Why Anime is More Popular Outside Japan Than Ever Before

The OG Anime Experience: A Nostalgic Look Back

I remember vividly growing up watching Cartoon Network, glued to shows like Samurai Jack, Cow and Chicken, and Johnny Bravo. Like most kids in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, my days were filled with school, gaming, and cartoons.

But as time moved on, I naturally outgrew some of those childhood favorites and started searching for something different—something that connected with me on a deeper level.

That moment came when my older cousin Demarcus visited during a family gathering. While the adults were drinking and the younger kids were running wild, Demarcus was locked in front of the TV watching something I had never seen before: Dragon Ball.

At that point in my life, everything my older cousin did was automatically cool in my eyes. So, I sat down and watched with him.

And just like that, it became a ritual.

I followed Dragon Ball until it evolved into Dragon Ball Z, which then introduced me to other anime classics—Yu Yu Hakusho, Big O, Ghost in the Shell. The whole Toonami era, with TOM as our digital guide, became embedded in my DNA.

Fast forward to today—at 34 years old, anime has not only stuck with me, but it has evolved into a global phenomenon, far beyond the niche fandom it once was.

The Millennials Who Made Anime "Cool"

Anime wasn’t born in the 2000s, but it was our generation (1985-1995) that made it mainstream. We weren’t the first to love it, but we were the ones who elevated it into pop culture.

Think about it:

• In the ‘90s and early 2000s, anime was still considered a niche interest, often seen as something for geeks or outcasts.
• Yet, those of us who grew up watching Toonami, Adult Swim, or the early days of fan-subbed anime have held onto our love for the medium.
• As we got older, we kept watching, kept buying merch, kept cosplaying, and kept sharing anime with the next generation.

And let’s be real—Black culture played a HUGE role in pushing anime into the mainstream.

When Black communities embrace something, we don’t just consume it—we make it cool.

• The rise of hip-hop artists referencing anime (Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Megan Thee Stallion, RZA)
• NBA players openly rocking anime gear (Ja Morant wearing Akatsuki jackets, Zion Williamson dropping Naruto Jordans)
• Black anime creators and influencers building massive platforms on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube

We put our dollar behind it—and when we unionize our influence, businesses start to pay attention.

Anime Is No Longer Just for Kids—It Grew Up With Us

For the first time in history, anime is no longer seen as something “weird” or “childish.” Instead, it’s part of the culture.

Take a show like Attack on Titan—a war epic filled with brutal action, political intrigue, and deep philosophical themes. Or Vinland Saga, a Viking revenge tale that explores violence, morality, and destiny.

• This isn’t kid stuff anymore.
• Anime has evolved with mature, dark, and complex storytelling.
• It’s a legitimate form of art and entertainment—and the world finally sees it that way.

Even big Hollywood studios have noticed the shift.

• One Piece (Netflix) broke streaming records with 18.5 million views in its first four days
• Demon Slayer: Mugen Train became the highest-grossing anime film of all time ($507M worldwide)
• Crunchyroll & Netflix are investing billions into anime production

This is why anime is bigger than ever outside Japan—because the OGs never left, and the new generation is picking up where we left off.

The Future of Anime: Bigger Budgets, Global Expansion & More Influence

The demand for anime is exploding worldwide, and the industry is responding in a major way.

• In 2023, the global anime industry was worth $26 billion, with projections to reach $60 billion by 2030.
• Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll are investing millions into exclusive anime content.
• The biggest anime conventions in the U.S. (Anime Expo, Comic-Con, DreamCon) are seeing record-breaking attendance every year.

And perhaps the biggest sign of anime’s dominance?

For the first time ever, anime has a larger audience OUTSIDE of Japan than within it.

It’s not just a trend—it’s a global movement.

Final Thoughts: The Next Generation Carries the Torch

If it weren’t for my cousin Demarcus, I may have never discovered anime. And just like he passed it down to me, we’re now passing it down to our nieces, nephews, younger siblings, and even our own kids.

Anime isn’t just entertainment anymore—it’s a culture, an industry, and a movement that’s here to stay.

The next wave of anime fans will grow up in a world where anime is not just accepted—it’s celebrated.

And honestly?

That’s pretty damn cool.

What’s Your Anime Origin Story?

What was the first anime that hooked you?

Drop your origin story in the comments! Let’s talk about how anime became a part of YOUR journey