Box Office Triumphs in Japan: From Slam Dunks to Super Mario Adventures
In the dynamic world of Japanese cinema, 2023 witnessed a spectacular lineup of top-grossing films, ranging from anime masterpieces to thrilling Hollywood adventures. According to Cinema Today’s report on Bunka Tsūshinsha’s top 10 highest-earning domestic and foreign films, two titles claimed the coveted spots at the pinnacle of Japan’s box office hierarchy: “The First Slam Dunk” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”
The Domestic Triumphs:
- The First Slam Dunk: 15.74 billion yen (approximately US$112 million)
- Detective Conan: Kurogane no Submarine: 13.83 billion yen (about US$98.1 million)
- The Boy and the Heron: 8.66 billion yen (about US$61.4 million)
- Kingdom: Unmei no Honō: 5.6 billion yen (about US$39.7 million)
- Don’t Call It Mystery: 4.76 billion yen (about US$33.8 million)
- Godzilla Minus One: 4.64 billion yen (about US$32.9 million)
- Gekijōban TOKYO MER: Hashiru Kinkyū Kyūmeishitsu: 4.53 billion yen (about US$32.1 million)
- Doraemon the Movie 2023: Nobita’s Sky Utopia: 4.34 billion yen (about US$30.8 million)
- World Tour Jōei: Kimetsu no Yaiba Jōgen Shūketsu, Soshite Katanakaji no Sato e (theatrical screening of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc): 4.16 billion yen (about US$29.5 million)
- IDOLiSH7 LIVE 4bit BEYOND THE PERiOD: 2.89 billion yen (about US$20.5 million)
The Foreign Invasion:
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie: 14.02 billion yen (about US$99.4 million)
- Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One: 5.43 billion yen (about US$38.5 million)
- Avatar: The Way of Water: 4.31 billion yen (about US$30.6 million)
- Fast X: 3.82 billion yen (about US$27.1 million)
- The Little Mermaid: 3.4 billion yen (about US$24.1 million)
- Elemental: 2.69 billion yen (about US$19.1 million)
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny: 2.6 billion yen (about US$18.4 million)
- BTS: Yet To Come in Cinemas: 2.53 billion yen (about US$18.0 million)
- Haunted Mansion: 2.17 billion yen (about US$15.4 million)
- Meg 2: The Trench: 1.46 billion yen (about US$10.4 million)
Comparing to Last Year:
The shift in cinematic supremacy is evident when comparing this year’s winners to the previous year’s champions. While “One Piece Film Red” dominated the domestic scene in 2022, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” took the reins in 2023. Similarly, “Top Gun Maverick” ruled the foreign film category in 2022, but this year, it was the Super Mario universe that conquered Japanese hearts.
The Future Awaits:
As we celebrate the triumphs of 2023, it’s worth noting the ever-changing landscape of the Japanese box office. With diverse genres and captivating stories capturing the hearts of audiences, the future promises even more cinematic delights and unexpected successes. From anime aficionados to Hollywood enthusiasts, Japanese cinemas continue to offer a vibrant tapestry of entertainment for all.
In the realm of Japanese cinema, 2023 stands out as a year of triumphs and surprises. “The First Slam Dunk” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” have not only dominated the box office but have also left an enduring impact on audiences, showcasing the diversity and global appeal of Japanese film. As we bid farewell to 2023’s cinematic adventures, we eagerly anticipate what the future holds for the silver screen in Japan.
