The latest cinematic offering from the popular King of Prism franchise, King of Prism: Your Endless Call – Minna Kirameke! Prism☆Tours, has ascended to the coveted Top 10 at the Japanese box office, marking a significant achievement in its third weekend of release. This resurgence highlights the enduring appeal of the male idol-themed series and its dedicated fanbase, which continues to drive its commercial success.
A Resurgent Performance at the Box Office
After its initial release on June 27, 2025, King of Prism: Your Endless Call – Minna Kirameke! Prism☆Tours did not immediately break into the overall Top 10 in its first two weekends. However, the film demonstrated remarkable staying power and fan engagement, ultimately clinching the tenth spot on the Japanese box office chart for the weekend of July 11-13, 2025. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the competitive landscape of the Japanese film market, which recently saw major releases like Superman and continued strong performances from films such as Kokuho and Lilo & Stitch.
The film’s climb into the top tier of the box office chart, even after a quieter debut, underscores the unique dynamics of anime fandom in Japan. It suggests strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewings, a phenomenon not uncommon for the King of Prism series, which thrives on audience participation and a deeply invested community.
The Enduring Legacy of King of Prism
The King of Prism franchise, a spin-off of the Pretty Rhythm multimedia series, first captivated audiences in 2016 with its inaugural film, King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm. This initial film defied expectations, starting in just 14 theaters but expanding to over 130 nationwide due to overwhelming popularity, eventually grossing approximately ¥800 million. This success was largely fueled by “cheer screenings,” a unique cinematic experience where fans are encouraged to shout, sing along, and interact with the film using glowsticks, transforming a typical movie outing into a live concert event. This innovative approach to audience engagement cemented the franchise’s reputation for fostering an exceptionally passionate and interactive fanbase.
Subsequent films, including King of Prism: Pride the Hero (2017) and King of Prism: Shiny Seven Stars (2019), continued to build upon this foundation, consistently performing well at the box office and expanding the narrative of the male idols from Edel Rose and Schwarz Rose. The franchise has also extended beyond films into television series, stage plays, and video games, demonstrating its broad multimedia appeal.
What Sets “Your Endless Call” Apart
King of Prism: Your Endless Call – Minna Kirameke! Prism☆Tours serves as the latest chapter in this evolving saga. As trailers indicated prior to its release, the film highlights a blend of musical performances and “exciting battles,” elements central to the franchise’s appeal. A notable feature of this new installment is its incorporation of “four branching routes,” which promise to alter certain scenes weekly, offering a compelling incentive for fans to revisit the cinema multiple times to experience all variations. This creative storytelling mechanism directly caters to the devoted fanbase known for its repeat attendance and immersive viewing habits.
The film’s journey into the Top 10, despite not being an opening-weekend blockbuster, speaks volumes about the depth of fan loyalty and the power of niche cultural phenomena in the Japanese entertainment industry. It demonstrates that for certain franchises, a strong, engaged community can drive sustained box office performance even without massive initial waves.
Implications for the Anime Film Market
The continued success of the King of Prism franchise, exemplified by Your Endless Call‘s recent chart entry, offers valuable insights into the Japanese anime film market. It reinforces the idea that unique theatrical experiences and strong community engagement can be as vital to a film’s long-term success as its initial marketing blitz. Films that cultivate a sense of participation and offer re-watch value often find sustained patronage from their dedicated audiences. This model stands in contrast to the traditional blockbuster approach and highlights a successful alternative in a competitive market.
The return of King of Prism: Your Endless Call – Minna Kirameke! Prism☆Tours to the Japanese Top 10 is not merely a statistical note; it is a testament to the vibrant “cheer screening” culture and the unbreakable bond between the King of Prism idols and their passionate supporters.
