The success of modern anime films no longer depends solely on their plots – at least according to current statements from a producer in the industry. We summarize below.
Boom of “cheer screenings”
“A Silent Voice” producer Toshio Iizuka explained at a symposium during the Tokyo Anime Awards Festival 2026 that female fans in particular would often only go to the cinema these days if a film was suitable for their so-called “Oshikatsu” activities. This refers to fan-based activities around certain favorite characters.
In such cases, the focus is often no longer on the plot of a film, but rather on the characters and their special moments. This has also led to the establishment of “cheer screenings” where the audience can express their enthusiasm loudly, similar to at concerts.
According to those involved, original anime films without well-known characters would now find it much more difficult to appeal to a broad cinema audience, which is why revenue would increasingly stagnate.
Manga focus warning
According to Iizuka, in order to arouse interest, a project must offer a special recognition value or clear added value.
In contrast, large, already established franchise productions would become increasingly successful, but at the same time the producer warned against concentrating exclusively on adaptations of manga titles within the industry.
There is a risk that many creative talents who want to realize their own original stories could turn their backs on the anime industry in the long term. We will definitely keep an eye on developments.
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Via Oricon
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