The anime film "Chiikawa" has set a new box office record in Japan, officially reaching 10 billion yen in revenue. This is a remarkable achievement for an animated work adapted from a webcomic, underscoring the franchise's strong appeal to both Japanese and international audiences.
According to Kyodo News, the film is based on the popular manga by artist Nagano, following the daily lives of three main characters: the hamster Chiikawa, his friend Hachiware, and a fat cat. The original work went viral on social media thanks to its cute art style, which hides deeper layers of meaning about friendship and growth.
The 10 billion yen figure (approximately 1.7 trillion VND) makes Chiikawa one of the highest-grossing domestic anime films in Japan this year. This success stems from strong social media buzz, a broad promotional campaign, and enthusiastic support from fans of all ages.
Beyond box office numbers, the film has sparked a cultural phenomenon, with Chiikawa merchandise frequently selling out in stores. Many Japanese theaters have had to add screenings to meet audience demand.
Chiikawa's success further underscores the strength of Japan's anime industry and opens significant opportunities for future adaptations from webcomics and online manga.
