While stigmatized in the 1990s (following the Tsutomu Miyazaki incident), the 2010s saw the "Cool Japan" government initiative attempting to export Otaku culture as a national resource.

No longer just "comic books," this sector is the primary driver of Japan’s creative ecosystem. Viewership has surpassed 1 billion hours annually worldwide, and the government aims to triple overseas revenue by 2033.

However, Japan's entertainment industry also faces challenges, such as the pressure to conform to traditional standards of beauty and behavior, and the exploitation of young artists in the idol industry. The industry has also faced criticism for its lack of diversity and representation, with many artists and creators calling for greater inclusivity and representation.