Manga Market Size & Outlook, 2025-2033

Manga Market Size

The global manga market size was valued at USD 12.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 13.5 billion in 2025 to USD 24.6 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period (2025-2033). 

Mangais a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels that combines storytelling with detailed artwork, often read from right to left. Manga covers many genres, including action, romance, fantasy, horror, and slice of life, appealing to readers of all ages. It plays a significant role in Japanese culture and has gained global popularity, especially through digital platforms and anime adaptations. Manga is typically serialised in magazines before being compiled into volumes. The global manga market includes creating, distributing, and selling Japanese-style comic books and graphic novels, available in print and digital formats.

The global manga market is driven by Rising demand for translated editions, collectable volumes, and digital subscriptions. Publishers leverage multimedia integration and international partnerships to expand their reach and fanbase. The notable increase in manga's appeal on a global level as a result of various cultural exchange & localisation initiatives also propelled the market. The market also profits from manga's increasing marketing and popularity due to fans' participation in online forums. The growing popularity of manga in digital format creates opportunities for profitable market expansion. 

Latest Market Trend

Digital Manga Growth

The digital transformation of the manga industry is reshaping how fans consume content. With the widespread availability of smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, digital manga offers unmatched convenience no need for physical storage or location-based restrictions. Platforms like WEBTOON, Manga Plus, Shonen Jump+, and ComiXology now offer vast libraries, simultaneous global releases, and features like panel-by-panel navigation and translation support.

• For example, In March 2025, Sony's subsidiaries Aniplex and Crunchyroll established Hayate Inc., a joint venture focused on producing high-quality anime content for global distribution via Crunchyroll's streaming service. This collaboration aims to leverage Aniplex's production expertise and Crunchyroll's international reach to create original anime that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Subscription models and ad-supported access further reduce entry barriers, making digital manga more inclusive and mainstream.

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Manga Market Growth Factor

Manga-Inspired Video Games

Video games based on popular manga franchises create immersive, multi-platform ecosystems that deepen fan engagement. These games extend the manga narrative, allow players to interact with their favourite characters, and foster emotional investment. Franchises like Naruto, Dragon Ball, andAttack on Titan have successfully transitioned into blockbuster video game titles with millions in global sales.

• For instance, Level-5 Inc. announced that its popular soccer RPG franchise, Inazuma Eleven, will be coming to Xbox consoles for the first time with the release of Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road. Scheduled to launch on August 21, 2025, the game will also be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.

These cross-media projects drive merchandise, streaming viewership, and increased readership of the original manga, creating a feedback loop of fan interest and monetisation.

Market Restraint

High Competition from Alternative Entertainment Mediums

The manga industry faces strong competition from rapidly evolving entertainment alternatives like video games, social media, YouTube, and streaming services. Younger demographics often prefer fast-paced, interactive, or audiovisual experiences requiring less time than reading. While anime adaptations boost manga popularity, they can also reduce the urgency for readers to follow the source material.

Additionally, global markets with less embedded manga culture may lean more toward locally dominant entertainment options, limiting manga's penetration. This fragmented attention span and abundant digital distractions mean that manga publishers must continuously innovate through enhanced digital experiences, gamification, or cross-media partnerships to retain reader interest.

Market Opportunity

Rising Demand for Anime Adaptations

Anime adaptations are powerful promotional tools that dramatically increase manga readership. These adaptations bring manga stories to life with animation, voice acting, and music, making them accessible to a broader, often global, audience. After watching a successful anime, fans frequently seek out the manga to explore deeper story arcs or stay ahead of the televised episodes.

• For instance, in December 2024, TBS confirmed that "El pecado original de Takopi," a manga by Taizan 5, will receive an anime adaptation, with a premiere expected in 2025. The manga, known for addressing complex themes like bullying and depression, has sold over 1.4 million copies and is considered a cult work.

As streaming services like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu continue to globalise anime content, this synergy between manga and anime will remain a key growth driver.

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific: Dominant Region with 65% Market Share

Asia-Pacific continues to dominate the global manga market, with Japan holding a dominant share exceeding 60%. As the birthplace of manga, Japan boasts an intricate manga culture supported by various genres that appeal to different age groups and demographics. The rise of manhua (Chinese comics) and webtoons (South Korean digital comics) further strengthens the region’s dominance, offering complementary styles and formats to traditional manga. With a robust publishing infrastructure, wide accessibility in print and digital formats, and the global popularity of Japanese titles like Naruto and Attack on Titan, Japan remains the heart of the manga industry, shaping trends worldwide.

Indian Industry Trends

The manga industry is still in its infancy and has much potential because of India's expanding youth population and improved access to digital media. Due to the introduction of manga to Indian consumers by Japanese anime streaming services, there is an increasing need for localised content. With digital platforms, publishers such as Kodansha are progressively joining the market to serve the tech-savvy populace.

North America: Fastest-Growing Region with the Highest Market Cagr

North America is experiencing the fastest growth in the manga market, with a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 15%. This surge can be attributed to the increasing popularity of online platforms such as Crunchyroll, WEBTOON, and VIZ Media, as well as the rising mainstream acceptance of manga and anime. The region’s growing interest in Japanese pop culture and easier access to digital content has attracted a younger demographic, boosting demand for manga. The expansion of conventions and community events further drives this growth, highlighting the increasing influence of manga in North American pop culture.

United States Market Trends

One of the manga markets outside of Japan with the quickest growth rate is the United States. Manga sales in the United States have increased dramatically due to increased exposure to Japanese pop culture through conventions and anime streaming services. Popular Japanese volumes are imported and distributed by well-known publishers like Viz Media and Yen Press, while digital manga is now more widely available thanks to websites like ComiXology.

Country Insights

• Japan- Japan is the country where manga first appeared and has the largest market, accounting for a sizable global market share. Manga, which is ingrained in Japanese culture and spans a wide range of genres, from adventure and passion to historical & educational themes, appeals to readers of all ages. Major publishing houses like Shueisha, Kodansha, and Shogakukan dominate the market, with works like Attack on Titan and One Piece being their flagships.
• China: The rising proportion of adolescents in China and their absorption in Japanese culture supply manga a prospective market. High material regulations bring challenges. However, digital platforms continue to be an essential manga distribution channel. Collaborations with Chinese publishers guarantee that local laws are followed while the material is customised to regional tastes. Increasing the profit of manga using legitimate licenses helps to address the decades-old piracy problem in the manga market.
• Brazil: Brazil dominates the manga market in Latin America. Since manga is read in print and digital media in Brazil, there's an avid audience for Japanese culture. Manga is accessible by localised editions and reasonable prices, while community involvement is fueled by anime events & fan conventions. As manga is becoming increasingly popular, major producers are considering investing in Brazil.
• South Korea: The manga market in South Korea is influenced by the country's flourishing comic culture and webtoon industry. Japanese manga still has a devoted fan base despite the dominance of webtoons, especially for titles that aren't converted to webtoon formats. Through collaborations between South Korean digital platforms and Japanese publishers, manga is now more widely available to print and digital media readers. The high internet usage rate in the nation contributes to the high demand for online manga subscriptions.

Segmentation Analysis

By Content Type

The printed segment remains the dominant force in the manga market, commanding the largest market share despite the growing popularity of digital formats. The appeal of tangible manga volumes, especially in Japan, where physical copies remain deeply embedded in daily culture, continues to fuel this segment’s growth. Major publishers like Shueisha and Kodansha drive this market, with iconic titles such as One Piece and Demon Slayer leading global sales. Physical manga sales continue to represent the market's core, with a strong presence in bookstores, convenience stores, and specialised manga shops.

By Genre

The action and adventure genre commands the largest share of the manga market, capturing approximately 33% of the total revenue. This genre’s wide appeal spans a diverse audience, from young males to females, drawn in by its exciting plots, dynamic battles, and epic quests. Popular titles like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Naruto, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen exemplify this genre’s dominance. Its global reach is supported by the multilingual availability of these titles, allowing them to resonate with readers across various cultures and regions. The genre’s broad appeal ensures its continued market leadership in traditional and digital formats.

By Audience

The adult segment (over 16 years) holds the largest share of the manga market, driven by an expansive range of mature and sophisticated themes. Genres such as action, romance, drama, sci-fi, and psychological thrillers specifically cater to adult readers. The rise of digital platforms has further fueled this growth, enabling easy access to manga via mobile devices and e-readers. The international spread of Japanese entertainment and culture, particularly through anime, has bolstered global adult readership, with manga becoming integral to many adults’ entertainment consumption.

By Gender

Manga remains a male-dominated market, with men representing 55-60% of the overall consumer base. This is largely due to the widespread popularity of genres like action, adventure, sci-fi, fantasy, and sports, which predominantly attract male readers. Series such as Naruto, Dragon Ball, and One Piece maintain strong fanbases, especially in shōnen (young male-oriented) and seinen (adult male-oriented) categories. The prevalence of online platforms allowing easy access to global manga content has further amplified male engagement in the market, solidifying its dominance.

By Distribution Channel

The online segment is rapidly growing, accounting for 35-45% of the market share. The shift towards digital content has accelerated with the widespread adoption of online platforms like WEBTOON, Kindle, and ComiXology, which offer extensive manga libraries and subscription-based access. The convenience of accessing manga on mobile devices, combined with the global reach of digital platforms, has made online distribution the preferred channel, particularly among younger, tech-savvy readers. As the demand for digital content rises, the online segment is expected to challenge the traditional offline model, increasingly overtaking physical sales.

Company Market Share

The manga market is highly competitive, derived from fresh and veteran creators and internet media. Due to the ability for independent authors to self-publish and interact directly with audiences, the emergence of digital platforms such as ComiXology, Webtoon, & Manga Plus has increased competition. To cater to a growing global fan base, publishers collaborate with foreign partners to translate & distribute content, which further impacts the market.

Webtoon Entertainment Inc.: An Emerging Player in the Manga Market

WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. is gaining much notoriety by revolutionising the consumption of comics and manga and giving priority to digital media. Reaching a younger, tech-savvy worldwide audience, WEBTOON specialises in providing manga-like material in a vertical scrolling format optimised for mobile devices. Beyond Japan, its viewership has spread to North America, Europe, & Southeast Asia due to its innovative platform that seriously disrupted conventional print manga markets.

Recent developments include:

• By 2023, WEBTOON boosted its global audience by working with big entertainment companies like Netflix & HBO to turn well-liked webtoon programs into animated movies and live-action television series, including All of Us Are Dead and Sweet Home.

List of key players in Manga Market

1. AKITA PUBLISHING CO., LTD.
2. BUNGEISHUNJU LTD.
3. GOOD SMILE COMPANY
4. HOUBUNSHA CO., LTD
5. KADOKAWA CORPORATION
6. Kodansha Ltd.
7. NIHONBUNGEISHA
8. Seven Seas Entertainment, Inc.
9. SHUEISHA INC.
10. VIZ, Inc.
11. Takeshobo Co., Ltd.
12. Hakusensha Inc.
13. Ohzora Publishing Co., Ltd.
14. Gakken
15. LEED PUBLISHING Co., Ltd.

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Recent Developments

• February 2024- The initial volume of Shiro Moriya's Astro Baby manga has been published by Viz Media & MANGA Plus by Shueisha. Additionally, Shueisha's Shonen Jump+ webpage became online. In this science fiction film, Billy, a soldier from North Hill, makes a six-year trip back to the town to visit the woman he loves. The narrative demonstrates how Cooper's Disease, a cannibalistic illness, decimates the planet and puts residents of North Hill under lockdown.
• In 2024- KADOKAWA Corporation announced a partnership with Éditions Dupuis S.A., the group's French comics publisher, and Média-Participations Paris, a renowned European publishing and entertainment company. The combined business produces light novels, comic books, and other content for French-speaking customers in Korea and Japan.

Analyst Opinion

As per our analyst, the global manga market is poised for robust and sustained growth, fueled by a dynamic interplay of cultural, technological, and commercial factors. One of the most significant drivers is the rising global appeal of manga, propelled by cultural exchange programs, localisation strategies, and the increasing integration of Japanese entertainment into mainstream global media. Localisation efforts, such as high-quality translations and culturally adapted storylines, have made manga more accessible and relatable to diverse international audiences, significantly expanding its consumer base.

Moreover, the surge in anime adaptations of manga titles has further heightened interest in original content. The rise of fan communities and social media platforms also plays a pivotal role. Additionally, the market is witnessing increased monetisation through associated merchandise, including apparel, video games, collectables, posters, and figurines, which are widely available online and offline. This merchandise ecosystem transforms manga from a reading experience into a lifestyle brand, generating diversified revenue streams for publishers and content creators.