The global business of anime

Key takeaways

The anime industry is a $21 billion global market, evolving into a comprehensive lifestyle for fans.
The relationship between anime and manga is integral, with manga traditionally serving as the source material for popular anime.
Despite industry growth, animators often work under harsh conditions with relatively low pay.
AI technology is infiltrating the anime industry, sparking discussions about the future of creative work.
Anime's globalization allows for diverse storytelling and production techniques from countries outside Japan.

Summary

The Rise of the Anime Industry

The podcast discusses the booming anime industry, noting that it has reached a valuation of $21 billion globally. Egan Loo, a Senior Editor at Anime News Network, explains that anime has transcended mere entertainment to become a global lifestyle, encompassing merchandise, conventions, and social engagement among fans. Despite facing challenges, the industry is thriving with significant audience engagement, particularly from platforms like Netflix.

Anime vs. Manga: A Synergistic Relationship

Egan Khlo elucidates the connection between anime and manga, noting that while anime is becoming more popular, manga, which remains a substantial element of Japanese culture, also continues to grow albeit at a slower pace. The discussion highlights how manga serves as the foundational phase for many popular anime titles, creating a cycle of success and fandom.

Working Conditions in the Anime Industry

The podcast covers the tough working conditions for animators in the industry, with a legacy of long hours and low pay. Egan shares how working conditions have improved slightly due to new regulations; however, high turnover rates and burnout continue to plague the workforce, which is exacerbated by an oversupply of young artists eager to enter the field.

AI in Anime Production

The show delves into how AI is beginning to influence anime production, though studios are hesitant to discuss its impact publicly. They've historically explored AI for animation efficiency, yet the recent surge in generative AI raises complex concerns about its implications for creative roles.

The Globalization of Anime

The episode discusses how anime's popularity extends beyond Japan, with international companies producing 'anime-inspired' content. The hosts and Egan discuss cross-border collaboration in animation and how global cultural exchanges enrich the anime landscape.

Show notes

Over the past few years, the anime industry has reached new heights on the global stage. Netflix reported that over half of its global viewers watch anime. And, certain anime titles will soon be streaming on Delta flights. On the show today, Anime News Networks’ Egan Loo makes us smart about the rise of the anime and manga industries, the global dynamics of anime production, and how AI could change everything.

Later, we’ll get some advice on making a career change from a listener. And chess player-turned-economist Kenneth Rogoff answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

"Anime Is Booming. So Why Are Animators Living in Poverty?" from The New York Times
"From Piracy Problems to Labor Shortages, the Anime Industry Is Facing a Reckoning" from Screen Rant
"Thousands of Anime Titles Will Soon Be Streamable on Delta Flights" from Timeout
"Sony’s Crunchyroll Makes Layoffs as It Restructures to Lean Into International Growth Markets" from Variety
"The Biggest Movie You Haven't Seen Is Finally Coming To US Theaters" from Inverse
"How Korean webtoons are changing the comic industry—and the careers of creators" from Fast Company

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