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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle, the first film in the trilogy adapting the manga’s final arc, has made a thunderous debut in Japan—raking in over 5.5 billion yen (~US$37.4 million) and drawing 3.84 million moviegoers in its opening weekend.
These numbers officially surpass the 2020 launch of Mugen Train, which previously held the record with ¥4.6 billion and 3.42 million attendees during its opening stretch. That debut was already historic at the time, noted by Nikkei for setting a weekday launch record.
When factoring in the Marine Day public holiday (Monday), Infinity Castle surged even higher—earning over ¥7.3 billion (~US$49.4 million) and attracting 5.16 million viewers across four days. It’s now knocking on the door of Japan’s top 100 highest-grossing films, with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them currently sitting at the 100th spot with ¥7.34 billion.
Unsurprisingly, the film dominated the July 18–20 weekend box office (JST), clinching the top spot based on total audience numbers.
The Final Battle Begins
Titled Gekijōban “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Mugenjō-hen Daiisshō: Akaza Sairai, Infinity Castle is the first of three films that will cover the climactic “Infinity Castle Arc” from Koyoharu Gotouge’s original manga.
The story sees the Demon Slayer Corps’ final showdown against Muzan Kibutsuji’s most powerful demons within the ever-shifting, surreal walls of the Infinity Castle. The arc begins with the much-anticipated reappearance of Upper Rank Three: Akaza, setting the tone for an emotionally intense and visually explosive trilogy.
International Rollout
Fans outside Japan won’t have to wait too long. International screenings begin in August, with North America’s release date set for September 12.
Demon Slayer’s Journey So Far
The Demon Slayer franchise began in 2019 with the anime’s first season. It was quickly followed by:
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train
- Entertainment District Arc
- Swordsmith Village Arc
- Hashira Training Arc
The manga, serialized from 2016 to 2020 in Weekly Shonen Jump, has sold over 150 million copies and remains one of the most celebrated shonen works in recent history.
Returning Staff and Cast
The production once again boasts the high-caliber talent of ufotable, known for its cinematic visuals and attention to detail.
Staff Highlights:
- Director: Haruo Sotozaki
- Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Akira Matsushima
- Color Design: Yuko Omae
- Background Art Directors: Masaru Yanaka, Yuri Kabazawa
- Background Art Supervisor: Koji Eto
- Compositing Director: Yuichi Terao
- Script & Animation Production: ufotable
Main Cast:
- Natsuki Hanae as Tanjiro Kamado
- Akari Kito as Nezuko Kamado
- Hiro Shimono as Zenitsu Agatsuma
- Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Inosuke Hashibira
Source: X (@kimetsu_off)
