It’s official: Soreike! Anpanman: Baikinman to Ehon no Lulun, the 35th Anpanman film, has stolen the hearts of Japanese moviegoers! According to Eiga.com, the film has sold an astonishing 520,000 tickets and racked up a gross earnings of 670 million yen (approximately $4.58 million USD) in its 50-day run in Japan from June 28 to August 16!

But that’s not all – it’s now the highest-grossing film in the Anpanman franchise!

The film, which opened in Japan on June 28, not only dominated the box office charts but also broke records in its opening weekend. It sold an impressive 137,000 tickets and earned 170 million yen (approximately $1.16 million USD) in its first three days!

So, who’s behind the movie’s success?

Actress Aya Ueto, known for her live-action performances in Azumi and Thermae Romae, lends her voice to the central character, Lulun!

Meanwhile, comedian Takashi Okamura lends his voice to a rampaging elephant!

The story? Baikinman, the baddie, gets sucked into a picture book, becomes a warrior of love and courage, and sets out to defeat an elephant threatening the fairies!

The film commemorates not one but two milestones – the 35th anniversary of the anime and the 50th anniversary of the original Anpanman picture book series!

Interestingly, last year’s Anpanman film, Soreike! Anpanman Roboly to Pokapoka Present, managed to rake in 113,432,810 yen (approximately $775,874 USD) in its opening weekend!

Did you know that the original Anpanman television anime series debuted back in 1988?

New Anpanman films have been opening annually since 1989!

Source: Eiga News Website