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How Many People Watches Anime? (Let’s Explore)

Anime has been winning hearts for a few decades now mainly because of the stories and sequences that one may not find in live-action films or dramas.

Most Anime watchers are young adults and teenagers, to be precise, the majority of viewers are under 30 years old.

It would be difficult to pinpoint the exact month or year during which Anime became popular but the 21st century brought luck to the Anime and Manga industry in Japan.

Anime is a specific form of animation and art style of Japanese artists famous for the doe eyes and exaggerated reactions of characters.

Anime may have been characterized by this initially, but as you explore more you will find many amazing stories, a plethora of subgenres, and amazing characters that will also make you an Anime fan

Pokemon is the highest-grossing anime world wide
Pokémon is the highest-grossing Anime worldwide.

Since Anime originated in Japan, It has the strongest fanbase in the country. In Japan, around three-quarters of the population either watch Anime frequently or reports to have recently.

About 41.5 million people in Japan, or 33% of the population, watch Anime.

Many of the popular Anime series that have launched in Japan are watched by millions of people all around the world. In this blog I will discuss the popularity of Anime and how many people watch Anime. 

How Anime became popular?

The very first Anime we were introduced to as a kid was Dragon Ball Z
The very first Anime we were introduced to as a kid was Dragon Ball Z.

There are several factors that have contributed to the popularity of Anime around the world.

One factor is the increasing availability of Anime outside of Japan.

In the past, Anime was largely unknown outside of Japan, but the growth of the internet and streaming platforms has made it easier for people around the world to access Anime.

In addition, the globalization of the entertainment industry has led to the distribution of Anime to a wider audience.

Another factor is the appeal of Anime to a wide range of people. Anime covers a wide range of genres, including action, adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy, and science fiction, and there is something for everyone.

Many people are drawn to the unique art style and storytelling of Anime, as well as the compelling characters and imaginative worlds.

Finally, the popularity of Anime has also been fueled by fan communities and conventions, which have helped to spread awareness of Anime and bring fans together.

There are several significant participants in the worldwide Anime market. As can be seen below, Asia continues to export the most Anime, followed by North America and Europe.

RegionsAnime ExportBroadcast rights to Anime
Asia50.5%61%
Europe11%6.8%
North America30.2%23.6%
Others4.5%4%
Share of Exports in the Anime market by region

How popular is Anime worldwide?

It is difficult to accurately determine what percent of the world likes Anime, as the definition of “liking Anime” can vary from person to person.

Some people may consider themselves fans of Anime if they enjoy watching a few select series, while others may consider themselves hardcore fans if they watch a large number of Anime series and immerse themselves in the culture.

In 2020, at least 1 Anime feature was seen by more than 100 million homes worldwide on Netflix.

That being said, Anime has gained a significant following around the world and is especially popular in countries such as Japan, the United States, and many countries in Europe.

In Japan, where Anime originated, it is a major part of the entertainment industry and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

In the United States, the Anime industry has grown significantly in recent years, with conventions, merchandise, and streaming services all contributing to its popularity.

Around 638.95M individuals watch Anime on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, etc.

It is worth noting that while Anime has a dedicated and passionate fan base, it is still a niche interest compared to more mainstream forms of entertainment.

As such, it is likely that the majority of the world does not consider themselves fans of Anime. However, it is difficult to estimate exactly what percent of the world likes Anime, as it depends on how one defines their level of interest in the medium.

Most Popular Anime among Netizens

What percent of the US watches Anime?

It is difficult to accurately determine what percent of the United States population watches Anime, as there is no comprehensive data on the topic.

However, Anime has gained a significant following in the United States and is especially popular among younger demographics.

The percentage of Americans that frequently watch Anime is around 72%. This indicates that while more people in the United States than Japan watch Anime overall, a higher proportion of Japanese people watch Anime as a whole.

Anime has also gained a following through streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll, which have licensed a number of popular Anime series for streaming. 

What percentage of high schoolers watch Anime?

High school kids make up one of the largest percentages of Anime viewers.
High school kids make up one of the largest percentages of Anime viewers.

88.2% of students in high school who participated in a poll in Japan in March 2022 said they watch Anime. In the case of university students, the share was roughly equal to high.

Some students are drawn to the unique art style and colorful animation of Anime, while others enjoy the complex and often emotionally charged storylines of Anime series.

Anime often explores deep and thought-provoking themes such as love, loss, friendship, and identity, which can be especially resonant with teenagers as they navigate the challenges and changes of adolescence.

Many Anime series also feature complex and well-developed characters, which can be appealing to teenagers who are searching for role models and trying to understand their own identities.

In addition, Anime often has a strong sense of community and culture surrounding it, which can be attractive to teenagers looking for a place to belong and connect with others who share similar interests.

Many teenagers also enjoy the sense of escapism and fantasy that Anime can provide, as it allows them to explore new worlds and experiences that may be difficult to find in the real world.

What gender watches more Anime?

57 % of male high school students watch Anime at least once a week or more, compared to 50 % of female high school students, according to a poll performed in Japan between October and November 2021. Girls were more likely to report not watching any Anime at all than boys.

There is little difference in the number of men and women who watch Anime. It is possible that different factors, such as age, cultural background, and personal interests, may influence an individual’s likelihood of watching Anime.

A poll done in Japan in July 2022 revealed that 32.6% of boys between the ages of 15 and 19 were willing to spend money on manga or Anime. In the same age range as girls, the ratio was lower. 

Conclusion

  • After the launch of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll the number of Anime viewers is increasing in numbers thanks to Subbed and Dubbed versions of the medium. 
  • The biggest consumer of Anime is Japan followed by North America and Europe. 
  • Anime viewers are mostly high school boys according to some surveys conducted in Japan however it can vary from region to region. 

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