The first film in the highly anticipated Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle trilogy, Akaza Sairai , continues to dominate the Japanese box office. In its eighth weekend, the film ranked at number one, selling 501,000 tickets and earning over 804 million yen (about US$5.45 million) from Friday to Sunday.
So far, the film has sold an impressive 22 million tickets and earned a cumulative 31.4 billion yen (about US$213 million). This achievement makes it the fastest film in Japanese history to surpass 30 billion yen, reaching the milestone in only 46 days.
Breaking Records and Surpassing Classics
The record was previously held by Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train , which achieved the milestone in 59 days. With this new feat, Infinity Castle: Akaza Sairai proves the continued strength of the Demon Slayer franchise at the global box office.
The film has already surpassed Titanic to become the third-highest-grossing film of all time in Japan. With strong weekend numbers and no signs of slowing down, industry experts predict it will surpass Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away in the coming days, cementing Demon Slayer as one of the most successful anime franchises in history.
Creative Team and Music Contributions
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by ufotable, the film continues the studio’s tradition of high-quality animation and faithful storytelling. Ufotable is also credited with the screenplay, ensuring consistency across the trilogy.
The soundtrack features powerhouse artists Aimer and LiSA, who each deliver memorable performances. Aimer’s “Taiyō ga Noboranai Sekai” (“A World Where the Sun Never Rises”) sets a dramatic tone, while LiSA’s “Zankoku no Yoru ni Kagayake” (“Shine in the Cruel Night”) delivers an energetic and emotional punch, adding depth to the viewing experience.
Other Films Holding Strong in Japan
While Demon Slayer dominates, other films continue to perform well at the Japanese box office. The live-action adaptation of Kotake Create’s horror game The Exit 8 secured the second spot in its second weekend, with cumulative earnings exceeding 2 billion yen. The film has been screened at prestigious festivals including Cannes, Toronto, and SITGES, and is set for a North American release by NEON in 2026.
Meanwhile, Karada Sagashi: The Last Night , the sequel to the 2022 horror adaptation, opened at number four. The latest Crayon Shin-chan film, Super Magnificent! Scorching Kasukabe Dancers continues its run in the top ten, bringing fresh entertainment to fans of the long-running franchise.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle (Credits: IMAX)
Future Expectations for Demon Slayer Trilogy
The success of Infinity Castle: Akaza Sairai sets high expectations for the remaining two films in the trilogy. With fans eager to see the epic conclusion of Tanjiro’s journey against Muzan Kibutsuji, the following instalments are expected to draw even larger audiences.
Given its record-breaking pace, strong fan loyalty, and the cultural impact of Demon Slayer, the trilogy could redefine box office records for anime films worldwide. As the first instalment continues to climb the charts, all eyes are now on how far the series will go and whether it will surpass Spirited Away to claim the top spot in Japanese cinema history.
The official website for Yasuhisa Hara’s Kingdom anime released a brand-new trailer for Season 6, building anticipation ahead of its October debut. The trailer previews the ending theme “Hōkō” ( Roar ) performed by Sora Tomonari.
Fans will also hear Ikimono-gakari’s powerful new opening theme “Ikite, Sansan” ( Live, Brilliantly ), signalling another emotionally charged chapter in the long-running saga.
Expanded Cast of Generals
The announcement also introduced new generals joining the battlefield. The latest cast lineup includes Taito Ban as Shun Sui Ju, Hideaki Tezuka as Ba Nan Ji, Hiroki Tōchi as Chou Ga Ryū, Kyōsuke Mano as Gyou’un, and Kento Fujinuma as Danto. These additions deepen the scope of the Qin and Zhao conflict and promise more intense confrontations. Previously confirmed roles include Shō Komura as Sojin, Daichi Hayashi as Sotan, Yuu Hayashi as Kanto, and several others.
Premiere Date and Streaming Platforms
Kingdom Season 6 will officially premiere on NHK General on October 4 at 24:10 JST (effectively October 5 at 12:10 a.m. JST). Streaming begins the same day on Lemino, Netflix, and Prime Video’s Anime Times channel. Other Japanese platforms will stream the anime starting October 10, ensuring fans can watch across multiple services.
Returning Creative Team
The new season reunites much of the trusted production staff. Kenichi Imaizumi directs once again, while Noboru Takagi handles the script, and Hisashi Abe provides character design.
Studios Pierrot and St.Signpost remain at the helm, with composers Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto returning to deliver another stirring score. Their collaboration has been central to the anime’s consistent success.
Kingdom Anime Season 6 Expanded Cast (Credits: Kingdom anime’s website)
Storyline Focus in Season 6
The sixth season will highlight the fierce battle between Qin and Zhao. Protagonist Xin, carrying the spirit of his fallen mentor, takes up Wang Yi’s spear and charges onto the battlefield. With massive armies clashing, the story promises high-stakes strategy, emotional sacrifices, and pivotal moments shaping China’s unification war.
Franchise Legacy and Global Reach
Since its debut in 2012, the Kingdom anime has grown into one of the most prominent historical series in Japan. With five completed seasons, the franchise continues to capture audiences worldwide. Crunchyroll streamed past seasons, while Viz Media will finally bring the manga to English readers starting in November.
Future Expectations for the Kingdom
With Season 6 focusing on the Qin vs Zhao war arc, expectations are high for an action-heavy narrative filled with strategic twists and emotional resonance. Fans are also looking forward to the fifth live-action film adaptation, scheduled for summer 2026. As the anime edges closer to covering more of Hara’s long-running manga, viewers can anticipate even larger battles and deeper political intrigue in future seasons.
