#Japan #Tokyo #Bushiroad #TOSYO #merchandise industry

The Thriving Merchandise Market: Insights from Industry Leaders

The merchandise market is currently witnessing unparalleled growth, driven by the expanding passion of fans, known as "oshikatsu" in Japanese culture. A recent report from the Yano Economic Research Institute suggests that by 2025, the domestic character business market is expected to reach a whopping 2.84 trillion yen, displaying a 2.6% increase from the previous year. However, despite this strong growth, many remain unaware of the intricacies surrounding how the merchandise industry operates, particularly how companies generate profits from their various products.

In response to this knowledge gap, Gamebiz, a group company of Bushiroad, is set to host an online seminar titled "Manufacturer × OEM Real Talk on Merchandise Business" on September 4, 2026. This event will feature prominent figures in the industry who will shed light on the merchandise landscape from both manufacturer and OEM perspectives.

Understanding the Manufacturer and OEM Dynamics

In the merchandise business, there are two critical players: the manufacturers that conceptualize and develop the products and the OEMs that bring these ideas to fruition. This seminar aims to illuminate the differences between these roles, focusing on how each entity contributes to the success of merchandise strategies.

Presenting at the seminar will be Tetsuya Ezaki, Director at Bushiroad Creative, and Hideyuki Kawane, Director at TOSYO Corporation. Both will share their insights into the manufacturing processes, profit-generating mechanisms, and the challenges they face in the dynamic environment of merchandise. This seminar offers a unique opportunity to hear from both sides of the industry, providing attendees with a holistic understanding of how merchandise is developed and marketed.

Key Topics and Q&A Session

During the seminar, participants will have the chance to explore crucial questions such as:

• - How does the merchandise industry generate profits? What business models are in place?
• - What are the key differences between the roles and business models of manufacturers and OEMs?
• - How do tens or hundreds of products emerge from a single intellectual property (IP)?
• - What are the differentiating factors between successful and unsuccessful merchandise?
• - Is it possible for newcomers to enter this industry, even without prior experience?

All questions are welcome, allowing participants to gain clarity on topics of interest in real-time.

A Closer Look at Merchandise Creation

Gamebiz’s seminar will also discuss the manufacturing and creative processes behind popular merchandise. TOSYO Corporation, known for their ability to produce merchandise from a single item to large quantities, utilizes their experience to support manufacturers throughout the entire product lifecycle— from planning and manufacturing to logistics and delivery.

Bushiroad Creative specializes in a variety of merchandise categories, including live event goods, capsule toys, figures, and board games. Their commitment to translating creative works into tangible products is central to their operations. This session will demonstrate how ordinary merchandise seen in stores goes through intricate planning and development stages to reach consumers.

For Whom Is This Seminar Designed?

This seminar is ideal for:

• - Enthusiasts of anime and character goods seeking knowledge about the merchandise production process and industry insights.
• - Individuals interested in the anime and entertainment sectors who are exploring potential career paths.
• - Those considering a career shift or exploring opportunities in merchandise and merchandising.
• - Students and professionals who want to compare the strengths and challenges of various companies within the merchandise industry.

Event Details

Event Title: Manufacturer × OEM Real Talk on Merchandise Business
Date: September 4, 2026
Time: 18:30 - 20:00
Format: Online via Zoom
Speakers:

• - Tetsuya Ezaki, Director at Bushiroad Creative
• - Hideyuki Kawane, Director at TOSYO Corporation

Target Attendees: Anyone considering careers in anime and merchandise industries, regardless of experience level
Participation Fee: Free but requires prior registration
Registration Deadline: September 4, 2026, by noon
For more information and to register, please visit Peatix registration page.

This seminar is a valuable opportunity for anyone keen to gain a deeper understanding of how the merchandise industry operates while also exploring potential career opportunities in this thriving field.