Japan reports $38bn losses from anime, manga and game piracy, government data shows

Japan’s government has reported a sharp rise in losses linked to the piracy of anime, manga and video games, with estimated damage reaching $38 billion in 2025.

The figures were highlighted by Automaton, citing a new report from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI).

According to the data, losses attributed to digital content piracy increased from two trillion yen in 2022 to 5.7 trillion yen in 2025, rising from approximately $13.3 billion to around $38 billion.

The estimates are based on a 2025 consumer survey conducted across six countries: Japan, China, Vietnam, France, the United States and Brazil. While the survey found that the number of pirated books consumed per person has declined, overall damage has continued to grow.

The report attributes this increase to exchange rate fluctuations, higher prices, expanding internet-connected populations and a rise in users accessing pirated content.

METI’s report also points to the expanding global reach of Japanese entertainment. Anime and manga have seen continued growth overseas, prompting the Japanese government to set a target in November 2025 to expand the international entertainment market by 20 trillion yen by 2033, equivalent to roughly $130 billion.

To address piracy, the ministry plans to strengthen cooperation with local authorities, reinforce legal frameworks and expand countermeasures targeting copyright infringement. The report also highlights emerging concerns around generative AI and the production of counterfeit character goods.

Separately, Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs recently announced funding of $650,000 to develop an AI system designed to detect stolen manga pages and identify their distribution sources.

Despite outlining tougher enforcement measures, the report states that legal action alone is unlikely to resolve the issue.

METI has indicated that it will also support wider international distribution of official Japanese content, with the aim of directing global audiences toward authorised releases as an alternative to pirated material.