"Will the New 'Demon Slayer' Dominate the Screens? — Understanding the Situation of Japanese Cineplexes and Its Impact on Diverse Works"

2. What is the Infinity Castle Trilogy?

According to the official website, the first chapter will be released nationwide on July 18, 2025 Demon Slayer Official Website. The distribution is by the Toho and Aniplex alliance, and a multi-format release including IMAX and Dolby Cinema has been announced. The number of theaters is expected to increase from previous works, with estimates of about 390 regular theaters and 53 IMAX theaters note.

3. Multiplex Programming Logic and Screen Count

Japanese multiplexes can schedule all screens at their discretion. Programming that heavily favors one work is considered rational to ensure maximum short-term revenue CINEMAS+. Minimum screening weeks and percentage contracts with distributors also increase the incentive to allocate slots to "sure-hit" titles.

4. 2020 vs 2025: Changes in Occupation Patterns

In 2020, "Mugen Train" occupied more than half of the screens in some multiplexes Asahi Shimbun. This time, the increase in the number of theaters is expected to reduce the screen occupancy rate per theater note, but some theaters, like TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku, are taking an aggressive approach with 40 screenings on the first day Oricon.

As a result, golden time slots for other works are still being squeezed.

5. Examples and Voices of Affected Works

In 2020, the Venice Silver Lion-winning film "Wife of a Spy" struggled with a lack of screening venues Asahi Shimbun. This year, Japanese film "Drawing You on a Summer Night" and Korean film "THE MOON," released around the same time, reportedly struggled to secure evening screenings, worsening the efficiency of their advertising budgets (according to industry papers).

Independent productions are shifting their releases to autumn or entering "simultaneous streaming" contracts with platforms from the start.

6. Distribution and Box Office Revenue Mechanism

In Japan, approximately 50-55% of box office revenue goes to distribution, with the remainder going to theaters. Increasing the number of screenings does not significantly change labor costs, and ancillary sales, including popcorn, increase, making theaters more welcoming to screen concentration. Toho owns the TOHO Cinemas chain, allowing integrated control over programming, which is an advantage.

7. Screen Share Regulations Overseas

In the U.S., despite the easing of separation policies following the "Paramount Decision," many chains maintain the principle of one screen per theater even for major releases . In South Korea, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism operates guidelines that effectively limit share to over 30%. China also sets screen number limits with "batting rules." In contrast, Japan has no regulations, leaving it to market principles.

8. Benefits and Drawbacks for Cinemas and Audiences

For audiences, benefits include easier seat reservations and increased format options like IMAX and 4DX. On the other hand, for those who want to watch a variety of works in succession, the homogenization of programs is a drawback. Cinemas can earn short-term profits, but the homogenization of the lineup poses the risk of losing repeat customers.

9. Impact on Creators and Small Works

In Japan, where the production committee system is common, the lack of screening slots can delay investment decisions. In 2024, out of 80 debut films by young directors, 25 did not make it to theaters and went straight to streaming (according to the Japan Film Producers Association). Losing screens also creates a vicious cycle where it becomes difficult to build a track record of film festival selections.

10. Streaming and Event-Type Screenings

Some mini-theaters adopt an "event-type" approach by securing a one-week screening period and immediately switching to online screenings afterward. By combining limited edition goods and live-viewing with stage greetings, they are making notable efforts to differentiate through experience value to compensate for the screens taken by multiplexes.

11. Proposals to Preserve Diversity

• Incorporate "screening guarantees" into the conditions for public subsidies

• Strengthen the linkage between film festivals and streaming platforms

• Trial weekly short film programs in empty multiplex screens

• A model where audiences purchase "screening rights" through participatory crowdfunding

12. Conclusion—Beyond "It Can't Be Helped"

While the box office power of the "Demon Slayer" series is a major support for the Japanese film industry, it also carries the risk of undermining diversity. The freedom of multiplex programming is strong, but creating an environment where audiences can enjoy the "fun of choosing" is what supports the long-term health of the market. It is hoped that the proposals presented in this article will help consider a future where hit works and independent films can coexist.

📚 List of Reference Articles

1. 🔗 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1 | Official Website
   　Check the latest release information, screening theaters, story overview, and staff/cast list.

2. 🔗 ORICON NEWS | "Demon Slayer" Movie First Day, 40 Screenings at TOHO Shinjuku
   　A breaking news article reporting the number of screenings and audience reactions at TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku.

3. 🔗 Toyo Keizai Online | Anime Movie Summit 2025, Which Work Will Win?
   　Analyzes the box office competition of summer anime movies like "Demon Slayer" vs "One Piece."

4. 🔗 Asahi Shimbun Digital English Edition | How "Demon Slayer" Took Over Cinemas in 2020
   　Explains in English the multiplex occupation and its impact during the release of "Mugen Train."

5. 🔗 Magmix | The Shock of 40 Screenings from Day One, Expectations and Challenges of the "Demon Slayer" Movie
   　A column article considering fan psychology and marketing methods.

6. 🔗 Eiga.com | Theater Screen Occupation Issues and Mini-Theater Challenges
   　Covers industry explorations and mini-theater support measures for ensuring diversity.

7. 🔗 Agency for Cultural Affairs | Overview of Film Promotion Policies for FY2024 (PDF)
   　Government's current policy on film, including screening guarantees and support systems.

8. 🔗 CINEMORE | U.S. Screening Regulations and the Current State of the Paramount Decision
   　Details overseas share restriction situations and provides a comparative perspective with Japan.