The State of the Japanese Box Office in 2025

Tokyo, Japan

The Japanese film industry continues to captivate audiences in 2025, with anime leading the charge and surprising domestic hits making waves. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening at the box office right now.

Weekend Trends & Box Office Health

On the weekend of September 20–21, 2025, Japan’s box office raked in about USD 22.7 million, a hefty 47% increase over the previous weekend. This kind of volatility highlights how heavily Japanese cinema depends on blockbuster openings. Overall, the box office remains strong, with audiences consistently showing up for domestic productions—especially anime.

Anime Reigns Supreme

The biggest story of the year is without question Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. In just 60 days, it pulled in ¥33.6 billion(USD 226 million) and nearly 23 million admissions, making it the second-highest-grossing Japanese film ever, behind only *Demon Slayer: Mugen Train*. This milestone confirms what industry watchers have long known: anime isn’t just a genre, it’s the backbone of Japan’s film economy.

And it’s not just Demon Slayer. Detective Conan: One‑eyed Flashback scored over ¥14.6 billion(USD 98 million), while Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc made a splash in its opening, proving anime films are here to stay and dominate.

A Surprise Live-Action Hit

While anime is the clear box office titan, 2025 also delivered a cultural curveball: Kokuho. Centered on kabuki theater, this live‑action film struck a chord with Japanese audiences, crossing the ¥10 billion(USD 67 million) mark. Its success reflects a growing appetite for stories rooted in traditional culture, offering a refreshing counterpoint to anime’s dominance.

Another notable entry, Exit 8, surprised industry insiders by posting the biggest live‑action opening of the year, raking in over ¥4 billion(USD 27 million) in its first three days.

Hollywood’s Waning Pull

Hollywood films continue to find a place in Japanese cinemas, but their influence is clearly waning compared to the local giants. Even well-marketed blockbusters struggle to match the staying power of anime juggernauts or culturally resonant domestic dramas. Japan’s moviegoers are increasingly choosing content that reflects their own culture and stories.

Key Takeaways of the current state of the Japanese Box Office

• Anime dominates: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle* is rewriting box office history, while Conan and Chainsaw Man keep the momentum going.

• Cultural diversity wins: Kokuho shows that traditional themes can still break through in a modern market.

• Volatility rules: Weekend totals swing dramatically, depending on major releases.

• A healthy outlook: Japanese cinemas are thriving, with domestic productions leading the charge.

2025 is shaping up to be another landmark year for the Japanese Box Office. From anime epics to cultural dramas, audiences are proving that when it comes to the silver screen, they want stories that resonate at home just as much as they impress abroad.