Core Insights - Chinese animation is gaining international influence, transitioning from single film exports to a full industry chain development of original IPs [1][3] - The proportion of animated films at international film festivals, such as the Tokyo International Film Festival, is increasing, indicating a growing recognition of Chinese animated works [1] - Technological advancements, including AI and computer graphics, are being utilized in the production of Chinese animated films, enhancing their appeal [1][3] Industry Development - "Nezha 2" has become the highest-grossing animated film in global box office history, followed by "The King's Avatar: For the Glory" and "Wang Wang Mountain Monster" [3] - Chinese animated films are increasingly being released in Japanese theaters, showcasing a strong growth trend in overseas market collaborations [3] - The rise of Chinese animation has led to an increase in the development of merchandise and lifestyle products based on animated characters, reflecting a broader cultural exchange between China and Japan [5] Cultural Exchange - Chinese animation is becoming a new trend in cultural exchange between China and Japan, with collectible toys and trendy products gaining popularity among young people in Japan [5] - The chairman of the Japan Animation and Game Industry Association believes that China's cultural industry will achieve significant development in the future [7]

Core Insights - The article highlights the cultural exchange between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Tokyo Bay Area through the medium of anime and trendy toys, showcasing advancements in both Chinese and Japanese animation industries [1][2] - Dongguan is recognized not only as a major manufacturing hub for toys but also as a creative center for original intellectual property (IP) development, moving beyond mere OEM production [1][2] Industry Overview - Dongguan has over 4,000 toy production companies and nearly 1,500 supporting enterprises, establishing itself as China's largest toy export base [1] - The latest data indicates that 288 large-scale toy enterprises in Dongguan generated a total output value of 26.2 billion yuan, with one in four global anime derivative products bearing a Dongguan mark [1] Creative Development - The emphasis on creating original IP is seen as a significant strength for Dongguan, with expectations for the region to start producing new IPs in the future [2]

Core Insights - The launch of the new original IP character "WAKAEMO" by the company represents a strategic move to capitalize on the trends of personalized and emotional consumption in the潮玩 market [1][3] - The潮玩 market is experiencing explosive growth, with a 330.2% year-on-year increase in platform order volume and a 309.7% increase in transaction value in the second quarter [2] - The company is expanding its IP matrix by not only focusing on the official二次元 IP image of Jay Chou but also entering the original IP market to enhance its offerings [2][3] Group 1 - The "WAKAEMO" character is designed as an emotional carrier for the brand, with a unique personality that resonates with consumers' unexpressed feelings [1] - The company is launching a limited-time pop-up store featuring the "WAKAEMO" character and a range of new products, including pillows and gift boxes, to engage with fans [1] - The pop-up event also includes a promotional offer for fans holding tickets to Jay Chou's concert, enhancing customer engagement [1] Group 2 - The潮玩 market is increasingly dominated by original IPs, with only four overseas IPs making it to the top 20 sales list in the first half of the year [2] - The company is taking steps towards internationalization in IP operations, as evidenced by the global launch of its "Hundred International Trend Artists Co-Creation Plan" in Wuhan [2] - The trend indicates that rebellious and unique IPs are becoming more popular, attracting a significant consumer base [2]

Core Insights - The company, Giant Star Legend, has expanded its IP matrix by launching a new original IP character "WAKAEMO" [1] - The limited-time pop-up store for the brand "Zhou Classmate Black Label" opened in Shanghai and will run until November 30 [1] - The new IP "WAKAEMO" is designed to resonate with human emotions and is characterized as cold, stable, and somewhat awkward, serving as an emotional companion [1] Product Launch and Market Trends - The pop-up event will feature a range of new products including pillows, bags, and eye masks, along with limited edition gift boxes [3] - Fans holding tickets from Jay Chou's concert can receive exclusive themed stickers at the store [3] - According to the "2025 Xianyu Trendy Toy Consumption Insight Report," the trendy toy market is expected to see explosive growth, with a 330.2% increase in order volume and a 309.7% rise in transaction value in Q2 [3] Industry Dynamics - The domestic trendy toy market is currently dominated by Chinese original IPs, with only four overseas IPs making it to the top 20 sales list in the first half of the year [3] - The market is experiencing a polarization trend, with original IPs entering a golden period of growth, particularly those that are rebellious and unique [3] - The company is strategically positioning itself in the personalized and emotional consumption trends of the trendy toy market [4] Strategic Initiatives - Giant Star Legend is deepening its operations around Jay Chou's official IP while also entering the original IP market to enrich its IP matrix [4] - The company launched a global co-creation plan with international trendy artists, marking a significant step towards internationalization in IP operations [4] - The introduction of "WAKAEMO" is seen as a crucial step in building a sustainable IP ecosystem, enhancing the company's core competitiveness in content creation [4]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese secondary dimension market is expected to reach approximately 597.7 billion yuan in 2024, nearly double the size of 2019, driven by the growing popularity of domestic IPs and government support for their development [1][9]. Market Expansion - The market for character-related sectors such as animation and gaming in China is rapidly expanding, with a projected market size of about 12 trillion yen (approximately 580.5 billion yuan) in 2024, doubling from five years ago [1]. - The "BiliBili World" event in Shanghai attracted around 300,000 attendees over three days, indicating a significant increase in interest and participation in the secondary dimension culture [8]. Domestic IP Popularity - The popularity of domestic characters is on the rise, exemplified by the success of the animated film "Nezha," which grossed over 15.4 billion yuan during the Spring Festival, setting a record for Chinese box office earnings [12]. - The top trending IPs on China's second-hand trading platform include "Love and Deep Space" and "Identity V," showcasing the growing presence of Chinese IPs alongside popular Japanese works [15]. Government Support - The Chinese government is actively promoting the development of original IP brands, as outlined in the "Special Action Plan for Boosting Consumption," which emphasizes support for the animation, gaming, and esports sectors [14]. - Policies in Shanghai aim to revitalize tourism through IP and support the development of original IPs, reflecting a broader governmental strategy to enhance the domestic market [14]. Future Projections - The secondary dimension market in China is projected to expand to 834.4 billion yuan by 2029, driven by increased production and circulation of animation and gaming content, as well as the growth of emotional value consumption [9].

Core Insights - The article highlights the transformation of Dongguan from a "world factory" to a "trendy toy capital," driven by the rising global demand for Chinese original IPs and trendy toys [1][11] - According to Goldman Sachs, China's share of the trendy toy market in overseas markets is projected to increase from 3% in 2020 to 18% by 2025, indicating strong growth potential for the industry [1][11] - Dongguan produces 25% of global anime derivatives and 80% of China's trendy toys, showcasing its comprehensive industry chain from IP design to smart manufacturing and cross-border distribution [1][11] Industry Development - The trendy toy sector is experiencing a surge, with products like LABUBU's "Front High Energy" series becoming bestsellers [3][4] - Dongguan's manufacturing capabilities have evolved over decades, allowing it to quickly adapt to new product trends and maintain a competitive edge in the trendy toy market [4][6] - The city has established a collaborative ecosystem among its various districts, each specializing in different aspects of toy production, which enhances the industry's responsiveness [6][14] IP Creation and Brand Development - Many companies in Dongguan are shifting focus from OEM to developing their own IPs, recognizing the high profit margins associated with original creations [7][11] - The establishment of companies like Dongguan Duolang Cultural Creative Co. and ToyCity reflects the trend of nurturing original IPs, with ToyCity successfully launching 20 original IPs [8][11] - The article emphasizes the importance of original IPs for sustaining a company's vitality in the trendy toy industry, as seen with companies like Modonghe [13][14] Technological Integration - The integration of AI and digital technologies is reshaping traditional production processes, allowing for faster development cycles and more flexible manufacturing [9][19] - Companies are investing in smart manufacturing technologies, with projects like the 200 million yuan investment in a new smart factory aimed at enhancing production efficiency [9][19] - The collaboration between Dongguan and tech institutions aims to establish a talent training system for AI-driven toy design and manufacturing [19] Policy Support and Future Outlook - Dongguan has implemented various supportive policies to foster the growth of the trendy toy industry, including financial backing for original IP development and market expansion [15][19] - The establishment of the "China Trendy Toy Capital·Comic Expo Center" aims to create a hub for showcasing, trading, and incubating trendy toy products [15][19] - The article concludes that the future of Dongguan's trendy toy industry will revolve around AI, IP development, and international market expansion, marking the beginning of a new phase in its evolution [19]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the transformation of Dongguan from a "world factory" to a "trendy toy capital," driven by the booming demand for Chinese original IPs and the city's robust manufacturing capabilities [1][9]. Industry Overview - Dongguan produces 25% of global anime derivatives and 80% of China's trendy toys, establishing a complete industry chain from IP design to smart manufacturing and cross-border circulation [1][5]. - The market share of Chinese trendy toys in overseas markets is projected to rise from 3% in 2020 to 18% by 2025, indicating strong growth potential [1]. Manufacturing and Supply Chain - Dongguan's manufacturing sector has evolved from OEM to ODM, significantly enhancing its production capabilities and technical expertise, particularly through decades of experience working with global brands like Disney and Marvel [5][12]. - The city has developed a collaborative network among its various towns, each specializing in different aspects of toy production, which supports rapid response to market demands [5][12]. Innovation and Technology - Companies like Weisi are adopting modular approaches and advanced technologies such as 3D printing and AI to streamline production processes, reducing mold development time by 80% and overall production cycles from 60 days to 10 days [7][16]. - The establishment of AI technology sharing centers aims to integrate AI into toy design and manufacturing, enhancing the industry's innovation capabilities [16]. IP Development and Market Trends - The trend of developing original IPs is becoming a focal point for many Dongguan toy companies, with firms like ToyCity and Mo Dong He focusing on creating unique characters and stories to drive sales [6][11]. - The rise of Z-generation consumers is fueling demand for emotional value in products, leading to a surge in the popularity of original IPs and trendy toys [9][13]. Government Support and Future Prospects - Dongguan has implemented various supportive policies to foster the growth of the trendy toy industry, including financial incentives for R&D and market expansion [12][13]. - The city is positioning itself as a hub for trendy toy IP transformation, aiming to create a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates design, production, and sales [13][16].

Core Insights - The surge in overseas sales of LABUBU has spotlighted Dongguan's Shipaizhen, attracting both domestic and international businesses to the area [1] - Shipaizhen boasts a top-tier toy manufacturing industry chain in China, which supports the growth of brands like Pop Mart [1] - The rise of "trendy toys" is reshaping Dongguan's toy industry, with businesses pursuing opportunities in this sector [1] Industry Overview - Shipaizhen is recognized as the "Trendy Toy Capital of China," with over 400 toy and trendy toy production enterprises [11] - The total output value of the trendy toy industry cluster in Shipaizhen is projected to reach 13.218 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 12.3% [11] - The town accounts for approximately 30% of Dongguan's trendy toy industry output value, making it the largest in the city [11] Company Developments - Dongguan Yanchuang Cultural Development Co., Ltd. was established in 2024 and has developed its own trendy toy brand, EMMA, which has gained popularity [2][3] - The company transitioned from producing complex figurines to focusing on trendy toys due to market demand and operational challenges with previous partners [3] - Dapiaoqiang Toy Co., Ltd. has capitalized on the popularity of plush toys, achieving significant sales growth due to the demand for alternatives to high-priced limited-edition products from LABUBU [4][5] Market Dynamics - The trend of live-streaming sales has significantly influenced the growth of companies like Dapiaoqiang, which has amassed a large following and expanded its product offerings [5][6] - The competitive landscape is shifting as traditional toy manufacturers face pressure to adapt to the higher profit margins associated with trendy toys [9][10] - The entry of non-industry players into the trendy toy market has led to increased competition, with many struggling to sell their products [10] Technological and Operational Advancements - Companies like Wenbo Craft have upgraded their production capabilities by introducing advanced machinery and establishing a professional product laboratory [7][8] - The local industry benefits from a well-established supply chain, allowing for quick assembly and production of trendy toys [6] Consumer Behavior - Trendy toys differ from traditional toys in that they often rely on aesthetic appeal rather than established character narratives, leading to a stronger emotional connection with consumers [10] - The lower production costs associated with plush and rubber toys have made them more accessible for manufacturers, although this has also intensified competition [10]

Group 1: Industry Transformation - Dongguan's toy industry has transitioned from a focus on OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) to developing original IP (Intellectual Property) products, with original IP production surpassing OEM for the first time in 2023, accounting for 53% of the industry [1][12] - The toy industry in Dongguan generated an industrial output value of 26.217 billion yuan in 2023, with the潮玩 (trendy toys) segment nearing 20 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 20% [12] - The潮玩 export value increased by 78% year-on-year, surpassing traditional categories like electronics and furniture, making it the fastest-growing export category [13] Group 2: Market Expansion and Brand Development - TOY CITY's original IP "耙老师" sold out 500 units on its launch day in Singapore, highlighting the successful market entry strategy of Dongguan companies [1] - Dongguan companies have established distribution networks in over 30 countries, with overseas revenue growing at an annual rate exceeding 50% [1] - The潮玩 economy was officially recognized in Dongguan's government work report in 2022, and in 2023, new measures were introduced to accelerate the development of the潮玩 industry [11][12] Group 3: Technological Advancements and Production Capabilities - Dongguan's toy factories have adopted advanced production technologies, such as AI systems for quality control and robotic arms for precision tasks, significantly improving production efficiency and quality [10][11] - The production process in Dongguan is highly integrated, with over 4,000 supporting enterprises enabling rapid assembly and delivery of潮玩 products [7][8] - The ability to meet high-quality standards, such as producing 5,000 units of the Winter Olympics mascot "冰墩墩" daily, showcases Dongguan's manufacturing capabilities [8] Group 4: Cultural Integration and Global Strategy - Dongguan companies are actively localizing their products for international markets, incorporating local cultural elements into潮玩 designs, which enhances their appeal [14][15] - The strategy of building a community around IP, such as live-streaming production processes on platforms like TikTok, has proven effective in engaging global audiences [15] - Dongguan's潮玩 industry serves as a model for other traditional industries in the region, emphasizing the importance of high value-added products and brand development [16]

Core Insights - The gaming industry in Shanghai has shown strong growth in the first half of 2025, with total sales revenue reaching 83.283 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10.8% [1] - The overseas market for Chinese games is growing faster than the domestic market, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.36% compared to 10.75% for domestic sales from 2015 to mid-2025 [2][3] - The success of Chinese gaming companies in international markets reflects a broader trend of globalization within the industry, with many companies focusing on overseas expansion [1][2] Industry Performance - In the first half of 2025, Shanghai's online gaming industry achieved a total sales revenue of 83.283 billion yuan, with domestic sales at 68.737 billion yuan and overseas sales at 14.546 billion yuan, marking increases of 10.73% and 11.12% respectively [1] - The electronic sports sector contributed 3.254 billion yuan, growing by 6.91% year-on-year [1] Globalization Trends - Chinese gaming companies are increasingly focusing on global strategies, with overseas market revenue growth outpacing domestic growth due to slower user growth in China [2][3] - The average spending per user in overseas markets is significantly higher, with U.S., Japan, and South Korea users spending 221, 249, and 218 USD respectively, compared to 63.34 USD for Chinese users [3] Technological Advancements - The development of AI technologies is facilitating the international expansion of Chinese gaming companies, enabling better localization and market analysis [4][5] - Companies like Mu Tong Technology are leveraging AI for player sentiment analysis and content creation, significantly reducing development costs and time [4][6] Challenges in International Markets - Despite the growth potential, Chinese gaming companies face challenges such as political and economic fluctuations, cultural differences, and legal barriers in foreign markets [6][7] - Smaller companies, particularly those with overseas revenues below 100 million yuan, are experiencing revenue declines due to these challenges [6] Strategic Recommendations - Companies are advised to focus on original IP development and long-term operational capabilities to enhance their presence in international markets [8][9] - The importance of cultural localization and community engagement is emphasized, with successful examples of integrating local cultural elements into games [10][11] Market Dynamics - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with rising costs of customer acquisition and increased competition from local developers in emerging markets [7][12] - The concentration of game types in the overseas market, particularly in strategy games, poses a risk as user preferences in developed countries lean towards casual and social games [7][12] Future Directions - Companies are encouraged to diversify their platforms and collaborate with overseas firms to enhance their global footprint [12][13] - The trend of establishing overseas studios is growing, with over 20 companies setting up operations in various countries to support their international strategies [13]