According to data revealed the July 8 by mobile analytics firm data.aithe platform LINE Manga —operated by Naver WEBTOON— was positioned as the highest earning app in Japan during the first half of 2025.
This ranking is based on the total consumer spending on platforms iOS and Androidincluding video games. In this ranking, LINE Manga reached first place, followed by Piccoma (from 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 novelsLINE Manga maintained its leadership by second consecutive semesteronce again displacing Piccomawhich for years was the dominant platform in the Japanese market.
However, according to annual data from data.aiPiccoma was the app with the highest user spending in all 2024with LINE Manga placing third.
Naver WEBTOON Japan 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 nineand is currently developing anime adaptations of popular webtoons aimed at local audiences.
This strategic impulse reflects a clear intention to consolidate as a leader in the digital manga ecosystem in Japan, displacing the established giants and transforming the consumption of graphic content among Japanese readers.
