Demon Slayer continues to redefine the anime cinema landscape with its latest film, Infinity Castle Arc: Chapter 1 – Akaza’s Return, which has set a new record for the biggest opening weekend in Japanese box office history. In just three days, the film drew 3.84 million viewers and earned an astonishing 5.52 billion yen, or approximately 37.4 million US dollars. When factoring in Monday's public holiday, those numbers jumped even higher. The film reached 5.16 million admissions and a four-day total of 7.31 billion yen, which translates to nearly 49.6 million dollars.
This remarkable debut not only exceeds all recent anime film performances but also breaks the previous record held by Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, which brought in 4.6 billion yen during its opening weekend back in 2020. The scale and anticipation surrounding Infinity Castle were apparent even before its release, with fans rushing to grab tickets as soon as they went live. Theaters across Japan reported sold-out shows from the very first day, particularly for IMAX and premium screenings.
The movie premiered on July 18 in the largest number of theaters ever used by the franchise in Japan. This wide rollout strategy proved immensely successful and is likely to be replicated globally. International fans can look forward to watching the film between August 14 and September 25, with North America receiving the release on September 12.
Adding to the hype, Ufotable released a stunning new IMAX key visual hours before the box office numbers were announced. The animation studio once again handled the film’s production, continuing its legacy of delivering breathtaking visuals and emotionally charged action sequences. The film also features powerful new music contributions from LiSA and Aimer, two artists deeply connected to the emotional tone of the franchise. LiSA’s new track, “Shine in the Cruel Night,” and Aimer’s “A World Where the Sun Never Rises” have already generated buzz online following short teaser trailers.
Infinity Castle Arc: Chapter 1 marks the beginning of the trilogy that will adapt the climactic finale of the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga. The film centers around Akaza’s reappearance and sets the stage for the fierce battles that will unfold in the later chapters. With the return of beloved characters, intense combat scenes, and deeply personal stakes, fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment of the arc.
As anime continues to rise in mainstream popularity worldwide, Demon Slayer remains at the forefront of this cultural wave. Its combination of cinematic excellence, emotionally resonant storytelling, and global fan devotion makes each release a historic event. The performance of Infinity Castle in its first weekend only reinforces that this is more than just a film. It is a phenomenon.
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