"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" Surpasses 220 Million Copies! What is the Reason Behind the Ongoing Global Boom Even After the Series Ended?

2025年07月21日 22:45

1. Introduction: Why Has "Demon Slayer" Sold So Well?

"Demon Slayer" is a dark fantasy series serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" from 2016 to 2020. In 2024, four and a half years after the series ended, Shueisha announced that the total number of copies published had reached 220 million. This means that approximately 70 million copies were newly printed even after its conclusion, marking a rare success in the history of Japanese manga.

2. Overview of the Work and the Appeal of the Story

The story follows a boy named Tanjiro, whose family was killed by demons, as he joins the demon-slaying organization "Demon Slayer Corps" to turn his sister Nezuko, who has become a demon, back into a human.
The coexistence of "strength" and "kindness," deep human relationships, and the growth through death depicted in the story have touched the hearts of many readers across ages and nationalities.

3. The Worldwide Success of the Anime Version

The anime version, aired in 2020, amazed viewers worldwide with its stunning visuals. The battle scenes, especially those depicting techniques like "Water Breathing" and "Flame Breathing," have been highly praised for their artistic quality.
The fusion of CG technology and animation by ufotable, the production company, is said to have significantly raised the standard of anime.

4. Theatrical Version "Mugen Train" Becomes the Highest-Grossing Film

The 2020 theatrical release of "Demon Slayer: Mugen Train" recorded over 40 billion yen in domestic box office revenue. It surpassed "Spirited Away" to become the highest-grossing film in Japanese history.
This success elevated "Demon Slayer" beyond a temporary boom, making it a social phenomenon that garnered international attention.

5. Popularity Overseas: Japanese Culture and Universal Themes

Translated versions have been published extensively in Asia and the West, and the anime has been streamed on platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime. With support for over 20 languages, including English, Spanish, French, and German, it has facilitated acceptance in diverse cultural spheres.
The underlying universal themes of "family love" and "self-sacrifice" have resonated with audiences in many countries.

6. Character Popularity and Marketing

Characters with unique personalities, such as Zenitsu, Inosuke, Shinobu Kocho, and Kyojuro Rengoku, have gained popularity through official merchandise, collaboration products, and video game adaptations.
Collaborative campaigns with Japanese companies like Lawson, Uniqlo, ANA, and Kura Sushi have also become a topic among overseas fans, serving as a motivation to visit Japan.

7. The Secret to Sustained Popularity After the Series Ended

The conclusion of the series is clear and moving, and the "completeness of the story without relying on sequels" has been highly praised.
Additionally, the release of the second and third anime seasons and further theatrical versions are planned, encouraging the "re-experience" of the story.

8. SNS and Fandom Culture

Fan art, analysis videos, and cosplay posts on platforms like Twitter (now X), TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have accelerated the popularity of "Demon Slayer." Reaction videos to iconic scenes like "Total Concentration Breathing" and "Hashira Meeting" have spread, providing "opportunities to engage" for fans in non-Japanese speaking regions.

9. The Future of the Demon Slayer Boom

The anime adaptation of "Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc" is planned for release from 2025 onwards, with expectations for continued global popularity.
Plans for pilgrimage sites, original art exhibitions, and collaborations with USJ attractions are also in place, further strengthening the connection with the work through real experiences.

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