This might be helpful for your purchasing decisions...? I've picked out some anime and characters that I think are likely to become popular in the future, based on my own subjective opinion and bias.

アニメ業界でキャラクターの人気は商品の売れ行きに直結する重要な要素です。この記事では、今後ブレイクしそうなキャラクターを独断と偏見でピックアップして紹介します。「キャラクター選定の基準」「トレンド予測の方法」など法則を元にしているものもありますが個人的な主観もふんだんに含んでおりますので予めご了承くださいっ

※最初にお断りさせていただきますが、今回のブログは個人的主観や口語、関西弁成分を多分に含んでおります。「イラっとしそうだな」と思われた方はチャンネル変更を推奨いたします。

1. "Tom and Jerry"

I know this might sound like a cliché, but I personally predict it will become a huge hit at some point in the future.

The reason for this is that 2024 marked the 85th anniversary, and a considerable number of events were held in various locations. Among them, the collaboration with Hankyu Railway in Osaka was a particularly massive event.

It wasn't just a local train; it was a painted train running on a major artery connecting Hyogo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and the inside of the train was also decorated with a lot of love. Tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of people use and see this train every day, and since the characters themselves have already been imprinted on our DNA from when we were little at hospitals and dentists, all that's left is for them to awaken. Or so I think.

But actually, take a good look around town and on trains. You'll be surprised how many people are wearing or owning merchandise related to it. I think this is something that appeals to people of all ages and genders.

When I saw a notice from some manufacturer that said, "For some reason, Tom and Jerry are selling well right now," I thought, "Here it comes!"

Incidentally, I used to be a "Jerry fan" because I was born in the Year of the Rat, but after I started keeping a cat, I switched my allegiance to "Tom," and although I still think "that damn rat!", I've recently grown fond of "Tuffy" as well.

2. Complete training.

"Zenshū." (全修。) is a television anime series produced by MAPPA that has been airing since January 2025. The title is taken from anime industry jargon meaning "all retakes," and it is an original anime series set in the anime industry .

The story begins with Hirose Natsuko, a genius anime director, finding herself stuck in the production of a feature-length animated film themed around first love.

One day, Natsuko loses consciousness and is reincarnated into the world of the animated film "The Tale of the Apocalypse," which she was obsessed with as a child.

If I write it like that, you might think, "Oh, another isekai reincarnation story," but this is a MAPPA production. It's filled with so much "love and respect for anime" that even though it's only episode 2, I can't help but have high expectations.

Natsuko's "summoning" ability brings in characters and elements from various anime works, and it's really hilarious. I can understand the "Giant Warrior," but in the second episode, it's the "Itano Circus"!? I almost wet myself. *If you don't know what the "Itano Circus" is, I recommend searching for "Itano Circus Macross."

So, what about merchandise? Of course, it will be added to the lineup in the future, and I think it will do well. I really hope it sells well.

3. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX

Next up is this problematic one. I immediately went to see the theatrical version, but since I watched it with "zero" prior knowledge, I was "!!!" and "???" from the very beginning. As someone from the first generation, I watched it with my brain overflowing with excitement.

I'll refrain from spoilers, but from the visual of this Gundam, you might think, "Oh, it's another one of those Gundams," and then... well, you get the idea. I really want you to go to the theater without seeing any spoilers or theories from others.

To give you a rough, spoiler-free explanation of how amazing this Gundam is:

This work features a star-studded staff, including Hideaki Anno and Kazuya Tsurumaki, known for the Evangelion series, Studio Khara, and Ikuto Yamashita.

It will look something like this.

Now, regarding the product lineup and sales, they're at a level where "it would be strange if they didn't sell." Buyers who mistakenly judged them as "the Gundam that won't sell" based on the visuals, please correct your judgment as soon as possible.

4. Project Sekai (Hatsune Miku)

It's more like a re-evaluation or a comeback for them, starting from 2023-2024.

It feels like they've completely caught the wave, starting with "Project Sekai Colorful Stage (a mobile game)" and then moving on to " Project Sekai : The Movie - The Broken World and Miku Who Can't Sing."

About the appeal of "Project SEKAI Colorful Stage"

Deep story and characters

Project Sekai has five units, each with its own unique storyline.

The background, growth, and struggles of each character are carefully depicted, making it particularly relatable to teenagers.

The story captivates with its exploration of the characters' inner selves and their "true feelings" through the concept of "Sekai" (the world).

Fusion with virtual singers

One of the defining characteristics of Project Sekai is the important role played by virtual singers, including Hatsune Miku. Within the dual worldviews of the real world and Sekai, virtual singers are depicted as beings who help the characters grow, blending Vocaloid culture and gaming in an unprecedented way. This unique worldview is one of the reasons why it has been widely accepted by younger generations beyond traditional Vocaloid fans.

Now, regarding the product itself, it remains extremely popular as a merchandise item and as a figure.

Not only are the general merchandise items sold impressive, but the fact that the prize items are still being sold and are even selling well is truly a testament to the immense popularity of this franchise.

They are truly strong on a global level.

It ended up being mostly major titles, but I hope it will be of some use. Please note that these are purely my personal impressions and opinions, and do not represent the intentions or opinions of any company.