Top 10 Highest-Grossing Movies in Japan

Princess Mononoke is a remarkable historical fantasy epic anime directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli in 1997. The term 'Mononoke' refers to a 'vengeful spirit.' The film premiered on July 12, 1997, in Japan and was later released in the U.S. in October 1999. Set during the late Muromachi period (1392 - 1572), the story unfolds amidst vast forests and crumbling samurai rule, with rising bandits taking their place. This period also marked humanity’s increasing drive to explore and dominate nature through force and intellect.

The film’s narrative takes place in a magical and mysterious forest during the late Muromachi period (1392 - 1572), a time when firearms were replacing swords, and the once-powerful samurai had degenerated into robbers. The Japanese, as well as humanity in general, were beginning to explore and conquer nature using their strength and intellect. However, the reckless exploitation of the natural world provoked nature’s wrath, resulting in catastrophic consequences for humanity. 'Princess Mononoke' is perhaps more suited to an adult and young adult audience, even though animated films are typically targeted at children. The movie grossed 19.3 billion yen at the box office.

Adapted from the novel by Diana Wynne Jones, 'Howl's Moving Castle' is a beloved anime with the Vietnamese title 'The Wizard Howl's Flying Castle.' The story follows Howl, a mysterious, eccentric, and handsome young wizard. Howl has plenty of flaws: he's immature, vain, a ladies' man, and loves to tease women. Yet, despite these quirks, he is undeniably a skilled wizard. His life is wrapped in mystery, and no one truly knows who he is. Each door in his castle opens to a different life, each with its own unique pains. His existence is often marked by long periods of hiding from others.

While the film offers great entertainment, it also carries deep messages. It reminds us that one cannot run away from life’s challenges forever. Howl's struggles are a poignant reflection of a man longing for freedom and happiness. This anime has grossed a remarkable 25 billion yen at the box office.

One Piece Film: Red is a Japanese animated fantasy-action-adventure movie produced by Toei Animation. It is the fifteenth installment in the One Piece film series, based on the renowned manga by Eiichiro Oda. The movie was first announced on November 21, 2021, to coincide with the airing of the 1000th episode of the One Piece anime. Following this, the official trailer and movie posters were released. The film was set to premiere on August 6, 2022. The storyline centers around a new female character named Uta, who shares a special connection with Shanks “Red-Haired.” The movie premiered in Vietnam on November 25, 2022, and earned a revenue of 18.03 billion yen (approximately 50 billion VND).

Set on the music island of Elegia, the film follows Uta, the world’s top diva, as she holds her first live concert for the public. Uta’s dream is simple: “My music will bring happiness to the world.” Beneath her incredible voice lies a deeply hidden and mysterious past. The Straw Hat Pirates, along with other fans of Uta from various factions, including pirates and the navy, gather for her performance. The plot takes a dramatic twist when it is revealed that Uta is the “daughter of Shanks.” This leads to a reunion between Luffy and Uta, twelve years after their initial meeting in Foosha Village.

Bayside Shakedown is a Japanese police comedy-drama television series that first aired on Fuji Television in 1997. The show was created by Ryoichi Kimizuka, starring Yuji Oda, Toshiro Yanagiba, Eri Fukatsu, Chosuke Ikariya, Miki Mizuno, and Yūsuke Santamaria. An English-subtitled version of the series was broadcast in the U.S. in 1998 and 1999 on the International Channel under the title 'Mental Crime Investigation Network.'

The main character is Aoshima Shunsaku, a young detective (played by Yuji Oda). Initially a salesman, Aoshima longs for an adventurous and exciting life, which leads him to join the police force. With its gripping storyline, heart-pounding action scenes, and sharp humor, Bayside Shakedown became a major hit, grossing 17.35 billion yen—a truly remarkable achievement.

Ponyo, also known as Gake no Ue no Ponyo, is a Japanese animated film produced by Studio Ghibli, released in 2008. The screenplay and direction were both handled by the renowned Hayao Miyazaki. This marks the eighth film he directed for Ghibli and his tenth overall. The story revolves around a goldfish named Polumisharudin, who, wanting to become human, befriends a five-year-old boy named Sōsuke, who gives her the name 'Ponyo.' This captivating and charming animated film garnered numerous awards, including the Japanese Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

The film received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with 137 out of 149 ratings being favorable, and scores ranging from a low of 7.7% to a high of 88%. The consensus was that while it may not be Miyazaki's best work, Ponyo is a visually stunning fairy tale that offers a sweet experience for children and fans of Miyazaki of all ages. The movie earned an impressive score of 86 on Metacritic. Its box office revenue has surpassed 21 billion yen, a remarkable achievement.

Weathering with You, also known as Đứa Con Của Thời Tiết, is a Japanese animated film in the fantasy romance and psychological genres. Directed and written by Makoto Shinkai, this is his seventh anime film, produced by CoMix Wave Films and distributed by Toho. The story follows Morishima Hodaka, a high school student who leaves his island home in search of a new life in Tokyo, where he meets Amano Hina, a girl with the power to control the weather. The J-Rock band RADWIMPS returns to compose the soundtrack, with voice actors Daigo Kotaro and Mori Nana contributing, along with the rest of the original production team. The film premiered in Japan on July 19, 2019, and arrived in Vietnam on August 30, 2019.

This movie was selected as Japan's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 92nd Academy Awards, though it was not nominated. Despite this, it earned a remarkable $193.4 million at the box office.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a dark fantasy anime film from Japan released in 2021, based on the prequel manga of the same name, part of the Jujutsu Kaisen series, both created by Gege Akutami. Directed by Sunghoo Park with a screenplay by Hiroshi Seko, the film stars Megumi Ogata, Kana Hanazawa, Mikako Komatsu, Kōki Uchiyama, Tomokazu Seki, Yuichi Nakamura, and Takahiro Sakurai. The movie was produced by MAPPA. It tells the story of Yuta Okkotsu, a young student who becomes a sorcerer and struggles to control the cursed spirit of his childhood friend, Rika Orimoto, at the Jujutsu High School, alongside his skilled companions.

Initially intended as a part of the TV series, MAPPA later decided to change the format. Along with the main focus on Yuta and his friends, the filmmakers expanded the story from the original manga by adding new scenes that delve into the mentor Satoru Gojo and his former friend-turned-enemy Suguru Geto. The film aims to deliver more intense and captivating battle scenes. Released by Toho in Japan in December 2021, and in the U.S. in March 2022, the film earned 13.75 billion yen (Japan) and $196.0 million globally, making it the highest-grossing film in Japan in 2021.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, also known simply as Mugen Train, is a dark fantasy action anime film from Japan released in 2020, based on the "Mugen Train" arc of the popular shōnen manga series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotouge. The movie serves as a direct sequel to the first season of the anime series, directed by Haruo Sotozaki and written by Ufotable’s staff. It was produced by Ufotable in collaboration with Aniplex and Shueisha.

Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, the film premiered in Japan on October 16, 2020, by Toho (in partnership with Aniplex), with international screenings starting from late 2020 into mid-2021. The film grossed over $506.5 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2020, and the first non-Hollywood film to top annual box office rankings. It set numerous records, including being the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time. The film also won multiple awards, including Best Animation at the 44th Japan Academy Prize and Best Animation at the 45th Hochi Film Award.

Spirited Away premiered in Japan in 2001, reached the U.S. in 2002, and was released in Vietnam some time ago, but it still continues to amaze those who experience it for the first time. The common reactions after watching include phrases like “Wow! So impressive!” “Incredible!” and “The Oscar win was well-deserved!” So, what is it about Spirited Away that captivates its audience so deeply? The story follows a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro, who, along with her parents, stumbles upon an abandoned town through a mysterious tunnel, unknowingly entering a world of spirits, gods, and mythical creatures. This land is ruled by the evil, greedy witch Yubaba.

Chihiro’s parents are transformed into pigs after eating food meant for the gods, and she must find a way to save them. To do so, she sacrifices her name and takes the job of working for Yubaba under the alias “Sen.” Fortunately, she finds kind friends and allies, including the mysterious, handsome boy Haku. Initially childish and reluctant, Chihiro gradually discovers her inner strength as she navigates this strange world of deities and spirits. But will she ever reclaim her name, free her parents, and return home? This legendary anime has grossed a remarkable 37 billion yen at the box office.

Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) is a 2016 anime film that quickly became a blockbuster, setting records for its growing box office revenue in its early days of release in Japan. The movie tells a magical, heartfelt story about love and fate, revolving around two main characters: Mitsuha and Taki. Mitsuha lives in a rural town nestled in the mountains, where she is a high school girl. Her father is the town’s mayor, so he is often absent, leaving her to live with her younger sister and grandmother.

Mitsuha is an honest, kind-hearted girl who dislikes her father’s focus on politics and the family’s religious duties at the Shinro Shrine. She longs for a more exciting life in Tokyo. On the other hand, Taki is a high school boy who lives in the bustling heart of Tokyo. One day, Taki dreams of being a girl in a remote mountain town, while Mitsuha dreams of being a boy living in central Tokyo. Since its release, Your Name has grossed over 38 billion yen and is one of Japan's highest-grossing anime films of all time.