The latest installment of the Demon Slayer franchise, Infinity Castle Arc: Chapter 1 – Akaza’s Return, has set a new all-time record for an opening weekend in Japan. The film drew 3.84 million viewers and generated ¥5.52 billion (approximately $37.4 million USD) in its first three days. Including the Monday holiday, admissions rose to 5.16 million with total earnings of ¥7.31 billion (around $49.6 million USD).
The film’s debut surpasses the previous record set by Demon Slayer: Mugen Train in 2020, which earned ¥4.6 billion during its opening weekend. Analysts note that the strong start could signal another major box office run for the franchise, both domestically and internationally. Following its domestic debut, Infinity Castle Movie 1 is scheduled to launch internationally between August 14 and September 25, 2025.
While these numbers are unprecedented, it was clear the anime movie was planned for success from the very start. It opened on July 18 to the largest number of Japanese theaters in the franchise’s history, with tickets for the earliest screenings selling out within minutes. A novel adaptation was also announced prior to the film’s premiere.
Ufotable released the first specially-drawn IMAX visual for the franchise hours before the box office announcement. The movie is scheduled to premiere in North America on September 12.
The film also brought back LiSA and Aimer to perform new theme songs for the franchise. New short trailers were recently revealed to preview both of the theme songs.
LiSA performs “Shine in the Cruel Night,” while Aimer performs “A World Where the Sun Never Rises.”
The film, animated once again by ufotable, marks the first of a trilogy that will show the final battles of the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga. You can see the international schedule below.
Source: Demon Slayer Official X
© Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA / Aniplex / ufotable
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