At this year’s Academy Awards, the kabuki epic KOKUHO, the highest-grossing live-action Japanese film in history, is nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, bringing Japanese cinema to Hollywood’s biggest stage. But this is only a glimpse of how Japanese movies are currently experiencing an extraordinary surge in global reach and audience enthusiasm. The recent Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle set a new all-time record for an international film in the United States and has surpassed $700 million worldwide, while Japan’s domestic box office shattered its own all-time revenue record in 2025. Admissions climbed to nearly 189 million, the second-highest figure in history, with audiences returning across every demographic: seniors, families, and young moviegoers alike. Even as the North American box office continues to struggle with attendance well below pre-pandemic levels, Japanese storytelling is resonating with global audiences like never before, from anime blockbusters to culturally rich live-action dramas. What’s driving this momentum, and how far can it carry?
Join us for a special evening in the Cultural Awareness Series, made possible through the generous support of MUFG Bank, as leading voices reflect on the artistic evolution and international momentum defining this exciting chapter in Japanese film history.
KOKUHO producer Chieko Murata (Myriagon Studio) shares how a film rooted in kabuki tradition traveled from its Cannes premiere to an Oscar nomination and a domestic box office record; The panel also discusses the strategy behind anime’s record-breaking theatrical expansion in North America and how streaming and theatrical success fuel each other with Aniplex of America’s president, Yosuke Kodaka; and GEM Partners CEO Aya Umezu, Japan’s leading entertainment data analyst, illuminates the audience trends, fan culture, and structural forces that set Japan’s market apart.
Moderated by Bloomberg managing editor Lucas Shaw, this lively panel discussion will be followed by a reception featuring a generous selection of cuisine by Katsuya, providing a relaxed setting to connect and continue the conversation.
One night after Hollywood’s biggest night, join us for this unmissable evening exploring the past, present, and future of Japanese cinema in the global spotlight.