Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns has achieved a monumental milestone at the Japanese box office, officially surpassing Hayao Miyazaki’s critically acclaimed Spirited Away to become the second-highest-grossing film of all time in the country. The animated feature, which premiered in Japan on July 18, 2025, reached ¥31.7 billion (approximately $213 million-$224 million) in earnings as of September 10, 2025, just under two months since its release.
This incredible feat places Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle directly behind its predecessor, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, further solidifying the franchise’s unprecedented dominance in Japanese cinema.
A New Box Office Challenger
The swift ascent of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle to the upper echelons of Japan’s box office charts underscores the immense popularity of the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba franchise. The film’s earnings of ¥31.7 billion edged past Spirited Away‘s long-standing record of ¥31.68 billion. This makes it the fastest film to reach ¥10 billion in Japan’s history and secured the highest opening day and opening weekend ever recorded in the country.
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Ufotable, Infinity Castle adapts the climactic “Infinity Castle” arc from Koyoharu Gotouge’s popular manga series, continuing the story after the fourth season of the anime. Its intense storytelling and stunning visuals have resonated deeply with audiences, leading to strong turnout, including repeat viewings and premium IMAX screenings.
Spirited Away‘s Enduring Legacy
Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece, Spirited Away, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, held the title of Japan’s highest-grossing film for 19 years after its release in 2001, accumulating ¥31.68 billion. Its record was eventually broken by Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train in 2020, which went on to gross an astounding ¥40.75 billion.
While Spirited Away now cedes its second-place position, its cultural impact and critical acclaim remain undiminished. The film garnered widespread international praise, winning the Golden Bear at the 2002 Berlin International Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003, becoming the first hand-drawn, non-English-language animated film to do so.
Demon Slayer Franchise Dominates the Top Spots
With Demon Slayer: Mugen Train holding the number one spot and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle now at number two, the Demon Slayer franchise has achieved a historic feat by occupying the top two positions in Japan’s all-time box office. This unparalleled success highlights the anime series’ massive cultural footprint and its ability to consistently draw massive theatrical audiences.
The success of Infinity Castle extends beyond Japan’s borders, with the film also breaking international box office records. It achieved the biggest opening day for any international film in US history and the highest-ever debut for an R-rated animated release, with a staggering $33 million opening day in the US, contributing to a global gross of $391 million so far. Industry observers anticipate its international performance to continue strong, potentially pushing its worldwide earnings even higher.
As Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns continues its theatrical run, analysts are keenly watching to see if it can challenge Mugen Train‘s all-time record of ¥40.75 billion, a move that would further cement the franchise’s legendary status in cinematic history.
