Anime production costs have increased significantly in recent years. According to Nao Hirasawa , CEO of ARCH and president of the Graphinica studio , TV episodes can now reach up to 300 million yen, while films can cost up to 4 billion yen.
Furthermore, Hirasawa explains that the sector has become organized into different "ecosystems." These groups vary according to the brand power of the studios and their revenue sources, such as participation in copyrights or contracts with large global companies.
Ecosystems and the global influence of anime
Among the main models, the one that stands out is that of productions financed by foreign companies. In this format, projects receive high investments and target global audiences. Another relevant group involves streaming platforms and adaptations of popular games, further expanding budgets.
This scenario gained momentum after the entry of digital services into the market during the 2010s. As a result, productions linked to major IPs and games began to generate significant revenue, demanding higher technical quality and international reach.
Traditional productions face pressure
On the other hand, anime shown at night or in the morning, as well as traditional films, operate with smaller budgets. These projects prioritize the Japanese market and specific niches, with less dependence on external revenue.
However, the gap between large and small studios has widened. Hirasawa points out that smaller companies face difficulties growing, as access to large funding depends on reputation, connections, and participation in production committees. This limits their progress within the industry.
Finally, the trend points to greater inequality by 2030. While large studios strengthen themselves with international capital, smaller studios must choose between cheaper projects or risking global productions.
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Source: ITmedia and Anime Corner
