July 22, 2025 —
The anime feature Demon Slayer: Mugen Train has made history by becoming Japan’s top-grossing film of all time, collecting more than ¥40 billion (approximately $271 million) during its domestic theatrical run. This milestone breaks the longstanding record held by Hayao Miyazaki’s acclaimed film Spirited Away, which led the charts for nearly 20 years.
Adapted from Koyoharu Gotouge’s popular manga series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, the film was released in Japan in October 2020 and picked up rapid momentum at the box office. Despite pandemic-related restrictions in place during its release, Mugen Train drew unprecedented crowds, reflecting the franchise’s massive popularity and cultural impact.
The movie, produced by animation studio Ufotable and distributed by Aniplex and Toho, serves as a direct continuation of the anime’s first season. It follows protagonist Tanjiro Kamado and his allies as they face off against a powerful demon aboard a mysterious train. The strong emotional storytelling, combined with high-quality visuals and intense action sequences, resonated deeply with audiences.
Data released by the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan confirmed that the film had surpassed Spirited Away, which previously held the record with ¥31.6 billion in earnings. Internationally, Mugen Train also performed strongly, with its worldwide revenue exceeding $500 million.
The Demon Slayer manga series had already achieved enormous success prior to the film’s release, with over 150 million copies sold. The anime adaptation further expanded its reach, bringing in a new generation of viewers and solidifying its place as a modern classic in Japanese pop culture.
Industry experts view the success of Mugen Train as a turning point for anime cinema. “This achievement shows that animated features, particularly those rooted in well-developed narratives, can dominate mainstream film markets,” said Masaru Iwai, a Tokyo-based entertainment analyst.
Beyond box office figures, the film also contributed to a surge in merchandise sales, streaming viewership, and global licensing agreements. Its success in overseas markets — including the United States, Southeast Asia, and Europe — further boosted the profile of Japanese animation on the international stage.
With upcoming seasons and new film projects in the works, the Demon Slayer franchise continues to grow, shaping trends within the anime industry and redefining commercial success for animated films.
As Japanese animation continues to gain ground globally, the impact of Mugen Train is likely to be felt for years to come — both as a cultural phenomenon and as a benchmark in box office history.
