Pokémon’s Slip in the Rankings and What It Means
TV Tokyo’s fiscal‑year‑ending report for the period April‑September 2026 reveals that the beloved Pokémon franchise, despite being the highest‑earning anime ever, could only secure the fourth slot in the broadcaster’s earnings chart. The drop is largely due to a quiet anime slate; the last major series, Pokémon Horizons: The Series, aired in 2023 and the only upcoming project is the Pokémon: Wild Card movie, still without a firm release date.
How the Numbers Stack Up
The report excludes advertising and broadcast fees, focusing on global licensing, digital distribution, video‑game royalties and merchandise. In the six‑month window, TV Tokyo’s anime segment earned 6,347 million yen, a 2.8% dip from the previous quarter but an 11% year‑over‑year rise, signaling overall growth despite Pokémon’s slip.
Rivals Take the Lead
At the top of the list sits Naruto, followed closely by its sequel Boruto, with Yu‑Gi‑Oh! vaulting into third place thanks to a surge in card sales. The shift highlights how fresh content and aggressive merchandising can outweigh legacy brand power.
China continued to dominate the licensing landscape, representing 30.8% of sales, while North America contributed 25.7% and Japan 14.7%.
Naruto’s Anniversary Push
To capitalize on its 25th anniversary in 2027, TV Tokyo is rolling out a four‑episode crossover with Ninku, a brand‑new manga by Masashi Kishimoto, a global trading‑card launch, and the much‑anticipated Naruto Mobile game. These moves are expected to keep Naruto at the forefront of TV Tokyo’s revenue stream.
What’s Next for Pokémon?
While the franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary in April 2027, the lack of major anime announcements leaves fans wondering if the next big push will come from games, movies, or perhaps a surprise series revival. Until then, Pokémon’s licensing income will likely remain steady but not enough to reclaim a top‑three spot.
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