Japan Box Office Report – June 2025

Local Drama Outshines Hollywood as "Kokuho" Steals the Show

While Disney's Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible dominated headlines globally, June 2025 in Japan saw a surprising box office upset: a domestic suspense drama called "Kokuho" (meaning "National Treasure") surged past the competition to claim the top spot in monthly revenue. Here's a full breakdown of the top earners and what made this month particularly compelling in Japan’s film landscape.

🏆 Top-Grossing Films in Japan – June 2025

1. Kokuho

（国宝）
A Japanese historical suspense drama about a stolen national treasure. Word-of-mouth and critical acclaim helped it surpass even Disney's juggernauts.

2. Lilo & Stitch

（リロ＆スティッチ／実写）
Disney’s live-action remake charmed audiences with its nostalgia and family-friendly appeal. Strong debut, especially among younger generations.

3. Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning

（ミッション：インポッシブル／ファイナル・レコニング）
Tom Cruise returns for one last ride in this high-octane espionage thriller. A strong performance from its late-May release into June.

4. Frontline

（フロントライン）
A tense, dialogue-driven Japanese political thriller about investigative journalism and government corruption. A sleeper hit among adult audiences.

5. Dollhouse

（ドールハウス）
A homegrown psychological horror film that turned heads with its eerie atmosphere and minimalist terror.

6. Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback

（名探偵コナン：隻眼の残像）
The 2025 installment of the long-running Conan series. In its third month, still pulling consistent numbers thanks to a loyal fanbase.

7. Uta no☆Prince-sama♪: Taboo Night XXXX

（劇場版 うたの☆プリンスさまっ♪ TABOO NIGHT XXXX）
A fan-driven, music-themed anime movie with a strong core following. Slight drop after May, but steady performance.

8. Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie

（呪術廻戦：懐玉・玉折）
A movie-length adaptation of one of the most beloved arcs in the Jujutsu Kaisen series. Strong among high school and university-age viewers.

9. F1: The Movie

（F1／エフワン）
A biographical racing drama set in the world of Formula 1. Opened late June but made a quick impact and is expected to climb further in July.

10. Minecraft: The Movie

（マインクラフト：ザ・ムービー）
Based on the global video game phenomenon. Especially popular among families and younger children, with long legs since April.

🔍 Key Trends from June 2025

🇯🇵 Japanese Films Are Holding Their Own

Domestic films like Kokuho, Frontline, and Dollhouse proved that local storytelling can still dominate Japan’s box office — even in the face of major Hollywood releases. This reflects a broader trend: Japanese audiences are increasingly drawn to culturally relevant, well-acted domestic productions.

🎞️ Hollywood Is Still a Strong Player — but No Longer a Guarantee

Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible both had strong openings, but neither could maintain month-long dominance. High production value isn't always enough to secure long-term success in Japan’s unique market.

🍿 Anime Films Continue to Thrive

Between Detective Conan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Uta no☆Prince-sama, anime remains a cornerstone of Japan’s film industry. Even after several weeks, many of these titles still hold box office positions — showing the strength of fan loyalty.

📈 What’s Next for July?

With F1: The Movie gaining traction and the upcoming Superman: Legacy set to debut, July is shaping up to be a competitive month. Additionally, the summer vacation season typically gives a boost to animated and family-friendly films.

💬 Final Thoughts

June 2025 was a vivid snapshot of Japan's diverse cinematic tastes — where local dramas, anime, and blockbuster spectacles all found space to thrive. The biggest story? A homegrown suspense film (Kokuho) triumphing over Hollywood giants. It’s a powerful reminder that in Japan, storytelling and cultural resonance often matter more than CGI budgets.