The idea that anime always generates profit has returned to the center of discussions in Japan after executives and producers commented on recent losses linked to the industry. The issue gained traction after Pony Canyon reported approximately 6.3 billion yen in losses related to anime projects.
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According to analyses published in the Japanese press, many anime series don't generate direct profit solely through broadcasting or streaming. In many cases, financial returns come from music, merchandise, events, games and international licensing. Meanwhile, the studios responsible for the animation end up receiving only a limited portion of that revenue.
Current model of the anime industry
On social media, producers explained that the current "production committee" system distributes risks among various companies. However, this also divides the profits and rights to the works. Thus, smaller studios are often only responsible for technical production, without a significant share in the earnings from popular IPs.
Furthermore, the growth of the international market has further increased the importance of streaming platforms. Companies like Netflix and Crunchyroll have started investing heavily in Japanese content, but some in the industry believe that studios still receive less than they should for producing the series.
Overproduction and lack of professionals
Another point raised involves the number of projects underway in Japan. Currently, dozens of series are entering production simultaneously, putting pressure on animators, directors, and technical teams. This leads to some projects being canceled or postponed due to a lack of available professionals.
The debate also reignited criticism about the excess of generic adaptations and the difficulty of transforming mediocre works into major commercial successes. Even with the global growth of the sector, experts warn that the anime still faces significant financial imbalances.
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Source: Yaraon
