The Japanese film industry continues to make waves, showcasing impressive box office performances as it heads toward 2025. A recent report from the Japan Film Producers Association revealed both the challenges and victories experienced throughout 2024, where domestic films not only maintained their relevance but also set new records.
On January 29, 2025, the annual conference presented staggering statistics for the previous year. Overall box office revenue tallied at ¥206.983 billion, which represented a decrease of approximately ¥14.4 billion—equivalent to 93.5% from the prior year’s figures. Although this marked the 11th highest revenue since records began, it was still shy of the pre-pandemic peak of ¥261.2 billion achieved back in 2019. The decline reflected some of the disruptions faced across the industry, yet the figures remained commendable when compared to the overall global cinema experience.
Intriguingly, of the total revenue, domestic films soared to ¥155.8 billion, marking growth of ¥7.6 billion from the previous year—an increase signaling possible revival for original Japanese storytelling. Notably, this performance not only surpassed the previous achievement of ¥148.6 billion set back in 2016 but also represented 75.3% of the total revenue generated. Meanwhile, foreign films dwindled to ¥51.183 billion, impacted heavily by the writer and actor strikes over the past few years as the Hollywood industry struggled to regain momentum.
From the widely acclaimed film star Kimura Takuya, whose latest release, "グランメゾン・パリ" (Grand Maison Paris) was making headlines with ticket sales exceeding ¥31.2 billion and drawing audiences of around 2.16 million within just 28 days of release. The film, which serves as the cinematic follow-up to the much-loved TV drama "グランメゾン東京" (Grand Maison Tokyo), showcases the culinary ambitions of its protagonist, portrayed by Kimura, as he seeks to achieve Michelin excellence with his restaurant located in Paris.
Critics have lauded the film for not only its riveting narrative but also its sumptuous visuals. One viewer proclaimed, "It’s like savoring a gourmet dish—each scene is delectable!" This metaphor perfectly encapsulates the emotional and cinematic feast offered by the film. Another audience member noted, "It's engaging all the way, reflecting deep human connections intertwined with culinary excellence."
Adding to domestic productions' charm is the focus on anime films, which continue to captivate both national and international audiences. The report underlined not only the box office success of anime but also how much of its appeal resonates globally. This past year saw two animated films reaching ¥10 billion figures, demonstrating the growing stature of animated Japanese films worldwide.
But it isn’t all about celebration. The broader trends present both challenges and opportunities as discussions surrounding the varying performances of different genres take center stage. Even as the domestic segment flourishes, it reflects on the significant decline of foreign counterparts, which fell by more than ¥22 billion year-on-year as the quality and volume of US and European releases began to dwindle due to production constraints.
Importantly, the number of films released also showed positive signs, with 685 domestic titles hitting theatres, surpassing the previous year's count. This included diverse genres, adding to the variety celebrated by audiences and critics alike. Expectations for the next year remain optimistic, especially as fans anticipate new releases from established franchises and filmmakers.
Speaking of future projects, "6人ぼっち" (Six Alone), starring the young up-and-coming actor Nomura Kouta, is set to hit theatres on May 2, 2025. This film encapsulates teenage trials through the lens of six social outcasts brought together on their school trip. Nomura plays Koyama Ito, the protagonist who unexpectedly finds himself thrust with leadership responsibilities, providing both comedic and heartfelt moments as they navigate their unique stories.
Overall, as noted by Shimatani Yoshinari, the head of the Japan Film Producers Association, "2025 is not only about recovering but also exploring new avenues for storytelling. We are entering new phases of creative endeavors to engage both the younger and older generations." With promising indicators resting on their shoulders, industry specialists see great potential moving forward.
Finally, as the conference concluded, it was noted how the entire entertainment ecosystem—ranging from cinema to streaming platforms—will influence the next steps of the Japanese film industry. With increased cooperation and cross-promotion between films and video games rising significantly, future collaborations provide exciting prospects for audiences already engulfed by the current narrative advancements.