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The Anime Boom
Anime is no longer a niche interest—it’s a global powerhouse. What was once a subculture confined to late-night TV and underground fan communities has exploded into mainstream entertainment, fashion, and even music.
Bruce Hamilton
February 07, 2025
This year has been packed with big moments in music, sports, and entertainment so far. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter is breaking records, Barnes & Noble is seeing a major resurgence thanks to #BookTok, and Super Bowl LIX (and Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance) becomes the most watched event in television history.
This week, we’re diving into how anime is shaping pop culture—and why its momentum isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
This week in pop culture & business
Oscars considers requiring films to disclose AI use
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is considering a new rule that would require filmmakers to disclose any use of artificial intelligence in their productions. This proposal comes in response to recent controversies, notably surrounding the film “The Brutalist,” which faced backlash after revealing its use of AI technology to enhance actors’ performances. The debate highlights the growing concern over AI’s role in filmmaking and its potential impact on the authenticity of the art form.
TikTok saves Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble is experiencing a resurgence, with plans to open 60 new stores in 2025, surpassing the 57 stores opened in 2024. This growth is largely attributed to the influence of #BookTok, a TikTok community where users share book recommendations, driving increased foot traffic and sales. The trend has also benefited independent bookstores, highlighting a renewed interest in physical book shopping among younger demographics.
Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” streaming surges 795% after Grammy AOTY win
Beyoncé’s latest album, Cowboy Carter, has achieved remarkable success, culminating in her first Album of the Year win at the 2025 Grammy Awards. This historic achievement makes her the first Black woman to win both Album of the Year and Best Country Album. Following her Grammy triumph, Beyoncé announced the “Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour,” set to run from April 28 to July 11, 2025, with multiple performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The album’s innovative blend of country and Americana genres has not only garnered critical acclaim but also led to a significant surge in streaming numbers, reflecting its widespread popularity.
All Quicksilver, Billabong, and Volcom stores to close in US
Liberated Brands, the operator of Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom stores in the U.S., has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing challenges such as macroeconomic shocks, supply chain issues, and competition from fast fashion. As a result, the company plans to close over 120 stores across North America and lay off nearly 1,400 employees. Despite these closures, the brands themselves will continue under new operators, as Authentic Brands Group, the owner of these labels, has transitioned licenses to other partners prior to the filing.
The Anime Boom
Anime is no longer a niche interest—it’s a global powerhouse. What was once a subculture confined to late-night TV and underground fan communities has exploded into mainstream entertainment, fashion, and even music. With record-breaking box office numbers, major streaming deals, and collaborations with some of the biggest brands in the world, anime has cemented itself as a dominant force in pop culture.
A Billion-Dollar Industry on the Rise
The anime industry hit a record revenue of 2.93 trillion yen ($20.7 billion USD) in 2022, showing just how massive the demand has become. Once primarily a Japanese export, anime is now a worldwide phenomenon, thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Disney+, which have made it more accessible than ever.
Crunchyroll alone has amassed over 130 million users across 200+ countries, while Netflix has invested heavily in anime, producing original series like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Castlevania, both of which have received critical acclaim and mainstream recognition. The global anime market is projected to grow from $31.2 billion in 2023 to nearly $60 billion by 2030, proving that this is more than just a trend—it’s an industry set for long-term dominance.
From Subculture to Mainstream Fashion and Music
Anime’s influence extends beyond streaming. In the fashion world, brands like Gucci, Supreme, and Uniqlo have embraced anime aesthetics, collaborating with franchises like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Akira. What was once considered “geek culture” is now a high-fashion statement.
Music is also feeling anime’s impact. Artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Megan Thee Stallion, and Travis Scott have openly embraced anime, incorporating references in their music, fashion, and even music videos. The late XXXTentacion and Juice WRLD were vocal about their love for anime, helping introduce it to an even wider audience.
Hollywood Is Finally Getting It Right
For years, Hollywood struggled to adapt anime for Western audiences (Dragon Ball: Evolution, anyone?). But recent successes like Netflix’s One Piece live-action series and the critically acclaimed Cyberpunk: Edgerunners have proven that, when done right, anime adaptations can work. As more studios take anime seriously, we can expect even more high-quality adaptations in the future.
The Future of Anime
With anime dominating entertainment, fashion, and music, the question isn’t if it will continue to grow, but how big it will get. With more streaming deals, global investments, and cultural crossovers, anime’s influence is only just beginning.
One thing is clear—anime isn’t just having a moment. It’s here to stay.
Curated Vibes
Song of the week: “Stephanie” by Nafeeisboujee
Apple Music
Spotify
Movie of the week: Interstellar
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