A Monumental Triumph! Gekijoban Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugenjo-hen Dai Issho Akaza Sairai Dominates Chinese Box Office
Hello everyone! This is Ri from China, and today I want to talk about the latest work from the Kimetsu no Yaiba series, Gekijoban Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugenjo-hen Dai Issho Akaza Sairai.
Breaking Records: China’s Love Affair with Kimetsu no Yaiba Continues
Originally released in Japan on July 18, 2025, Gekijoban Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugenjo-hen Dai Issho Akaza Sairai finally hit cinemas in mainland China on November 14, 2025. This film garnered immense popularity even before its official release in China. By November 11, advance ticket sales alone had already reached an astonishing 181 million yuan (approximately 3.85 billion yen), setting a new record for imported anime films in China!
The film’s opening day on November 14 saw box office revenue soar to 117 million yuan (approximately 2.49 billion yen), and by November 21, it had already surpassed 565 million yuan (approximately 120.2 billion yen). It’s safe to say that this film is quickly becoming a monumental benchmark for anime cinema in China.
Unwavering Passion: Fans Flock to Theaters Despite Tensions
Despite the increasing popularity of Japanese anime, current Japan-China relations have been somewhat strained, leading to delays for other Japanese film releases in mainland China. However, Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugenjo-hen proved to be an exception, with audience enthusiasm completely unfazed by the situation. On opening day, November 14, fans rushed to cinemas to catch the midnight screenings, eager to see the film as soon as possible. Despite the late hour, theaters in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai were completely packed!
As with many anime films, Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugenjo-hen offered special first-come, first-served merchandise. While the specific items varied by cinema, common gifts included movie posters, postcards, and acrylic stands. What truly delighted fans this time was the fact that the 155-minute film was shown entirely uncut, with only Chinese subtitles added, making it identical to the version released in Japan. China typically has strict censorship for imported films, often leading to the removal of violent or bloody scenes, so this complete lack of cuts was truly a cause for celebration!
The “Kanei-dan” Phenomenon and a Deeply Moving Experience
In China, it’s common for groups of fans and enthusiasts, known as “Kanei-dan” (観影団), to gather, cosplay as their favorite anime characters, and watch films together. This Kimetsu no Yaiba movie was no exception, with many such Kanei-dan spotted in cities across the country. Seeing characters like Kamado Tanjiro, Kochou Shinobu, and Akaza brought to life within the cinema created an incredibly immersive atmosphere, truly enhancing the movie-going experience.
I personally had the chance to see the film and found it exceptional in terms of its compelling story, stunning animation, and impressive sound effects. After leaving the cinema, I had the opportunity to chat with several audience members, and almost all of them showered the film with praise. One particular audience member, who was seated next to me, shared a poignant thought: “What struck me most throughout the movie was how Akaza ultimately overcame evil with the good that resided within him, effectively putting an end to his ‘current self’ through his ‘past self.’ For him, it was probably a form of salvation and liberation.” This sentiment perfectly captures the emotional depth of the film.
Kimetsu no Yaiba’s Enduring Legacy in China
The Kimetsu no Yaiba anime was first officially introduced in China in July 2020, available to paid subscribers on Bilibili. Five years later, it has become an undeniable sensation, a series that virtually every anime fan in China knows and loves. At cosplay events held across China, Kimetsu no Yaiba consistently ranks as one of the most popular franchises. Currently, anime fans in mainland China can enjoy the Kimetsu no Yaiba anime by subscribing to video streaming platforms such as Bilibili and Youku.
The Booming Merchandise Market
Kimetsu no Yaiba boasts an incredibly rich variety of merchandise. Step into almost any anime shop, and you’re bound to find an abundance of figures, badges, acrylic stands, and more. With the release of the movie, the prices of related goods have seen a short-term surge. For example, the Grandista series Akaza figure from Bandai Namco has been almost completely sold out in anime shops due to Akaza’s recent skyrocketing popularity.
On China’s flea market app, Xianyu, this figure was trading for around 120 yuan (approximately 2,553 yen) before the movie’s release. Now, the price hovers around 270 yuan (approximately 5,745 yen), nearly doubling its value. This elevated price point is expected to remain stable for the foreseeable future.
A Bridge Through Anime: Concluding Thoughts
While recent Japan-China relations have had some impact on the anime industry, the fervent enthusiasm of Chinese anime enthusiasts for Kimetsu no Yaiba remains undiminished. I firmly believe that continued exchange within the anime industry will hold significant importance for the future.
《Ri Qi-gen》
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