Anime Piracy Reaches Record High of $30 Billion in 2025

A recent online survey has revealed that anime piracy has surged to unprecedented levels, tripling over the past three years.

Conducted by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, the survey gathered responses from six countries, including Japan, the United States, and Brazil.

The findings were alarming: piracy in film, TV, and publishing alone has resulted in estimated damages of around $31 billion, with video games and music also suffering significant financial losses.

In 2022, the total cost of piracy reached nearly $13 billion, reflecting the growing popularity of anime and manga, as well as the expansion of Japanese media. Interestingly, the average cost of piracy per person has decreased, attributed to fluctuating exchange rates and a rising interest in Japanese products in international markets.

To tackle this issue, the Japanese government plans to implement stricter legal measures and crack down on the use of generative AI and counterfeit goods.

With anime set for a remarkable 2025, it’s no surprise that the darker aspects of the industry, such as piracy and AI, are becoming more prominent. Notably, *Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle* has become the highest-grossing anime film ever, while *Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc* and the compilation film *Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution* have also seen box office success.

The staggered release dates for these films across various international markets may have contributed to the rising piracy figures, indicating that the issue is more widespread than ever in the anime and manga sectors.

Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for new anime. The current winter season continues with *Jujutsu Kaisen* season 3, while the upcoming spring and summer seasons promise highlights like *One Piece*, *Re:Zero*, and *Bleach*. Additionally, a new *Dragon Ball* series is in the works, set to debut this fall.