Pokémon Movie Series Surpasses a Cummulative Total of 70 Billion Yen in Revenue and 66.1 Million Viewers

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Aug. 20, 2013 11:00 PDT

The records keep piling up since the release of the latest Pokémon movie Extreme Speed Genesect: Mewtwo's Awakening released in theaters throughout Japan together with the short movie “Pikachu and Eevee Friends” on July 13.

On Aug. 6, the Pokémon movies surpassed 70 billion yen in box-office revenue and 66.1 commulative viewers. Every year, there has been no less than 3 million fans who visit theaters to see the latest movie, making the series a huge success.

In 1998, the first movie, Mewtwo Strikes Back, was released in Japan and became a huge success. It surpassed 6.5 million viewers and a box-office revenue of 7.24 billion yen. Since then, a new movie in the series has been released every summer. The fifteen movies released prior to the latest movie achieved a cummulative total of 68 billion yen in box-office revenue, an average of 4.5 billion yen per movie.

This year, within only 25 days after the release of Mewtwo's Awakening, 1.9 million fans had already visited theaters to see it. Also, the box-office revenue for the movie reached 1.9 billion yen, propelling the series past the 70 billion yen mark. Continuing from the success of past works, no less than 3 billion yen is expected in total box-office revenue for the movie.

Mewtwo's Awakening, which has been popular for appearances and battles between legendary Pokémon, is being shown together with the short movie “Pikachu and Eevee Friends.” This short has pleased fans by featuring the Eevee evolutions, including Sylveon which is voiced by Atsuko Maeda.

Kōichi Yamadera, who has performed in all 16 films, and Shoko Nakagawa, who has performed in seven, commented in celebration of the series’ box-office revenue breaking through 70 billion yen.

Kōichi Yamadera:
>Again and again, another amazing record has been made! Congratulations! I am truly happy to have the chance to perform each year only due to the many people who visit the theaters. I applaud the numerous people related to Pokémon for their unceasing efforts and passion.

Shoko Nakagawa:
>The Pokémon films give numerous children and adults––regardless of gender, generation, or perspective––a reason to smile and have a new dream. I’m deeply moved by this great number. Pokémon films connect together everyone’s hearts and are a wonderful part of Japan’s culture. I’m truly happy, not just because Pokémon films were created on this earth, but also because I can be a part of them as a voice actress. From here on, I look forward to these amazing Pokémon films that tie together the past and future to continue for eternity.

Pokémon Movies Official Site

Source: AnimeAnime