Generalities and Regionality Observed in the Agglomeration Structure of the Animation Industry in East Asia

Abstract

In this chapter, the generality and regionality of the agglomeration of the animation industry in three metropolises are expressed by knitting the findings of the previous chapters together. The important factors promoting the agglomeration of the industry include the agglomeration of related content industries that include the animation studios’ major clients, the need for flexible and instantaneous division of labor between studios, the presence of a flexible and specialized workforce in a particular area, and highly developed social networks among workers. At the same time, the large domestic market and the presence of animation technical schools scattered throughout the country push the Japanese animation industry toward regionality. In Seoul and Shanghai, studio locations differ according to business practices and the demands of major clients. In Shanghai, these locations are regulated by policy as well. The animation industry in East Asia is agglomerating in metropolises through the interaction of these generalizing and regionalizing forces.