Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Infinity Train has just become Japan’s highest-grossing film.
The film, based on the popular manga series, amassed ¥32.47 billion as of Sunday and drew more than 24 million people to theatres since its opening on 16 October despite an ongoing pandemic.
The film surpassed sales from Hollywood blockbusters, the Harry Potter series, and even the works of the revered Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Infinity Train took 45 days to become the second highest-grossing movie ever in Japan before claiming the top spot from Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away 14 days later. Miyazaki’s Spirited Away took 253 days to eclipse the ¥30 billion mark in box-office sales but Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Infinity Train did so in 59 days.
Part of the film’s success lies in its compelling storyline that tells the tale of a teenage boy named Tanjiro who joins a band of demon fighters to avenge the slaughter of most of his family. It’s a good fashioned good versus evil story as Tanjiro also attempts to rescue his sister who has turned into a demon too.