Released in Japan on November 11, 2022, the anime film “Suzume” by director and screenwriter Makoto Shinkai has been making waves in the industry. As of April 2023, the film began its international rollout and quickly garnered attention, achieving impressive success in box office revenue and critical acclaim.
As of now, “Suzume” has become one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time, with a global box office revenue exceeding $293 million. This figure has allowed “Suzume” to surpass “One Piece Film: Red” (which earned $246.5 million) and claim the fourth position in the top five highest-grossing anime films to date. While the film is still being screened in various locations, it faces tough competition from other successful titles, including Shinkai’s own “Your Name” ($382 million), Studio Ghibli’s classic “Spirited Away” ($395 million), and the blockbuster of 2020, “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” ($507 million).
As of April 16, 2023, “Suzume” has generated a total of 14.48 billion yen in Japan, securing its place as the eighth highest-grossing anime film and the fourteenth overall highest-grossing film in Japan’s cinematic history. Meanwhile, China has emerged as the most successful international market for “Suzume,” where it has grossed 752 million yuan (approximately 14.6 billion yen) in just 25 days since its release at the end of last month.
These impressive figures have made “Suzume” one of only two anime films to earn more at the Chinese box office than in Japan, alongside “Stand By Me Doraemon.” Furthermore, Shinkai’s latest film has joined the ranks of films that have achieved higher box office revenues abroad compared to their domestic performances in Japan.
Following “Your Name” and “Weathering with You,” “Suzume” marks the third anime film by Makoto Shinkai. Shinkai has mentioned that the events of 2011 significantly “changed his life” and had a profound influence on the type of films he aspires to create. This film was released in Vietnam on March 10, 2023, under the title “Suzume’s Locking Door.”
