TOKYO – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Part 1: Akaza’s Return has officially become the fastest film in Japanese box office history to surpass 30 billion yen (approximately US$203 million), achieving the milestone in a remarkable 46 days. As of September 7, 2025, the film had garnered 31.42 billion yen from over 22 million tickets sold, continuing the franchise’s unprecedented cinematic success.
The achievement dethrones the previous record holder, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train, which took 59 days to reach the same benchmark in 2020. This latest installment, released on July 18, 2025, has demonstrated immense popularity, solidifying the Demon Slayer franchise’s dominance in the Japanese film market.
A Rapid Ascent to the Top
The journey to 30 billion yen was swift for Infinity Castle Part 1. Beyond just the 30 billion yen mark, the film also set new records for reaching 10 billion yen in eight days and 20 billion yen in 23 days. It additionally established new benchmarks for opening-day, opening-weekend, and single-day earnings, underscoring its immediate and widespread appeal among audiences.
The film’s performance highlights the continued cultural phenomenon surrounding Koyoharu Gotouge’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga series, which follows protagonist Tanjiro Kamado on his quest to avenge his family and cure his sister.
Surpassing Past Records and Iconic Films
With its robust performance, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 has not only outpaced its predecessor but has also climbed rapidly in the all-time Japanese box office rankings. As of September 10, the film’s earnings surged to 31.7 billion yen, pushing it past Hayao Miyazaki’s acclaimed Spirited Away (31.68 billion yen) to become the second-highest-grossing film in Japan’s history.
The current all-time top spot remains held by Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train, with a monumental 40.75 billion yen. Analysts are now watching closely to see if Infinity Castle Part 1‘s momentum will continue to challenge Mugen Train‘s record, potentially leading to an unprecedented scenario where the Demon Slayer franchise holds the top two positions in Japanese box office history.
International Release and Continued Hype
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and animated by ufotable, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Part 1: Akaza’s Return adapts the first half of the manga’s intense Final Battle arc. The film features Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and the Hashiras trapped within the treacherous, shifting Infinity Castle, leading to high-stakes battles against Muzan Kibutsuji’s Upper Moons.
The film’s success is not limited to Japan, with strong international hype preceding its wider release. It is set to hit theaters in the United States, Canada, and India on September 12, 2025, with pre-sales in some regions already indicating record-breaking interest. This global anticipation suggests that Infinity Castle Part 1 is poised to extend its box office dominance well beyond its home country.
