Demon Slayer: New “Infinity Castle” Anime Film Opens Strong with 40 Screenings Per Day, Eyes Box Office Record
Japanese pop culture news edited by Patrick Macias
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – Part 1 opens today in Japan with some theaters showing it up to 40 times daily.
Early demand is high, with IMAX and premium format screenings nearly sold out for the weekend.
Industry watchers expect the film to rival or exceed the record-breaking ¥40.4 billion ($250 million) earned by Mugen Train.
New Chapter of a Blockbuster Franchise Begins
The highly anticipated Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – Part 1: The Return of Akaza opened across Japan on July 18. As early as midnight, special premiere screenings took place at 24 theaters in 11 prefectures. Many easly screening sold out quickly, with packed screenings continuing into opening day in major cities like Tokyo.
Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, which has surpassed 200 million copies in circulation, Demon Slayer is produced by animation studio ufotable. The series follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young swordsman who joins the Demon Slayer Corps after his family is slaughtered and his sister is turned into a demon.
Expanded Runtime and Aggressive Theater Rollout
Infinity Castle – Part 1 runs 155 minutes, nearly 40 minutes longer than 2020’s Mugen Train. The film is showing in 452 theaters, including 59 IMAX locations. Some Tokyo multiplexes are running it up to 40 times per day. Even smaller theaters are scheduling 15 to 20 daily showings to meet demand.
Online ticket sales for the weekend have already begun, and most large-format screenings are marked as “nearly full.” Early signs point to a ticket frenzy reminiscent of Mugen Train’s record-setting run, with fans scrambling for premium seats ahead of the weekend.
From TV to Global Theatrical Events
The Demon Slayer anime debuted on TV in 2019, followed by the 2020 film Mugen Train. Since then, the franchise has expanded through multiple TV arcs and international theatrical events. Highlights include Entertainment District Arc and Swordsmith Village Arc, plus worldwide screenings across 145 countries for special features leading into the current Hashira Training Arc.
In the Hashira Training Arc, Tanjiro and the elite warriors known as the Hashira prepare for the final confrontation. Their enemy, Muzan Kibutsuji, launches a surprise attack, dragging the protagonists into the demons’ stronghold, the Infinity Castle. This cinematic arc will unfold as a three-part film series, beginning with today’s release.
Strong Momentum Suggests Long Theatrical Run
Mugen Train grossed ¥40.43 billion ($250 million), securing the top spot in Japan’s all-time box office rankings. It reached the ¥10 billion milestone in just 10 days, becoming a cultural phenomenon despite pandemic restrictions. Many in the industry believe Infinity Castle could match or surpass that success.
With extended screening schedules, strong word-of-mouth, and near-sellout IMAX viewings, Infinity Castle – Part 1 appears poised for a long run in theaters. Industry analysts will be watching closely to see if this first installment sets the pace for another box office phenomenon.
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