How a Low Budget Superhero Movie Topped Japan’s Movie Charts Ahead of F1 and Jurassic World
Japanese pop culture news edited by Patrick Macias
A bizarre and hilarious low-budget movie is taking Japan by storm. Delivery Dragon: Powered Human Battle Courier. Shot on a shoestring budget and packed with absurd action, this indie film has become an unexpected cult sensation thanks to its handmade charm and over-the-top story about delivery drivers fighting aliens.
As of July 4, 2025, the film holds the number one spot on Cinema Today's list of most-viewed movies in Japan. Delivery Dragon: Powered Human Battle Courier currently ranks ahead of F1 in fourth place and Jurassic World: Rebirth in third. Although Jurassic World has not yet opened in Japanese theaters and is scheduled to premiere on August 8, its placement reflects strong pre-release interest. Even with that advantage, Delivery Dragon is drawing more attention online, making its rise as an indie, low budget superhero comedy all the more impressive. Its momentum has turned it into one of the most talked-about films in Japan this summer.
Arm Wrestling Champ Turned Director Brings Powered Courier Mayhem to Life
The film is directed by and stars Ken Daito, a former Japanese arm wrestling champion turned action actor. Set in the year 2050, it follows part-time courier Hayate Biken as he’s ordered by his company to battle an armed militia and alien invaders using a discount-powered suit. The project was made for just 5 million yen (about $31,000 USD), with another 5 million spent on promotion. Tokusatsu legends Hiroshi Fujioka and Shinzo Hotta (both veterans of TV’s original Kamen Rider) add extra fan appeal with surprise voice cameos.
From Laughs to Labor Problems: Why This Movie Resonates with Japanese Audiences
What started as a passion project has struck a nerve. Audiences are responding not only to the film’s explosive action and outrageous humor, but also to its underlying themes of hard work, friendship, and life on the margins. At recent screenings in Yokohama, fans lined up for autographs, and a toy industry expert even praised the movie saying, "This movie should be shared. It’s a film that is needed in today’s world."
Critics and Fans Alike Call It “The Movie We Need Right Now”
The film is continuing its grassroots tour across Japan with upcoming screenings and cast appearances in Nara, Narita, and Yokosuka. For Japanese movie fans looking for something completely different, Delivery Dragon may be the most memorable cinematic ride of the summer.
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