According
to data revealed on July 8 by mobile analytics firm data.ai,
the LINE Manga platform — operated by Naver WEBOON —
was positioned as the highest-earning app in Japan during
the first half of 2025.
This
ranking is based on total consumer spending on iOS and
Android platforms, including video games. In this ranking, LINE Manga
reached first place, followed by Piccoma (by kakao Piccoma)
and the video game Pokémon TCG Pocket. Other notable applications
were Monster Strike and Last War: Survival Game.
He also
dominates in the genre of comics and novels
In the
specific category of comics and novels, LINE Manga maintained its
leadership for the second consecutive semester, once again
unseating Piccoma, which for years was the dominant platform in the
Japanese market.
However,
according to data.ai's annual data, Piccoma was the app with
the highest user spending in all of 2024, with LINE Manga ranking
third.
Naver
WEBTOON Japan's expansion continues
The advance
of Naver WEBTOON in Japanese territory is not limited to the success of its
app. Earlier this year, the company acquired a stake in Japanese manga
agency Number Nine, and is currently developing anime
adaptations of popular webtoons aimed at local audiences.
This
strategic push reflects a clear intention to consolidate itself as a
leader in the digital manga ecosystem in Japan, displacing established
giants and transforming the consumption of graphic content among Japanese
readers.
