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Just as previously speculated, Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno got off to a remarkable start after its release on Aug. 1. During the first three days of its opening from Aug. 1-3, the movie brought it 822,734,430 yen in box office revenue with 645,086 tickets sold. The movie was also a clear winner over its opening weekend compared to other films screening, with a box office revenue of 592,230,000 yen across 439 screens countrywide and 433,346 tickets sold. Though its opening day, Aug. 1, was a weekday, many people went to see the movie regardless. On its opening day, the movie made 230,499,400 yen in box office revenue with 211,740 tickets sold. It ranked first for box office earnings during its opening weekend, dominating this season of summer blockbusters.
According to the distributors of the film, these numbers are the highest of any Japanese live-action film this year. The film is going above and beyond the previous and is on track to break through 4 billion yen at the box office. The high praise of the previous 2012 film is said to be connected to this film’s success. Matching up with its release, the previous film, Rurouni Kenshin, was broadcast on Aug. 1 on the program Friday Road Show! to a high viewer rating of 16.3%. This no doubt served as a big push to make the new film a hit.
The strength of Rurouni Kenshin comes from its high familiarity and boundless popularity. The film showed its strength even in areas outside major cities, with the percentage of areas in Japan that comprise the box office earnings surpassing 73%. Audiences ranged from girls in their teens to parents and children. It’s expected that the film will become an even bigger hit due to word of mouth. Also, the follow-up film, The Legend Ends, will release on Sept. 13. There is no doubt that Kyoto Inferno and The Legend Ends will leave behind huge records.
The film is also releasing overseas. The Asia premiere took place on Aug. 6 in the Philippines. Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei, Munetaka Aoki, and director Keishi Otomo attended. It seems the movie will be able to flourish in Japan and overseas from here on.
Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno
Now playing.
Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends
Releasing countrywide in Japan on Sept. 13.
[Weekend Totals]
Box Office: 592,235,030 yen
Tickets Sold: 433,346
[Three-Day Totals]
Box Office: 822,734,430 yen
Tickets Sold: 645,086
© Nobuhiro Watsuki / Shueisha Inc.
© 2014 Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno/The Legend Ends Production Committee
Source: animeanime
