The anime industry has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity over the past decade, thanks to streaming platforms and social media. This growth has led to significant financial gains for companies like Bandai Namco, but recent reports suggest a shift in the dominance of certain anime franchises.

Bandai Namco’s latest financial report revealed a surprising change in the top-ranking anime franchises. For the first time in six years, Mobile Suit Gundam claimed the top spot, surpassing the long-standing champion, Dragon Ball.

Mobile Suit Gundam’s success was attributed largely to its robust merchandising and hobby sales, particularly the popular Gunpla model kits. Meanwhile, Dragon Ball experienced a slight decline in overall revenue despite increased hobby sales.

The absence of new anime releases may have contributed to this dip, but the upcoming launch of the TV anime Dragon Ball Daima in Fall 2024 is expected to rejuvenate the franchise.

On the other hand, One Piece celebrated a significant milestone by surpassing 100 billion yen in gross revenue for the first time at Bandai Namco. The series experienced a surge in popularity, fueled by successful anime adaptations and the critical acclaim of Netflix’s live-action adaptation.

Anime continues to evolve, with new contenders rising to prominence and established franchises adapting to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive market.