Japanese Manga Sales Reach Record High of 700 Billion Yen in 2024
Record-Breaking Sales for the Fifth Consecutive Year
Japan’s manga industry has achieved a new milestone, with estimated sales reaching 700 billion yen (approximately 4.67 billion US dollars) in 2024, marking the fifth consecutive year of record sales. This significant achievement is attributed to the growth of digital sales, which now account for 72.7% of the 704.3 billion yen market.
Digital Sales Dominate the Market
In 2024, digital format comics sales totalled 512.2 billion yen, a 6% increase from the previous year, and almost double the 2019 level. Although the Research Institute for Publications notes that growth is slowing, digital sales continue to be a driving force behind the industry’s success.
Print Sales Decline
Contrary to digital growth, sales of physical comic books and magazines have continued to decline, dropping 8.8% from the previous year to 192.1 billion yen. This decline is attributed to the fading demand boost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Popular Series Conclude, Impact on Sales
The conclusion of popular series such as "Jujutsu Kaisen," "My Hero Academia," and "Oshi no Ko" in 2024 may have also contributed to the decline in physical sales, as fans of these series may be shifting their attention to digital formats.
Manga’s Growing Share of the Publishing Market
Manga sales now account for 44.8% of the country’s publishing market, a 1.3 percentage point increase from the previous year. This growing share is a testament to the enduring popularity of manga among Japanese readers.
Conclusion
The Japanese manga industry’s remarkable performance in 2024 is a result of the growing demand for digital content and the industry’s ability to adapt to changing consumer habits. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the industry responds to the decline of physical sales and the rise of digital formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the total value of manga sales in 2024?
A: 704.3 billion yen (approximately 4.67 billion US dollars)
Q: What proportion of manga sales were digital?
A: 72.7%
Q: What was the growth rate of digital sales in 2024?
A: 6%
Q: What was the decline in physical comic book and magazine sales in 2024?
A: 8.8%
Q: What percentage of the publishing market did manga sales account for in 2024?
A: 44.8%