Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc — A Cinematic Earthquake
Opening day fireworks: On July 18, Infinity Castle stormed into Japanese cinemas, setting an unprecedented box office record by raking in JPY1.65 billion (~$10.4 million USD) in a single day—fueled by 1.15 million admissions. This made it the most successful opening day in Japanese cinema history, surpassing previous juggernauts like Spirited Away and Your Name.
Holiday weekend dominance: Benefiting from the long Marine Day weekend, the film expanded its lead with a staggering $49.4 million in gross earnings over just four days. More than 5.16 million tickets were sold—confirming not just intense fan loyalty but broad mainstream appeal. This achievement sets a new national benchmark for holiday releases in Japan.
IMAX Triumph: Bigger, Bolder, Clearer
In a testament to its visual grandeur, Infinity Castle excelled in premium formats:
Across 59 IMAX screens, the film earned $3 million during its opening weekend.
Extended holiday performance reached $3.5 million, boasting a phenomenal $48,000 per-screen average—a record-breaking figure that signals exceptional demand and immersive quality.
This shows that Japanese audiences aren’t just flocking to see the film—they’re opting for the most immersive experience possible.
Story, Craft & Legacy: The Final Battle Begins
Source material: Adapted from Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, the Infinity Castle arc is one of the series’ most intense chapters—setting up the dramatic climax of the war between humanity and demons.
Direction & Studio pedigree: Helmed by visionary director Haruo Sotozaki and produced by ufotable, the studio renowned for its dazzling animation and cinematic flair, the film boasts seamless visual storytelling and emotional punch. Every frame reflects ufotable’s trademark blend of motion and depth.
Plot stakes: The narrative follows the Demon Slayer Corps as they infiltrate Muzan Kibutsuji’s ethereal fortress—the eponymous Infinity Castle—for an explosive final confrontation. This marks the beginning of the endgame for beloved protagonists like Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko, and the Hashira elite.
Star power: Voice talents include fan favorites:
- Hanae Natsuki (Tanjiro)
- Kitō Akari (Nezuko)
- Shimono Hiro (Zenitsu)
- Matsuoka Yoshitsugu (Inosuke)
Their performances fuel the emotional core, deepening viewers’ attachment to these characters.
Worldwide Release: The Global Flame Spreads
International audiences won’t have long to wait: Starting September 12, Infinity Castle begins its worldwide rollout via Toho, Aniplex, and Crunchyroll, ensuring wide accessibility across multiple platforms and regions.
Box Office Rival: Kokuho — Prestige vs Popularity
While Infinity Castle is winning the popular vote, Kokuho holds strong in Japan’s box office at No. 2.
Box office journey: After 46 days, it’s earned $44.9 million, a remarkable feat for a live-action drama rooted in tradition rather than action-fantasy.
Artistic credibility: Directed by Lee Sang-il, the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, bringing international prestige and high expectations.
Lead performance: Stars Yoshizawa Ryo as a young kabuki actor navigating art, heritage, and ambition—a character-driven tale that resonates with Japan’s cultural legacy.
