Just about a month ago, anime fans and film industry observers were excited by the prospect of director Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name breaking 10 billion yen (US$97.1 million) at the box office.
As of October 23, Your Name has earned 16.4 billion yen (US$159.2 million), more than Miyazaki’s The Wind Rises and Ponyo, which made 12.2 billion and 15.5 billion yen, respectively.
The next rung on the ladder for Your Name is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which raked in 17.3 billion yen during its Japanese theatrical run.
But now Shinkai’s latest movie isn’t just equally the commercial success of some of Miyazaki’s greatest hits, but surpassing them.