In April, the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, commonly referred to as Keizai Doyukai, introduced a compelling proposal to adapt canceled manga into anime. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at fostering sustainable growth within Japan’s content industry. The recommendations outlined by Keizai Doyukai suggest a structured approach to promoting anime, which could significantly enhance the prospects of success for various projects.
The proposed tiered promotion strategy consists of several key stages. Initially, the focus will be on gathering both domestic and international anime enthusiasts on social media platforms to assess pre-production works and manga series that did not achieve popularity within Japan. The idea is to create a community where fans can express their preferences and provide feedback on these lesser-known titles.
Following this initial evaluation, those works that garner the most support on social media will be transformed into short films. The emphasis here is on creating high-quality adaptations that resonate with the audience. These short films will then be evaluated for their reception, with the most acclaimed projects receiving nominations for awards and recognition. The eventual goal is to formulate proposals for full-fledged anime adaptations of these award-winning short films, supported by a dedicated production committee.
To fund these endeavors, a financial mechanism will be established, allowing anime fans and business producers to invest in the projects they are passionate about. This innovative funding model not only empowers fans but also fosters a greater sense of community ownership over the content being produced. In addition to these measures, the proposal includes recommendations for government support aimed at enhancing various aspects of the industry, such as educational initiatives, award ceremonies, localization efforts, and participation in international trade exhibitions.
During the announcement of these policy measures, Bin Haga, the chairman of Jupiter Telecommunications (J-COM), emphasized the importance of considering canceled titles and those that never made it to serialization for evaluation. He proposed the idea of implementing a weekly ranking system to assess the popularity of these works among fans, which could further streamline the selection process for potential adaptations.
The Keizai Doyukai’s recommendations also bring attention to several pressing issues within the anime industry. Among these concerns are stagnant wages, a shortage of skilled staff, and inefficiencies in the existing production committee system. These challenges have led to a lack of business producers capable of effectively monetizing anime on a global scale. Typically, production committees assign members to specific roles such as overseas sales, merchandise licensing, and advertising for television broadcasts. This segmented approach, according to the Keizai Doyukai, hinders the development of versatile producers who can navigate multiple areas of the industry.
To address these challenges, the recommendations propose several policy initiatives. Firstly, there should be a comprehensive review of contractual practices within the industry to ensure compliance with laws and guidelines. This includes promoting surveys and awareness activities aimed at improving transparency and fairness in revenue distribution, especially for freelancers and animators.
Additionally, the proposal advocates for a digital transformation of the anime production process. For instance, the CEO of Dandelion Animation Studio, involved in the production of “The First Slam Dunk,” highlighted the success of integrating Sansan Inc.’s Contract One, a contract management database, into their workflow. This technological advancement aims to streamline contract management, which has historically posed challenges for anime studios.
Kadokawa, a major player in the industry, has also expressed its commitment to building a centralized contract management system by 2025. Similarly, Toho is adopting Sansan Inc.’s Contract One to enhance the efficiency of its film and animation divisions. These efforts are indicative of a broader push within the industry to adopt productivity tools, particularly for smaller production companies that may lack the resources of their larger counterparts.
In addition to enhancing production processes, the recommendations emphasize the importance of training programs for animators, particularly with a focus on international collaboration. Promoting anti-piracy initiatives and providing opportunities for foreign animators to connect with Japanese companies could significantly strengthen the global reach of Japanese anime.
The Keizai Doyukai also pointed out the high costs associated with producing original content that does not rely on existing source material. The long development cycles and the considerable investment required often deter potential investors. However, the proposal suggests that seeking online evaluations from fans regarding prototypes and pre-productions could mitigate risks for investors, allowing for more innovative projects to be greenlit.
Interestingly, the potential for adapting canceled manga into anime presents a unique opportunity to tap into a new revenue stream for creators and publishers. This approach could also offer a more cost-effective option for producers, enabling them to bring stories to life that may not have had a chance to shine during their initial releases. Fans could rally behind these creators, fostering a deeper sense of connection and support for their favorite titles.
For instance, while “Bleach” creator Tite Kubo’s return to the series was anticipated to be a success, it serves as a noteworthy example of how fan engagement can elevate a project. The enthusiasm surrounding Kubo’s involvement in the “Thousand-Year Blood War” arc has resonated with audiences, demonstrating the power of creator-fan partnerships in revitalizing interest in a franchise.
Recent developments in the industry have seen announcements like VIZ’s adaptation of “Black Torch,” a series that was cut short after only 19 chapters due to its underwhelming performance in Japan. Shueisha, the publishing house behind the series, has developed a reputation for quickly canceling titles, often before international licensing opportunities arise. This practice raises concerns about the underrepresentation of international fans in determining which titles achieve success.
If “Black Torch” proves to be a hit, it could pave the way for more adaptations of previously canceled manga titles. VIZ’s recent licensing announcements for Spring 2026 have already included several short-lived series, such as “Two on Ice,” “Green Green Greens,” “Shadow Eliminators,” and “Super Psychic Policeman Chojo.” This trend suggests a growing willingness to explore titles that may have been overlooked in the past, aligning with the Keizai Doyukai’s vision for revitalizing the industry.
Founded in 1946, the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, or Keizai Doyukai, stands as one of Japan’s largest business lobbying groups. Comprising approximately 1,600 executives from 1,000 corporations, the organization aims to influence public and industry policies on various political, economic, and social issues. As the anime industry continues to evolve, the recommendations put forth by Keizai Doyukai may play a crucial role in shaping its future, potentially leading to a more vibrant and inclusive landscape for creators and fans alike.
