The world of anime is becoming increasingly present in people's lives around the globe. Rahul Purini, president of Crunchyroll, recently stated that the number of fans could reach one billion in the coming years, a historic milestone that reaffirms the cultural impact of this Japanese media. In an interview with XTrend, Purini commented that while anime initially expanded between Japan and some Southeast Asian countries, today it is a global trend. This growth has been amplified by the role of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Video, which are not only licensing popular series but also investing in original productions to capture this growing audience.
Celebrities from various fields have begun to demonstrate their passion for anime, which only confirms this rise. Personalities such as NFL player Jamaal Williams and rapper Logic have publicly expressed their love for anime culture. This not only boosts popularity among fans but also reinforces anime as an icon of mainstream pop culture. Global events, such as Comic-Con in Mumbai, are another example of the reach of this phenomenon, where fans have even sung anime songs in Japanese, showing how much anime is a part of their lives.
In addition to its growth on digital platforms, Crunchyroll – owned by Sony Pictures – is investing in the future with live-action adaptations. With Netflix's recent adaptation of "One Piece" being well-received, other franchises are also aiming for the same path, such as "One-Punch Man," which is already in development at Sony Pictures.
The evolution of anime is also reflected in its themes, such as the increased interest in sports anime, with series like "Blue Lock" and "Haikyu!!", which capture the attention of fans and athletes of professional sports. Purini also highlights how the format and narrative of anime can evolve to meet the needs of new generations, who are more accustomed to consuming content dynamically on platforms like TikTok. This could open up space for short-form anime, keeping pace with the current rhythm of social media.
Anime is no longer just popular content from Japan – it's a part of global culture, shaping trends and attracting crowds around the world. Crunchyroll believes this growth will continue, with anime fans soon numbering nearly 1 billion.
