Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – Akaza’s Return has made a historic debut in Japanese theaters, delivering a record-breaking performance that surpasses all prior anime film releases, including the franchise’s own global phenomenon, Mugen Train.
Released on July 18, the film earned ¥3.8 billion (approximately $25 million USD) in just its first two days, outperforming the ¥2.97 billion opening of Mugen Train, which had previously set the benchmark for anime box office success. The first day alone brought in an estimated ¥1.7 billion, making it the fastest opening in Japanese cinema history.
The film marks the beginning of the climactic Infinity Castle trilogy, which will serve as the final arc of the Demon Slayer anime adaptation. Featuring Upper Moon 3, Akaza, in a central role, the story delves into one of the series’ most emotionally complex and action-heavy battles. The focus on Akaza has resonated deeply with fans, as the film explores themes of loss, rage, and redemption with cinematic intensity.
The success is not just measured in numbers. Early critical and fan responses highlight the film’s extraordinary production values. Studio Ufotable once again delivers breathtaking animation and masterful fight choreography, pushing the boundaries of what theatrical anime can achieve. Several theaters in Japan reported sold-out midnight screenings, with many describing the atmosphere as more akin to a blockbuster film premiere than a traditional anime release.
This domestic success arrives ahead of the film’s wider international rollout. Several Asian territories are set to receive the movie in August, with a global release scheduled for September. If current trends continue, Akaza’s Return could mirror or even surpass the worldwide performance of Mugen Train, which ultimately grossed over ¥40 billion (~$300 million USD), becoming the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time.
What sets Infinity Castle apart is not only its commercial success but its role in concluding one of the most culturally significant anime franchises of the decade. The Demon Slayer series has consistently delivered high-impact storytelling, and this film continues that legacy with a refined balance of spectacle and emotional depth.
As anticipation builds for the second and third installments in the trilogy, Akaza’s Return sets a powerful precedent—both as a box office force and as a cinematic milestone in modern anime. Its rapid success reflects not only the enduring popularity of Demon Slayer but also the franchise’s ability to evolve and captivate audiences well beyond its original fanbase.
With more international premieres on the horizon, the global impact of Infinity Castle is only beginning to unfold.
