Konnichiwa from Japan! (づ ᴗ _ᴗ)づ If you’re a print-on-demand seller looking to expand your business or tap into one of the most dynamic niches, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’ll explore the world of anime merch, and trust us, the possibilities are as vast as they are exciting!
Did you know? The anime merch market is hands down profitable and only expected to grow worldwide. So, there’s never been a better time to jump on board!
Whether you’re a seasoned online seller or just getting started, this guide has everything you need to succeed in selling anime merch and capture the hearts of anime enthusiasts worldwide. We’ve got you covered, from statistics and tips to the most incredible designs inspired by the most popular anime series and mockups to showcase your new collection!
( • ᴗ - ) Jump Ahead to What You Need
- First Things First: What Is Anime?
- Must-Know Anime Statistics: Trends and Facts
- The Top Anime Genres You Need to Know
- Stunning Placeit Designs Inspired by Popular Anime
- 10 Must-Have Products for Your Anime Merch Line
- The Best Anime Mockups for Showcasing Your Designs
- Wrapping up Our Anime Merch Guide
First Things First: What Is Anime?
So, what exactly is anime? In a nutshell, anime (アニメ) can be understood as Japanese cartoons and is also the animated form of representing a story. But don’t get it twisted with manga, which is more about comics or graphic novels. Anime comes in all shapes and sizes, from awesome TV series to movies and video games!
But anime isn’t just Japanese animation; it’s a global phenomenon that’s captured the hearts of countless enthusiasts. With its popularity skyrocketing worldwide, it’s a market you definitely want to be a part of!
Must-Know Anime Statistics: Trends and Facts
Check out these astounding anime statistics and trends that’ll excite you about creating your custom anime merch line! We’ve included detailed information about the growth of the market, the most popular genres and series, and the preferences of anime enthusiasts worldwide.
- The global anime market is booming, with a value of USD 31.23 billion in 2023, and expected to reach USD 34.22 billion in 2024!
- And guess what? From 2024 to 2030, it's projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8%, reaching USD 60.07 billion by 2030.
- While Japan led the anime market in 2023 with a 40.7% share, North America is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of over 16%, fueled by the growing popularity of anime in the US and Canada.
- As of 2023, merchandising accounted for over 30% of the anime market's revenue!
- Action & Adventure takes the crown for the largest market revenue share in 2023.
- And did you know? Anime ranks as the 3rd most in-demand subgenre worldwide, with a demand share of 5.5%!
Check the sources here. You can also discover more anime statistics on this link.
Looking For More?
For some fascinating insights backed by survey research and presented in a visually appealing format, be sure to check out Polygon! Here’s a sneak peek at what they’ve found:
- Gen Z is the biggest consumer of anime, with 42% of them watching weekly, while millennials follow closely behind at 25%.
- Nearly half of the anime fans in Gen Z and millennials watch anime to get pumped up, and over 75% use it as an escape.
- Over 65% of anime viewers say it has a more significant emotional impact than other media.
With stats like these, the anime world is undoubtedly exciting for sellers like you.
The Top Anime Genres You Need to Know
Similar to other animated series, anime covers a wide range of themes, but a common feature is the development of complex plots across many episodes. Let’s delve into some of the most common genres:
- For the little ones, there's kodomo anime, perfect for the youngest viewers, with classics like “Heidi”.
- Next, we have Shōnen, which mainly targets a young male audience and includes iconic series such as Dragon Ball and Naruto.
- Then there's Shōjo, designed to capture young girls' hearts with classics like "Sailor Moon".
- For the grown-ups, there's Seinen, which offers mature themes and gripping narratives with hits like "Monster".
- For the feminine public, there’s an anime genre called Josei, with titles like "Nana".
In addition to these primary genres, anime often includes subcategories related to action, adventure, comedy, science fiction, drama, fantasy, romance, and horror.
Understanding these genres and subgenres is key, especially if you’re thinking about creating your anime merch line! Each niche within the anime world has unique sub-niches, giving you the perfect opportunity to customize your products to match the preferences of your desired demographic!
Stunning Placeit Designs Inspired by Popular Anime
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the top-notch visual resources that Placeit by Envato offers to help you create a fantastic anime merch line!
At Placeit, we update our design templates gallery daily with new assets. Whether you’re looking for trendy, seasonal, or evergreen designs, you’ll find everything you need right here!
For this blog, we’ve selected some awesome designs inspired by the most popular anime worldwide. But the truth is our gallery is filled with tons of anime templates you will love; perfect for any anime merch item you have in mind!
Stay tuned because we’ll also show you the hottest items that will be a hit with your next customers.
- Demon Slayer-Inspired Designs
- Naruto-Inspired Designs
- One Piece-Inspired Designs
- Pokémon-Inspired Designs
- Dragon Ball-Inspired Designs
- Studio Ghibli-Inspired Designs
Demon Slayer-Inspired Designs
Demon Slayer is an all-time favorite, loved by fans for its great story and stunning animation. So it’s a great idea to add it to your anime merch line, as it has impressed so many fans worldwide, making it a fantastic opportunity for you to attract these enthusiasts.
Good news: Placeit by Envato has Demon Slayer-inspired, copyright-safe t-shirt designs. Best of all, these high-resolution templates are perfect for any anime merch you can imagine.
Naruto-Inspired Designs
Another hugely popular anime classic is Naruto. This Japanese series has made a massive impact on anime culture worldwide. Even people who aren’t big anime fans know about Naruto!
Naruto is a favorite because of its engaging story, relatable characters, and epic battles. Some ingredients that can make this series stand out and connect on an emotional level with the audience.
Pro tip: Beyond t-shirt designs, you can find Naruto-inspired logos for your business at Placeit!
