Jujutsu Kaisen Leads MAPPA to Anime Studio Dominance

MAPPA has emerged as the leading anime studio, largely driven by the immense popularity of its production 'Jujutsu Kaisen,' according to a new report titled “The Anime Economy” by Media Partners Asia (MPA). The report highlights a significant shift in the streaming landscape, moving from traditional content licensing models to a greater emphasis on ownership and original productions. This strategic pivot has benefited studios like MAPPA, which are now central to the growth of anime viewership on global streaming platforms.

Between July 2025 and August 2026, anime captured a larger monthly audience than any other genre across Asian streaming platforms. This surge in viewership is particularly evident on Netflix, where anime viewing grew nine times faster than the service's overall growth rate during the same period. The MPA report, which utilizes ampd audience panel data from eight Asian markets, underscores the growing global appeal of anime and its increasing importance to major streaming services. The report also notes that while Netflix has been a significant driver of this growth, other platforms are also investing heavily in anime content to attract and retain subscribers.

The success of 'Jujutsu Kaisen' for MAPPA exemplifies the trend of a single, high-performing title significantly impacting a studio's standing. The series, known for its intense action sequences and compelling narrative, has garnered a massive international following. This widespread appeal translates directly into increased viewership hours and subscriber engagement for the platforms hosting it. The report suggests that studios capable of producing such breakout hits are well-positioned to capitalize on the evolving economics of the anime industry. The shift towards ownership means that studios can potentially retain greater control over their intellectual property and benefit more directly from the long-term success of their franchises, rather than relying solely on licensing fees.

Media Partners Asia's findings indicate that the anime industry is experiencing a period of substantial transformation. The report details how streaming services are increasingly seeking to secure exclusive rights and develop original anime content, mirroring strategies seen in other popular genres like live-action dramas and documentaries. This trend is not limited to Netflix; other major players in the streaming market are also actively pursuing similar approaches to bolster their content libraries and differentiate themselves in a competitive environment. The report's analysis of audience behavior and market trends provides valuable insights for industry stakeholders, including studios, distributors, and platform providers, as they navigate the future of anime consumption and production.