TOKYO, Japan – The live-action film adaptation of the popular indie game “Exit 8” has made a phenomenal debut at the Japanese box office, securing the highest three-day opening for any live-action film released in Japan this year. The psychological horror movie, directed by Genki Kawamura, captivated audiences, drawing 672,000 viewers and grossing 954 million yen (approximately $6.49 million USD) in its first three days, following its release on August 29, 2025.
A Strong Box Office Performance for a Game Adaptation
“Exit 8,” which opened on Friday, August 29, 2025, quickly climbed the box office charts, landing at number two overall in its opening weekend, just behind the animated behemoth “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc: Part 1 – Akaza’s Return,” which held the top spot for its seventh consecutive week. The film’s impressive opening weekend gross of over 953 million yen underscores its significant impact on the Japanese film market.
The film’s success is particularly notable given its origins as a cult indie game, “The Exit 8,” released in 2023. The game, known for its psychological tension and “liminal space” aesthetic, tasks players with navigating an endless Tokyo subway corridor, identifying “anomalies” to find the correct exit. Director Genki Kawamura, known for producing acclaimed Japanese films like Hirokazu Kore-eda’s “Monster” and Makoto Shinkai’s “Suzume,” helmed the adaptation.
Critical Acclaim and International Attention
Prior to its theatrical release in Japan, “Exit 8” garnered international attention and critical acclaim. The film had its world premiere at the Midnight Screenings of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, where it received an impressive eight-minute standing ovation. Its poster also won the prestigious Prix Luciole Award for best poster design at Cannes.
The film is set to expand its reach globally, with an international release anticipated to follow in September. It will also be screened at the Centrepiece Section of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival and the 58th SITGES Film Festival. NEON has acquired distribution rights for the American market, with an early 2026 release planned.
The Story Behind “Exit 8”
The plot of “Exit 8” centers on a man, played by Kazunari Ninomiya, who finds himself trapped in an endlessly looping underground passageway of a subway station. To escape, he must identify “anomalies” based on a cryptic sign that instructs: “Do not overlook anything out of the ordinary. If you see an anomaly, turn back immediately. If you don’t, continue forward. Go out from Exit 8.” This premise, directly adapted from the game, plunges viewers into an “oppressive universe” filled with supernatural and psychological elements. The cast also includes Yamato Kochi, Nana Komatsu, and Kotone Hanase.
Kawamura, who co-wrote the script with Kentaro Hirase, aimed to blur the line between game and film, creating an “almost game-like experience” for the audience.
Broader Context of Japan’s 2025 Box Office
While “Exit 8” has achieved significant success for a live-action film, the overall Japanese box office in 2025 has seen strong performances from both anime and live-action titles. “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle” remains the highest-grossing film of the year, with a cumulative performance surpassing 21.1 million admissions and 29.9 billion yen (approximately $2.03 billion) in revenue by early September. Other high-performers include “Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback” and the drama “Kokuho,” which itself has surpassed 10 billion yen and been submitted for the Best International Feature category at the Academy Awards.
“Exit 8” stands out as a testament to the diverse appeal of Japanese cinema and the growing trend of successful video game adaptations on the big screen. The film’s strong opening suggests a promising run both domestically and internationally.
