The 4K digital remaster of Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke, released on IMAX screens from October 24, 2025, attracted about 108,000 viewers and earned 240 million yen in just three days. In response to this strong performance, Studio Ghibli has announced a nationwide expansion covering all 47 prefectures, starting November 7 for a two-week limited run across 171 theaters, including 10 Dolby Cinema and 8 English-subtitled screenings.

Quick Summary

・ Princess Mononoke 4K remaster launched in IMAX on October 24, 2025.
・ Attracted 108,000 viewers and earned 240 million yen in 3 days.
・ Nationwide expansion begins November 7, 2025, across 171 theaters.
・ Includes Dolby Cinema (10 theaters) and English-subtitled (8 theaters) versions.
・ Film originally set box office records in Japan in 1997.

How Successful Was the Opening Weekend?

The 4K digital remaster of Princess Mononoke debuted in Japan on October 24, 2025, screening in 61 IMAX theaters nationwide. Despite the limited release, the film attracted approximately 108,000 viewers over its first three days, generating around 240 million yen in box office revenue. Audiences spanned generations—from those who experienced the 1997 original in theaters to younger fans watching it on the big screen for the first time—reflecting the film’s enduring appeal nearly three decades after its initial release.

When Will the Nationwide Expansion Begin?

Following the strong IMAX debut, Studio Ghibli announced that Princess Mononoke 4K Digital Remaster will expand to all 47 prefectures in Japan starting November 7, 2025. The expanded run will last for two weeks across 171 theaters nationwide, including 10 Dolby Cinema venues and 8 English-subtitled locations. The wider rollout allows audiences across Japan to experience the remastered visuals and sound that have been highly praised in early screenings.

What Enhancements Does the 4K Digital Remaster Offer?

The 4K remaster meticulously restores visual details and color depth, enhancing every frame of Hayao Miyazaki’s environmental epic. The greens of the forest, the subtleties of character expressions, and the intensity of battle sequences all appear more vivid and immersive. In IMAX screenings, the combination of ultra-high-resolution imagery and refined audio delivers a heightened sense of presence, making even first-time viewers feel as if they have entered the world of Ashitaka, San, and the Forest Spirit.

How Was Princess Mononoke Received Upon Its Original Release?

When Princess Mononoke was first released on July 12, 1997, it became a historic box office success in Japan. The film attracted 14.2 million moviegoers and earned 19.3 billion yen, setting a new record for Japanese cinema at the time. Its profound depiction of the conflict between humanity and nature, through the journeys of Ashitaka, San, and the spirits of the forest, earned widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally, establishing it as one of Studio Ghibli’s most influential works.

FAQ

Q: When did the Princess Mononoke 4K remaster open in Japan?
A: The IMAX release began on October 24, 2025.

Q: How many people watched it during the opening weekend?
A: About 108,000 viewers, generating 240 million yen in revenue.

Q: When does the nationwide expansion begin?
A: On November 7, 2025, for a two-week limited run.

Q: How many theaters will screen the expanded version?
A: A total of 171 theaters, including Dolby Cinema and English-subtitled screenings.

Q: What improvements does the 4K remaster offer?
A: Sharper visuals, deeper color contrast, and immersive sound quality, especially noticeable in IMAX theaters.

Source : ORICON NEWS