The film’s success is undeniable. On its opening Friday, it earned 1.64 billion yen (US$11.11 million) with 1.15 million tickets sold, setting a new record for the best opening day in Japan. The following Saturday saw even greater success, with 1.84 billion yen (US$12.47 million) earned from 1.26 million tickets. Sunday was the peak, grossing 2.03 billion yen (US$13.76 million) on 1.42 million tickets, marking the highest single-day revenue ever for a film in Japan. This outstanding performance secured its place as the highest-grossing three-day opening weekend ever in Japanese theaters, with a total of 5.52 billion yen (US$37.42 million) from 3.84 million tickets.
The success continued through the Monday public holiday, with the film earning another 1.79 billion yen (US$12.13 million) from 1.32 million tickets. This brought the total revenue for the four-day opening weekend to an impressive 7.31 billion yen (US$49.55 million) with 5.16 million tickets sold. In just four days, “Infinity Castle” became the second highest-grossing film of the year in Japan, only behind “Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback,” which earned 14.47 billion yen in total. The “Demon Slayer” movie made almost half of the “Detective Conan” film’s total gross in a single weekend.
Adding to its achievements, US$3 million of the three-day total came from IMAX screens in Japan, and an estimated US$3.5 million was earned over the four-day weekend. “Infinity Castle” has surpassed all opening weekend records previously held by “Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba—The Movie: Mugen Train,” the previous film in the franchise.
The previous film, “Mugen Train,” opened in October 2020 under COVID-19 restrictions, with theaters operating at half-capacity. Despite these limitations, it earned 4.62 billion yen (US$43.8 million based on historical exchange rates) over three days, holding the record until “Infinity Castle” surpassed it. It’s important to note that the dollar figures for “Mugen Train” reflect the exchange rates at the time of its release, while “Infinity Castle’s” figures are based on current rates. However, all records are officially based on Japanese yen.
The “Demon Slayer” anime series is directed by Haruo Sotozaki at ufotable studio. Akira Matsushima is the Chief Animation Director and Character Designer, and the music is composed by Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina.
Following its successful Japanese release on July 18, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” is scheduled to arrive in theaters in the United States and Canada on September 12. More details about the international release will be available on the movie’s official website.
For fans eager to catch up, Crunchyroll streams both the TV anime series and the “Mugen Train” movie in both subtitled and dubbed versions, along with the latest “Hashira Training Arc.”
The story of “Demon Slayer” follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who joins the Demon Slayer Corps after his sister Nezuko is turned into a demon. As he grows stronger and forms bonds with his fellow corps members, Tanjiro battles numerous demons alongside Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira. His journey leads him to fight alongside the Hashira, the Demon Slayer Corps’ highest-ranking swordsmen, including Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku on the Mugen Train, Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui in the Entertainment District, and Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji at the Swordsmith Village.
As the Demon Slayer Corps members and Hashira engage in a group strength training program, the Hashira Training, in preparation for the upcoming battle against the demons, Muzan Kibutsuji appears at the Ubuyashiki Mansion. With the head of the Demon Corps in danger, Tanjiro and the Hashira rush to the headquarters but are plunged into a deep descent to a mysterious space by Muzan Kibutsuji. The destination of where Tanjiro and Demon Slayer Corps have fallen is the demons’ stronghold – the Infinity Castle. And so, the battleground is set as the final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons ignites.
The overwhelming success of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” demonstrates the franchise’s enduring popularity and its ability to captivate audiences. The film’s record-breaking performance is a testament to the quality of the animation, the engaging storyline, and the dedicated fanbase that has supported the series since its inception. As the film prepares for its international release, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience the epic battle within the Infinity Castle.
The “Demon Slayer” franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, transcending its origins as a manga and anime series. Its themes of family, loyalty, and perseverance resonate with audiences of all ages, and its visually stunning animation and action-packed sequences have set a new standard for the genre. The success of the “Infinity Castle” movie is a clear indication that the “Demon Slayer” phenomenon is far from over, and fans can expect to see more exciting content and developments in the years to come.
The impact of “Demon Slayer” extends beyond the entertainment industry, influencing fashion, merchandise, and even tourism. The series has inspired countless fan creations, from cosplay to artwork, and its characters have become instantly recognizable icons. The “Infinity Castle” movie is not just a film; it’s a cultural event that brings together fans from all walks of life to celebrate their shared love for the “Demon Slayer” universe.
As “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” prepares for its international release, it is poised to continue its record-breaking streak and solidify its place as one of the most successful anime films of all time. The film’s success is a testament to the power of storytelling, the dedication of the creative team, and the unwavering support of the “Demon Slayer” fanbase. With its captivating characters, thrilling action, and emotional depth, “Infinity Castle” is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences around the world.
The future of the “Demon Slayer” franchise looks bright, with new projects and collaborations on the horizon. Whether it’s through new anime seasons, movies, or spin-off series, fans can expect to see more of their favorite characters and stories in the years to come. The “Demon Slayer” universe is constantly expanding, and its potential for growth and innovation is limitless. As the franchise continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of fans.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle First Movie Breaks 3 Japan Box Office Opening Weekend Records