12.02.2026
Japanese Box Office Sees First Feature Film Top Chart in Months
“Time to Say Goodbye” dethroned consistent performers, marking a shift in Japanese cinema preferences.
- The drama “Time to Say Goodbye” debuted at number one, earning $4.07 million.
- Anime continues to dominate, with “Demon Slayer” and “Zootopia 2” remaining strong contenders.
- Concert films are gaining traction, with “Be: First” landing in the top five.
- “Keeper of the Camphor Tree” experienced the largest percentage drop in box office revenue.
For the first time in twelve weeks, and only the second time since mid-summer, a feature film—not an anime or concert recording—claimed the top spot at the Japanese box office. The poignant drama “Time to Say Goodbye” resonated with audiences, grossing 638.79 million yen, or approximately $4.07 million, during its opening weekend. A total of 454,100 moviegoers attended screenings of the film from February 6 to 8.
A Story of Loss, Guidance, and New Beginnings
Based on Amane Nagatsuki’s bestselling novel, published in July 2022 and lauded with prestigious literary awards, “Time to Say Goodbye” follows Misora Shimizu, a woman repeatedly unsuccessful in her job search. A serendipitous encounter with Reiji Urushibara, a funeral planner at Bando Kaikan, leads her to an internship at the company.
Urushibara initially serves as a stern mentor, challenging and discouraging Misora. However, his dedication, empathy, and profound respect for the deceased and their families gradually inspire her. Misora ultimately decides to pursue a career as a funeral planner herself, finding purpose in a profession centered around remembrance and compassion.
Anime and Concert Films Remain Popular
The anime release “Mobile Suit Gundam: Flash Hathaway – Sorceress Pickaxe” performed as expected, earning $2.3 million in its second weekend and accumulating $9.7 million in ten days, despite a 58% drop from its debut. “Zootopia 2” continued to draw crowds, bringing in $1.63 million during its tenth weekend, a 28% decrease. To date, the animated sequel has earned 14.45 billion yen, or $93.15 million, selling 10.6 million tickets and ranking twentieth in Japanese box office history.
Notably, three concert films secured positions within the top ten. The film documenting the world tour of the popular Japanese boy band “Be: First” earned $1.02 million from 103 theaters, landing at number four. Screenings of Japanese singer Masaharu Fukuyama’s concert, held on October 13, 2024, in Nagasaki, generated $458 thousand, coinciding with his 57th birthday.
Short Films and Returning Favorites
The anime “Galaxy Express: The Milky Metro” earned $965 thousand in just 76 theaters. This release is a compilation of short films initially broadcast on Japanese television and the YouTube platform during the summer. The blockbuster “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Endless Fortress” made another appearance in the top ten, earning $761 thousand during its thirtieth weekend, bringing its total box office to 39.32 billion yen, or $264.52 million.
Mixed Results for Other Releases
The drama “National Treasure” added $317 thousand to its total, experiencing a 46% drop in box office receipts. After thirty-six weekends, the film has grossed 19.88 billion yen, or $137.88 million. “Keeper of the Camphor Tree” suffered the most significant percentage decline in the top ten, with a 64% decrease, earning $285 thousand in its second weekend and $1.55 million in ten days.
