Release of Data Yearbook 'Japan eSports White Paper 2025'
The eSports White Paper 2025 has been released, highlighting market growth to over 16.1 billion yen and an expansion of the fan base to 9.67 million people.
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- 📰 Published: March 29, 2026 at 21:06
The Japan eSports Union (JeSU; Chairman: Hideki Hayakawa) will release the 'Japan eSports White Paper 2025,' a data yearbook for the domestic eSports industry, on Thursday, March 26.
The 'Japan eSports White Paper' is a comprehensive yearbook that explains the domestic eSports industry with the latest data, and compiles various information including interviews and user surveys to provide a multi-faceted outlook on the industry.
To promote the spread and development of eSports in Japan, JeSU has been compiling and publishing the 'Japan eSports White Paper' since 2022, aiming to promote the use of eSports not only in tournaments and entertainment but also in a wide range of fields such as regional revitalization, international exchange, education, and welfare.
In 2024, the Japanese eSports market grew by 9.9% compared to the previous year, reaching an estimated 16.1 billion yen. Since 2020, the market has continued to grow steadily at an average annual growth rate of around 10%, and it is projected to exceed 20 billion yen by 2026.
Regarding the components of the market, event operations—where the hybrid format of online and offline events has become established—and sponsorship fees for tournaments and teams each account for over 35% of the total. Additionally, related merchandise and streaming are growing at high rates and are expected to further increase their presence within the industry in the future.
The number of eSports fans in Japan in 2024 (those who have watched matches or streamed videos, etc.) is estimated at approximately 9.67 million. Based on survey results, JeSU estimates that 43.3% of them, or about 4.19 million people, are eSports competitors in Japan. Furthermore, due to the influence of international eSports tournaments held both in Japan and abroad, the number of eSports fans in Japan is projected to approach approximately 15 million by 2026.
The 'Japan eSports White Paper 2025' will be available starting Thursday, March 26, via game market...