In a swift and stunning box office performance, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns” has officially become the sixth highest-grossing film of all time in Japan, surpassing the monumental success of “One Piece Film: Red”. The first installment of the “Infinity Castle” trilogy achieved this remarkable feat in just 24 days since its July 18, 2025, premiere, demonstrating the continued dominance of the Demon Slayer franchise in the Japanese cinematic landscape.
A Rapid Ascent to the Top Tier
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns,” a direct adaptation of the fan-favorite “Infinity Castle” arc from Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, has garnered approximately ¥21.74 billion (US$147.2 million) in domestic earnings as of August 11, 2025. This rapid accumulation of revenue stands in stark contrast to “One Piece Film: Red,” which took 451 days to reach a similar box office milestone of ¥20.33 billion (or ¥20.34 billion, depending on the report).
Box Office Milestones Achieved
The film’s performance has been exceptional from the outset, setting new records for opening day and single-day box office revenue in Japan. Within eight days of its release, it had already crossed the ¥10 billion mark, becoming the fastest film in Japan to achieve this milestone. Its continued momentum quickly propelled it past other beloved titles, including “Princess Mononoke” (¥19.7 billion) and “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (¥20.3 billion), before ultimately surpassing “One Piece Film: Red”.
Context of “Demon Slayer”‘s Cinematic Dominance
The overwhelming success of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns” underscores the enduring popularity of the Demon Slayer series. The franchise previously shattered box office records with “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train” in 2020, which remains Japan’s highest-grossing film of all time with a staggering ¥40.43 billion.
Evolution of Demon Slayer Films
Unlike recent Demon Slayer cinematic releases, such as “To the Swordsmith Village” (2023) and “To the Hashira Training” (2024), which primarily served as compilation films with advanced screenings of new anime episodes, “Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns” is presented as a full cinematic retelling of the manga’s arc. This distinction appears to have resonated strongly with audiences, driving massive turnout and repeat viewings.
“One Piece Film: Red” – A Formidable Predecessor
“One Piece Film: Red,” which premiered in Japan on August 6, 2022, was itself a colossal hit for the One Piece franchise and Toei Animation. It held the position as Japan’s sixth highest-grossing film for an extended period, showcasing the immense global appeal of the Straw Hat Pirates. Its dethroning by “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns” highlights the extraordinary current demand for the Demon Slayer narrative.
Looking Ahead
With its initial overseas expansion already commencing in markets like Taiwan, where it achieved the largest debut ever for a Japanese production, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns” is poised to further expand its global earnings throughout August and September. Industry analysts suggest the film could potentially surpass ¥20 billion from Japan alone and eye worldwide earnings exceeding $300 million, solidifying its place among Japan’s most successful cinematic exports. The impending releases of subsequent parts of the “Infinity Castle” trilogy are expected to continue this trend of record-breaking success.
