Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns, the first installment of a trilogy adapting the climactic "Infinity Castle" arc from Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, has achieved a monumental milestone, grossing over ¥30 billion (approximately US$200 million) at the Japanese box office. Released in Japan on July 18, 2025, the film has solidified its place as a cultural and commercial juggernaut, becoming the third highest-grossing film in Japan’s history in just eight weeks.
The film, directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Ufotable, opened with a staggering 3.84 million tickets sold, generating ¥5.52 billion (about US$37.38 million) in its first three days. By August 24, after 38 days, it had amassed 19.8 million admissions and ¥28.09 billion in earnings. The following weeks saw continued dominance, with the film maintaining the top spot at the Japanese box office for eight consecutive weeks, reaching a total of ¥31.4 billion by September 8, as reported by industry sources. Internationally, the film has also broken records, earning $13 million in South Korea with 1.65 million admissions in its opening three days and $4.2 million in the Philippines, marking the biggest opening weekend in that market’s history. Globally, the film has grossed $294.5 million within 38 days, cementing its status as a global phenomenon.
The Demon Slayer franchise has a storied history of shattering box office records. Its predecessor, Demon Slayer: The Movie – Mugen Train, released in 2020, remains the highest-grossing anime film in Japanese history and the highest-grossing Japanese film worldwide, with over $507 million in global earnings. Infinity Castle – Part 1 builds on this legacy, delivering breathtaking animation, intense action, and emotional depth that have resonated with audiences. The film’s success is attributed to its high-stakes narrative, which follows the Demon Slayer Corps as they confront the Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji in his dimensional stronghold, the Infinity Castle.
Crunchyroll provides the following description of the film:
Tanjiro Kamado – a boy who joined an organization dedicated to hunting down demons called the Demon Slayer Corps after his younger sister Nezuko was turned into a demon. While growing stronger and deepening his friendships and bonds with fellow corps members, Tanjiro has battled many demons with his comrades – Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira. Along the way, his journey has led him to fight alongside the Demon Slayer Corps’ highest-ranking swordsmen, the Hashira, including Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku aboard the Mugen Train, Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui within the Entertainment District, as well as Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji at the Swordsmith Village. As the Demon Slayer Corps members and Hashira engaged in a group strength training program, the Hashira Training, in preparation for the forthcoming battle against the demons, Muzan Kibutsuji appears at the Ubuyashiki Mansion. With the head of the Demon Corps in danger, Tanjiro and the Hashira rush to the headquarters but are plunged into a deep descent to a mysterious space by the hands of Muzan Kibutsuji. The destination of where Tanjiro and Demon Slayer Corps have fallen is the demons’ stronghold – the Infinity Castle. And so, the battleground is set as the final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons ignites.
The film’s international rollout began in select Asian markets in August, with releases in Malaysia, Singapore, and Pakistan on August 14, followed by Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam on August 15, and the Philippines on August 20. North American audiences can look forward to the film’s theatrical release on September 12, 2025, distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment. It will be available in both Japanese with English subtitles and dubbed versions, screening in IMAX and premium large formats. Early screenings are planned for Crunchyroll Mega and Ultimate Fan subscribers, with tickets already available through platforms like Fandango. The film’s running time is 2 hours and 35 minutes, promising an epic cinematic experience.
Sources: Oricon, Kogyo Tsushin, Demon Slayer on X, Muse on Instagram, KOBIS
