Demon Slayer Breaks Box Office Power Record with 33 Billion Yen in 60 Days
The latest Demon Slayer movie has achieved a historic milestone, becoming Japan’s second highest-grossing film ever, according to fresh box office data. The mega-hit anime franchise now holds the country’s top two all-time spots, reinforcing its dominance of Japanese cinema.
Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, Demon Slayer follows swordsman Tanjiro Kamado and his allies as they hunt demons threatening humanity. Its breathtaking animation and emotional themes of friendship and family have won massive fans worldwide.
Within just 60 days of release, the film has collected 33 billion yen ($224 million) in Japan, surpassing Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away (31.6bn yen) to become the nation’s second-biggest box-office hit. The 155-minute film also conquered the North American box office last weekend with a record $70mn debut for its genre.
Distributors Aniplex hailed the achievement, saying they hoped the Demon Slayer fandom would continue to grow. This is the first in a trilogy finale, hyped across Japan through giant billboards, TV ads, and even rice paddy art featuring Tanjiro.
Fans like 22-year-old Yuri Kamada report seeing the movie multiple times, praising its rich portrayal of both heroes and villains. Critics and audiences alike also celebrate its dazzling visuals, kaleidoscopic battle scenes, and emotional depth.
With this new benchmark, the franchise now only has itself to beat, as its 2020 movie still holds the number one spot with 40.7 billion yen in domestic sales.
Anime’s dominance in Japan continues to grow, with only a handful of live-action films in the all-time top 10. Streaming platforms worldwide are also racing to bring titles like Demon Slayer to global audiences, cementing anime’s status as a leading force in entertainment.
