Japanese Anime, Manga Creators See Limited Gains From Global Streaming Boom
TOKYO – The surging international popularity of Japanese anime adn manga, fueled by streaming giants like Netflix, is creating a paradox for creators: wider audiences aren’t translating into greater financial rewards from merchandising. Despite record-breaking viewership, Japanese intellectual property (IP) owners are largely missing out on the lucrative revenue streams generated by global demand for related goods.
The issue stems from complex rights structures and ancient industry practices.While streaming services pay for content licenses,the rights to merchandise – figures,apparel,and other branded products – often remain with Japanese companies that lack the infrastructure or expertise to effectively capitalize on international markets.This leaves notable profits on the table as global fans clamor for officially licensed products, frequently enough settling for unauthorized versions.
“‘One Piece’ and other Japanese IPs have become more popular than ever thanks to the massive reach of streaming services,” explained industry analyst Kenji Sato. “But their creators are not benefiting from the lucrative merchandising rights that come with a global audience.”
The situation highlights a broader challenge for Japan’s creative industries. Historically focused on domestic sales,manny companies are ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of international licensing,manufacturing,and distribution. This is particularly true for smaller manga artists and animation studios, who may lack the resources to negotiate favorable deals or protect their IP from infringement.
Netflix’s live-action adaptation of “One Piece,” for example, has dramatically increased the franchise’s global visibility. However, the merchandising revenue generated by the show primarily benefits Netflix and its partners, not the original manga creator Eiichiro Oda or his publisher Shueisha.
Experts suggest several potential solutions, including increased collaboration between Japanese IP holders and international merchandising specialists, government support for overseas expansion, and legal reforms to strengthen IP protection. The current imbalance threatens to stifle future creativity and investment in Japan’s globally influential anime and manga industries.
