‘Perfect storm’ propels Demon Slayer into the record books

Experts say franchise’s success reflects slow-burn development and a story with global appeal.

Tokyo, Japan – The unprecedented success of the film Demon Slayer has helped underline the potential of its anime industry and its focus on mass entertainment, and boost Japanese morale as the country battles a renewed surge in coronavirus cases. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train now owns the Japanese record books. After a dozen consecutive weeks at the end of last year as the highest-grossing movie in Japan – it is still going strong – in December it surpassed Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away as the No. 1 highest-earning Japanese film of all time.