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The Continuing Box Office Dominance of SPY×FAMILY Code: White
The enigmatic world of espionage and family ties in the anime film “SPY×FAMILY Code: White” continues to captivate Japanese audiences, clinching the top spot for the second consecutive weekend. The film drew in crowds of 585,000, translating to an impressive 800 million yen (approximately US$5.56 million) in box office sales from December 29 to 31. In a mere 10 days since its release on December 22, this cinematic phenomenon amassed 2.08 million tickets and a total of 2.8 billion yen (around US$19.47 million). By its 13th day, the ticket sales swelled to 2.59 million, with earnings surging past 3.4 billion yen (about US$23.62 million).
Fans in North America won’t be left out, as Crunchyroll plans to bring this thrilling experience to screens across the continent in 2024.
The man behind the original manga, Tatsuya Endō, has been instrumental in bringing his characters to life on the silver screen, supervising the film which was beautifully animated by WIT STUDIO in collaboration with CloverWorks.
New Talents Join an Exemplary Cast
Enriching the film’s narrative are the new cast members: Tomoya Nakamura voicing Dmitri, alongside Kento Kaku as Luka, Banjou Ginga adding depth as Snijder, and Shunsuke Takeuchi who takes on the role of Type F. Their performances add fresh layers to the already vibrant world of “SPY×FAMILY.”
To celebrate the film’s outstanding success, TOHO animation unveiled a “Big Hit Thank You” video, which premiered on Thursday.
The Resurgence of Godzilla Minus One
Ascending from eighth to sixth place in its ninth weekend, “Godzilla Minus One,” directed by Takashi Yamazaki, has seen an impressive crowd of 3.26 million moviegoers, resulting in a staggering collection of 5.01 billion yen (nearly US$34.81 million). As of its 62nd day, the film continues to bring in fans, and from January 12, these enthusiasts can enjoy an even more immersive experience with MX4D and 4DX screenings, along with a unique 70th Anniversary Original Art Board for those in attendance.
This chapter of the Godzilla saga first made its roar heard on November 3, 2023, coinciding with “Godzilla Day” and the anniversary of the franchise’s debut. The impact was felt immediately, earning 648,600 tickets sold and netting over 1 billion yen (US$6.93 million) within just three days—a success that eclipsed Shin Godzilla’s initial performance in 2016.
Featuring a talented cast with Ryunosuke Kamiki and Minami Hamabe at the forefront, the film made waves beyond Japan. The U.S. opening weekend saw it pull in over US$11 million, crowning it 2023’s highest-earning live-action Japanese film in North America.
With Yamazaki at the helm, who brought his expertise in directing and visual effects, the film weaves a compelling narrative worthy of the legendary Godzilla name.
Kitarō Tanjō: The Slide Down the Box Office Ladder
In its seventh weekend, “Kitarō Tanjō: Gegege no Nazo” (Kitarō Birth: The Mystery of Gegege) experienced a drop, moving down to seventh place. Opening on November 17, the film attracted 111,500 viewers, bringing in 160 million yen (about US$1.07 million) during the initial three-day period.
Under the direction of Gou Koga, with Hiroyuki Yoshino penning the script, this anime film has brought excitement to Toei Animation’s repertoire. The story features a stellar voice cast including Toshihiko Seki, and Hidenobu Kikuchi, who lend their voices to central figures in this enigmatic journey.
A Soaring Sequel: Fly Me to Saitama’s Box Office Journey
The follow-up to the quirky tale “Tonde Saitama ~Biwako Yori Ai o Komete~” (Fly Me to Saitama: From Lake Biwa With Love) soared from tenth to eighth in its sixth weekend. Debuting on November 24, this sequel immediately captured the audience’s imagination, dominating the box office in its opening weekend, drawing 292,300 attendees and securing 415 million yen (about US$2.80 million). Its first four days boosted ticket sales to 444,500, netting a substantial 629 million yen (roughly US$4.25 million).
Revolving around the bold Saitama Liberation Front under Rei Asami (Gackt) and Momomi Dannoura (Nikaidō), the film weaves a tale of adventure and confrontation in the Kansai region, challenging audiences with bold new storylines.
In contrast to its predecessor, the original “Fly Me to Saitama,” released in February 2019, this sequel builds upon the first film’s success, which itself had topped the box office at its release.
Sources: Kōgyō Tsūshin (link 2), Godzilla Minus One film’s X/Twitter account.
Final Thoughts
The box office landscape in Japan remains a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted stories, relatable characters, and the artistry of filmmaking. As SPY×FAMILY Code: White maintains its stronghold and Godzilla Minus One continues to captivate moviegoers, each film contributes a unique narrative that resonates with different audiences.
With a delightful mix of new and returning characters, and a diverse range of genres from family-centric espionage to classic monster battles, Japan’s cinema showcases its ability to captivate and entertain on a grand scale. These stories echo long after the credits roll, and fans worldwide await their chance to dive into these thrilling cinematic experiences.
