Tokyo, Japan – The first installment of the “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle” trilogy has officially claimed the top spot at the Japanese box office for 2025, concluding a record-breaking year for the anime film. The highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster “Mugen Train” garnered an astounding ¥38.71 billion (approximately US$247 million) in domestic revenue as of December 28, solidifying its position as the year’s highest-grossing film and a significant cinematic event.
A Historic Run: Shattering Opening Records
Released on July 18, 2025, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle” immediately set new benchmarks for the Japanese film industry. The film achieved the biggest opening weekend of all time in Japanese cinema, earning ¥5.52 billion (US$37.42 million) from 3.84 million admissions in just its first three days. Its momentum continued, quickly surpassing ¥10 billion (approximately US$71.0 million) within eight days, making it the fastest film in Japan to reach that milestone. The movie maintained its dominant performance, holding the number one position at the box office for nine consecutive weeks.
Diving into the Infinity Castle Arc
The film, officially titled Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Part 1: Akaza Returns, is a direct continuation of the immensely popular anime series, adapting the pivotal “Infinity Castle” arc from Koyoharu Gotouge’s original manga. Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Ufotable, the movie plunges the Demon Slayer Corps into their climactic battle against Muzan Kibutsuji and the Upper Rank demons within the multi-dimensional labyrinth of the Infinity Castle. This theatrical trilogy format was announced following the conclusion of the fourth season of the anime, promising a grand scale for the manga’s dramatic finale.
Anime’s Continued Dominance in Japanese Cinema
The success of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle” underscores a broader trend of anime’s powerful influence on the Japanese box office in 2025. Anime films accounted for a significant portion of the year’s highest earners, with three animated features clearing ¥100 billion (about $670 million). Other notable anime hits included “Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback” and “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc,” both of which also surpassed the ¥10 billion mark. This highlights a historic year where animated features consistently captivated audiences and drove substantial revenue.
Global Reach and Critical Acclaim
While its domestic performance was paramount, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle” also garnered significant attention on the international stage. The film saw releases in various Asian countries in August, followed by a broader international rollout in September, handled by Crunchyroll through Sony Pictures Releasing. This global distribution allowed fans worldwide to witness the continuation of Tanjiro Kamado’s journey, contributing to its overall success as a major force in animated cinema in 2025.
