Japan considers $71 million in subsidies for AI translation of manga and anime

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is considering granting subsidies of 11.5 billion yen, about $71 million, to 15 media companies to promote the use of generative artificial intelligence in translating their works and increase overseas sales.

The ministry has not yet announced which companies will receive the support. According to The Japan News, cited by Anime News Network, the funds are expected to go to publishers such as Shueisha, Kodansha, Square Enix, and NTT Solmare in the manga sector, and to Crunchyroll and Bandai Namco Holdings in the anime sector, as well as music, video game, and live-action companies.

The measure responds to the growth of piracy. Losses for Japanese media companies rose from 2 trillion yen in 2022 to 5.7 trillion in 2025, and reach 10.4 trillion when pirated merchandise is included.

The program aims to raise overseas subscriptions from 100 million to 300 million and triple international sales to 20 trillion yen by 2033. The content industry is one of the 17 key investment fields of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration.

Originally published on Anitsu by Mateo Henríquez. Text reviewed and cross-checked for DonOtaku on November 5, 2026; the original date is preserved.