COVID-19 Impact on the Popularity of Anime and Manga

Since the first coronavirus outbreak in Europe, which is dating back to approximately late February, there have been a lot of negative consequences regarding coronavirus. Obviously not just in Europe, but everywhere. I am talking about Europe because I am European, but I know it has been pretty bad everywhere, ranging from China to The U.S.

There are losses of lives, travel restrictions, self-isolation at home, or even state quarantine… the list goes on.

The situation has somewhat improved in Europe and some of the restrictions have been lifted. But still, so MANY countries are hit heavily to this day, seeing the largest confirmed coronavirus cases in one day worldwide just a few days ago.

While COVID-19 has impacted our lives mainly negatively, there is one positive impact that I found.

Anime. The popularity of anime has been increasing rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interest in anime over the past 12 months

Manga follows a similar trend.

Interest in manga over the past 12 months

This is an obvious outcome after many people are self-quarantined and home or just simply studying/working from home and having more free time, which reflects into watching more anime! 🙂

That’s great you see, we have finally time to be full-time weebs. The only problem is that so many good anime shows are actually delayed.

With anime and manga flourishing, I looked up various interesting stuff related to it.

You are going to find out:

  1. Where is anime the most popular during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  2. What do people search the most?
  3. Who is the queen/ king of these times – anime or manga?

The top 5 countries where anime is the most popular (past 90 days)
1. Japan

2. Iran

3. South Africa

4. Bolivia

5. Guatemala

 


The top 5 countries where manga is the most popular (past 90 days)
1. Singapore

2. Sweden

3. Kazakhstan

4. South Korea

 

5. Turkey

 


What people look up?

What seems to be trending past months are topics like:

Tower of God (obvious IMHO, it’s an immensely popular Korean webtoon that had gotten adapted into anime and finished just recently),


Kaguya-sama: Love is War (well, yep… Kaguya-sama: Love is War 2nd Season is one of the most anticipated anime of 2020 and has been airing for quite some time now, so again, no surprise here),


Kingdom (apparently it’s anime based on the Warring States period of China),


Parasyte (not sure why now),


Waifu (I mean we all need some waifu in our laifu)


A lot of ecchi, Naruto, One Piece, Demon Slayer, and Hunter x Hunter.


Is anime or manga more popular (past 90 days)?

Well, the search volume says it clearly. Anime is way more popular than manga!

Interest over time when compared: anime vs manga

Are you surprised by any of this? 🙂

Share your love ♡
Mia Milanová
Mia Milanová

Hey, I'm Mia, the creator of 9 Tailed Kitsune. 🦊 Big fan of anime, games, and esports – it all started with Phantom Thief Jeanne when I was just 7. Fast forward, I've binged over 200 anime! At 9 Tailed Kitsune, I'm turning my love for this world into an awesome journey. ✨

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