyuu, bring paper-drawn characters to life, and composers create background music. Sound effects and theme songs are added to enhance the viewing experience.

Post-Production and Release

Once the animation is completed, final editing, visual effects, and subtitles (for international versions) are added before the anime is broadcast on TV, released in theaters, or streamed online.

Major Companies in Anime Market

Several companies play a crucial role in the anime industry. These include production studios, publishers, streaming platforms, and merchandise manufacturers.

1. Toei Animation

Toei Animation Co., Ltd. is a Japanese animation studio that was founded in 1956. Toei Animation was founded by the merger of Japan Animation Co., Ltd. and Toei Company, Ltd. in 1948. The company's headquarters are located in Tokyo, Japan. Toei Animation is one of Japan’s oldest animation studios, known for producing long-running anime series. Some of its famous work includes One piece, Dragon Ball Z, and Sailor Moon.

2. Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli began as a subsidiary of Tokuma Shoten Co., Ltd. in 1985. In 1997, Studio Ghibli merged with Tokuma Shoten Co., Ltd. and became independent in 2005. The studio's headquarters are located in Koganei, Tokyo, Japan. This legendary studio, co-founded by Hayao Miyazaki, is known for its beautifully animated films that often feature strong environmental and emotional themes, such as My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away.

3. Aniplex

Aniplex is a private company that produces and plans anime music and video content. Its headquarters are based in Tokyo, Japan. A subsidiary of Sony, Aniplex was established in 1995 and produces and distributes popular anime like Demon Slayer and Fate/Stay Night. A-1 Pictures, CloverWorks, Claynel, Boundary, Crunchyroll, LLC, and Lasengle are some of the studios that are under Aniplex.

4. Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is a streaming service that was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California, USA. It is a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation. Crunchyroll is a leading anime streaming service that offers licensed anime for international audiences. It has helped make anime more accessible worldwide. It is one of the biggest distributors of Japanese animation and related content in the world.

5. Viz Media

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, USA, Viz Media is a company specializing in publishing and distributing Japanese manga and anime in North America. It primarily publishes manga and anime titles from Japan, translating them for English-speaking audiences. The company was founded in 1986. It is well-known for its work in Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece.

Role of Merchandise in Anime’s Success

Anime is just not about TV shows and movies, many other factors are also linked to it. One of the main factors from which the anime industry is benefitting is merchandise. Companies create figures, toys, and apparel that generate billions of dollars in revenue. Some of the most profitable franchises due to merchandise sales are discussed below.

• Pokémon

The highest-grossing franchise of all time, earning from video games, cards, and toys.

• Dragon Ball Z

This anime is popular for action figures, clothing, and video games.

• Demon Slayer

It is the anime that generated record-breaking sales from Blu-rays, manga, and figurines.

Future of Anime Industry

CGI and AI in Animation

Artificial intelligence (AI) and computer-generated imagery (CGI) have transformed the animation industry by making it faster, more efficient, and more realistic. AI-powered tools can automate repetitive tasks, analyze data, and create personalized experiences.

More Global Collaborations

The anime industry has seen a rise in global collaborations, which have led to diverse content and increased market growth. Western companies like Netflix are partnering with Japanese studios for exclusive anime projects.

Expansion into Gaming and VR

The expansion of anime into gaming and VR is a growing trend where popular anime series and aesthetics are being adapted into immersive virtual reality experiences, allowing fans to interact directly with their favorite characters and worlds within VR spaces.

Conclusion

Anime has become a global cultural force, thanks to the dedicated studios, distributors, and video streaming platforms that bring it to life. From classic studios like Toei Animation and Studio Ghibli to modern streaming giants like Netflix and Crunchyroll, many companies have contributed to anime’s success. As technology advances and international interest grows, the future of anime looks brighter than ever.