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I see some variation of this self-proclaimed unattributed fact on the web:

Anime accounts for 60% of the world's animation-based entertainment. So successful is animation in Japan, that there are almost 130 voice-acting schools in the country.

How true is this fact? What was the original source? What about the other 40%?

кяαzєя
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1 Answers1

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It comes from this document published by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) where it says (page 7):

International sales data is not exact, but around 60% of the anime shown worldwide is made in Japan, according to a METI report issued in January 2004. Twenty Japanese anime programs were being broadcast on American TV as of March 2003.

(Note that "anime" in this context probably means "animation")

The 60% figure was also quoted by Jim Frederick's article in Time Asia "What's Right with Japan":

Pokémon has supplanted Astroboy in the hearts of schoolkids in more than 65 countries, and 60% of the world's animated-cartoon series are made in Japan.

Though, no source was provided.

The number of voice-acting schools was attributed to:

Terumitsu Otsu and Mary Kennard (April 27, 2002). "The art of voice acting". The Daily Yomiuri. p. 11.

Source fetched from the Voice Acting in Japan wikipedia page.

I don't know how to account for the other 40% of animated entertainment. Maybe if you're able to get a copy of the METI report that was issued in January 2004, which doesn't seem to be listed on their website.

Jon Lin
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    I managed to track down [a different METI report](http://www.meti.go.jp/policy/media_contents/downloadfiles/kobetsugenjyokadai/genjyoukadai1215.pdf) that also claims that "60% of animation is produced in Japan". Unfortunately, it does not elaborate on that claim. Somebody with access to a proper dead-tree library would probably be able to track down the report in question. – senshin May 21 '14 at 18:11