Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai) proposes new approach to revive manga which was serialized earlier - known as Canceled Manga-to be adapted into an anime. This proposal is part of a strategy to promote sustainable growth in the industry. anime in Japan.
A Three-Stage Strategy for Anime Adaptation
In document A recommendation released in April, Keizai Doyukai outlines a phased promotion strategy that involves the participation of anime fans from Japan and abroad.
The first stage began by collecting fan ratings via social media on pre-productions and Canceled Manga that were previously unsuccessful in the domestic market.
Works that receive a high response will be continued as short films. Short films that receive praise will then be nominated for awards.
Based on the results of the nominations and awards, an anime production proposal will be drafted. A production fund will be set up, and a production committee will be formed. Project funding will be sourced from investments raised from anime fans and industry players.
Government Support and Institutional Engagement
Keizai Doyukai proposes that the government should support the development of anime through various forms of support. These include strengthening educational institutions, organizing award events, content localization activities, and participation in international trade shows. The government can also play a role in the creation of pre-production materials as well as production and post-production processes for original works developed by small and medium-sized companies.
In a press conference, Jupiter Telecommunications (J-COM) Chairman Bin Haga suggested that fan ratings should also include manga that have been canceled as well as those that have not yet been serialized. He also proposed a weekly ranking system as part of the initial evaluation process before an anime project moves on to the next stage.
Structural Issues in the Anime Industry
Keizai Doyukai highlighted a number of issues in the anime industry that are considered to be hindering growth. These include the stagnation of animator wages, labor shortages, and a production committee structure that limits members' roles to specific areas such as international sales, merchandising, or television broadcast promotion. This is considered to make it difficult to develop business producers who can expand anime distribution globally.
Policy Recommendation
Keizai Doyukai's proposed recommendations include:
- Review of contracting practices and implementation of surveys and public education campaigns to ensure compliance with laws and guidelines. Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) is currently investigating contracts between anime creators and production companies.
- Evaluate the price of animator services and a fairer distribution of income for freelancers. According to JAniCA's 2023 survey, 47.3% animators in Japan work on a freelance or self-employed basis.
- Digital transformation in the anime production process. Some companies, such as Dandelion Animation Studio (The First Slam Dunk), Kadokawa, and Toho have adopted the Contract One contract management system from Sansan Inc.
- Government support in the provision of productivity tools for lower-tier production enterprises.
- Legislation and technology development to support the use of AI in the anime industry.
- Continuous training of animators.
- Promotion of anti-piracy efforts overseas, including training for foreign animators and providing collaboration opportunities with anime companies in Japan.
International Fan Response and Case Example
Keizai Doyukai mentioned that anime development based on original works that have no source is time-consuming and costly, making the investment process difficult. As an alternative, online ratings by fans of prototypes or pre-productions is considered to help lower investment risk.
On the other hand, works that already have sources such as manga more easily attract funding. However, companies outside of the production committee structure face major obstacles to getting involved.
Last March, VIZ announced the anime adaptation for Black Torch, a Canceled Manga which was discontinued after 19 chapters due to lack of response in Japan. Shueisha, the publisher, is known to stop serializing certain titles quickly, even before international licenses are announced or overseas market interest can be established. This means that international fan involvement is rarely considered in the process of determining the success of a title.
If adaptation Black Torch Successfully, this could open up new opportunities for other short titles that were previously discontinued. In the Spring 2026 license announcement, VIZ also included several short titles such as Two on Ice, Green Green Greens, Shadow Eliminators, and Super Psychic Policeman Chojo.
About Keizai Doyukai
Keizai Doyukai is one of the leading business associations in Japan. The organization was founded in 1946 as a private, non-profit, non-partisan institution. Based on information on its official website, Keizai Doyukai has about 1,600 executives from 1,000 companies as members. The organization is active in shaping public policy and industrial development in the political, economic, and social fields.
Source: Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai)
