Japan’s Theatrical Boom | From KOKUHO to Japanese Animation

At this year’s Academy Awards, the kabuki epic KOKUHO, the highest-grossing live-action Japanese film in history, is nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, bringing Japanese cinema to Hollywood’s biggest stage. But this is only a glimpse of how Japanese movies are currently experiencing an extraordinary surge in global reach and audience enthusiasm. The recent Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle set a new all-time record for an international film in the United States and has surpassed $700 million worldwide, while Japan’s domestic box office shattered its own all-time revenue record in 2025. Admissions climbed to nearly 189 million, the second-highest figure in history, with audiences returning across every demographic: seniors, families, and young moviegoers alike. Even as the North American box office continues to struggle with attendance well below pre-pandemic levels, Japanese storytelling is resonating with global audiences like never before, from anime blockbusters to culturally rich live-action dramas. What’s driving this momentum, and how far can it carry?

Join us for a special evening in the Cultural Awareness Series, made possible through the generous support of MUFG Bank, as leading voices reflect on the artistic evolution and international momentum defining this exciting chapter in Japanese film history.

KOKUHO producer Chieko Murata (Myriagon Studio) shares how a film rooted in kabuki tradition traveled from its Cannes premiere to an Oscar nomination and a domestic box office record; The panel also discusses the strategy behind anime’s record-breaking theatrical expansion in North America and how streaming and theatrical success fuel each other with Aniplex of America’s president, Yosuke Kodaka; and GEM Partners CEO Aya Umezu, Japan’s leading entertainment data analyst, illuminates the audience trends, fan culture, and structural forces that set Japan’s market apart.

Moderated by Bloomberg managing editor Lucas Shaw, this lively panel discussion will be followed by a reception featuring a generous selection of cuisine by Katsuya, providing a relaxed setting to connect and continue the conversation.

One night after Hollywood’s biggest night, join us for this unmissable evening exploring the past, present, and future of Japanese cinema in the global spotlight.

*Subject to change

6:30 PM | Doors Open

7:00 PM – 8:15 PM | Panel Discussion/Q&A

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Networking Reception with catering by Katsuya

Producer, KOKUHO, Myriagon Studio

Chieko Murata graduated from Doshisha University with a major in Journalism, then studied film production at California State University. Upon returning to Japan after working at the Sundance Institute supporting emerging filmmakers, she joined NHK, where she worked on productions such as Zero Year: Afghanistan (winner of the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film) and Our Rainbow-colored World (Camera d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival). She entered the Japanese live-action film industry with Boy Meets Pusan (2007, directed by Masaharu Take) and later worked at CJ Entertainment and 20th Century Fox before joining Sony Pictures, where she produced titles such as 50 First Kisses (2018, directed by Yuichi Fukuda). She received the Fujimoto Special Award for Kingdom (2019, directed by Shinsuke Sato).

Since 2019, Ms. Murata has produced live-action works at Aniplex. In 2024, with the establishment of MYRIAGON STUDIO, she transferred to the new company and was appointed Executive Officer of the Production Division. She developed and produced the feature film KOKUHO (National Treasure, 2025, directed by Lee Sang-il).

President, Aniplex of America Inc.

Yosuke Kodaka is an anime industry veteran with over 20 years of experience helping bring Japanese animation to audiences across the globe. He began his career at Aniplex Inc. in 2005, working in international licensing and distribution, and played a key role in forming Aniplex of America Inc. from 2010 to 2014, building its foundation for English-speaking regions, including the U.S., and Latin America. In 2017, he moved to Shanghai to establish the company’s China office, Aniplex (Shanghai) Ltd., expanding its presence in Asia, and currently serves as the President of Aniplex of America Inc. since 2021.

Founder and CEO, GEM Partners, Inc.

Aya Umezu is the Founder and CEO of GEM Partners Inc., a Tokyo-based marketing data analytics and consultancy firm specializing in the entertainment and media industries. Since 2008, GEM Partners has provided data-driven insights and market forecasting to a broad range of clients, including film studios, streaming platforms, and theatrical exhibitors.

The firm aims to bridge creative decision-making with rigorous business strategy through consumer behavior analysis. Its services encompass marketing activities for feature films, series, anime, and manga, supporting both domestic Japanese operations and global expansions. Specifically within the theatrical sector, GEM Partners provides industry-standard tracking services used by major studios and exhibitors to monitor audience awareness and forecast box office performance. This data infrastructure plays a vital role in the strategic planning and sustained strength of the Japanese cinema market.

Prior to founding GEM Partners, Umezu spent over five years at McKinsey & Company, leading marketing and organizational projects in the telecommunications and media sectors. She began her career at the National Police Agency of Japan, where she was involved in international crime and legislative planning. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tokyo and an LL.M. from New York University School of Law.

Managing Editor, Media & Entertainment, Bloomberg News

Lucas Shaw is the managing editor for media & entertainment at Bloomberg News, overseeing a global team that covers businesses such as Hollywood, music, video games and social media creators. He is the author of the weekly newsletter Screentime and a regular contributor to Bloomberg Businessweek magazine. A native Angeleno, Shaw is a weekly guest The Town podcast, as well as frequent guest on National Public Radio.

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