Anime Ascends: Crunchyroll Report Reveals Global Fandom Powerhouse

A new report commissioned by anime streaming giant Crunchyroll, titled “Global State of Anime,” reveals the significant and growing influence of anime on global pop culture, particularly among Gen Z. The study, conducted by National Research Group (NRG), surveyed 29,000 general entertainment consumers aged 13-54 across seven key markets, including 3,500 self-identified anime fans.

The findings paint a clear picture: anime is no longer a niche interest but a dominant force shaping the entertainment landscape. The report highlights that anime fandom, especially within the Gen Z demographic, rivals the passion and engagement typically seen with major music artists and established sports franchises.

A key takeaway from the research is the profound sense of community and cultural connection that anime fosters among its fans. The study delved into the values, identity markers, and behaviors that characterize anime fandom, underscoring its unique ability to bring people together. Another thing to keep in mind while reading the study, Crunchyroll paid for this study. The company has a vested interest for a positive result to come from said study, so take a lot of the actual data points seen with a grain of salt but the samples still tell a compelling story, one that other brands should take note of.

The “Global State of Anime” report positions anime not as a sideline spectator in popular culture, but as a leading innovator and trendsetter. This data underscores a significant shift in how entertainment is consumed and valued, with anime at the forefront of this evolution.