TOKYO – The first film in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle arc has made history, becoming the fastest movie in Japan to surpass 30 billion yen at the box office. The film, officially titled Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc Part 1: Akaza Returns, achieved this monumental feat in just 46 days since its release on July 18, 2025, outpacing its predecessor, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train.
As of September 7, the movie had grossed ¥31.42 billion (approximately US$212.28 million) from over 22 million tickets sold. By September 10, its earnings had further escalated to ¥31.7 billion, propelling it past Hayao Miyazaki’s critically acclaimed Spirited Away to become the second-highest-grossing film in Japan’s history, trailing only Demon Slayer: Mugen Train.
A Rapid Ascent to Box Office Supremacy
The Infinity Castle film’s journey to the 30-billion-yen mark was remarkably swift. It shattered the previous record held by Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, which took 59 days to reach the same milestone. This performance underscores the immense popularity and cultural impact of the Demon Slayer franchise in Japan.
Breaking Multiple Records from Opening Day
The film’s record-breaking run began immediately upon its release. It set new benchmarks for:
- Fastest to 10 Billion Yen: Achieved in just eight days.
- Fastest to 20 Billion Yen: Reached in 23 days.
- Highest Opening-Day Revenue: The film recorded the highest opening-day box office in Japanese history.
- Biggest Opening Weekend: It also secured the largest opening weekend of all time in Japanese cinema.
- Highest Single-Day Earnings: The movie set a new record for single-day box office revenue.
The film’s sustained performance saw it holding the top spot at the Japanese box office for eight consecutive weekends as of September 7.
Demon Slayer’s Dominance Continues
The Demon Slayer franchise has consistently delivered record-breaking cinematic experiences. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, released in 2020, became Japan’s highest-grossing film ever, eventually crossing 40 billion yen. The Infinity Castle film’s current trajectory suggests it could challenge Mugen Train‘s all-time record, or at least solidify the Demon Slayer franchise’s hold on the top two positions in Japanese box office history.
Haruo Sotozaki directs the film at anime studio ufotable, with Akira Matsushima as Chief Animation Director and Character Designer, and music by Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina.
International Anticipation Builds
With its domestic success firmly established, the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc Part 1: Akaza Returns is now set for a major international rollout. The movie is scheduled for general release in the United States and Canada on September 12, 2025, alongside other territories. Advance ticket sales in the U.S. have already broken records for anime films, indicating strong global anticipation for the latest installment in the saga. Its international performance has already seen significant success in Southeast Asia, with notable grosses in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
