松竹さん「キルケーの魔女は興行60億が目標！」
Shochiku has set an incredibly ambitious ¥6 billion box office target for its new film, "The Witch of Circe"! This is a very high bar for a Japanese film, sparking heated debate online with mixed reactions ranging from "Can they do it?" to "I'm excited!"
With immense attention from both within and outside the industry, anticipation is high to see if this grand goal can be achieved even before its release.
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What is Shochiku?
Shochiku is a long-established major Japanese film distribution and exhibition company, also involved in the planning, production, and exhibition of theatrical performances, including Kabuki. It has led Japan's entertainment industry since the Meiji era, producing numerous cinematic masterpieces and stage plays. Shochiku is known for distributing iconic works like the "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" (It's Tough Being a Man) series and films by director Akira Kurosawa, which have left their mark on Japanese film history. In recent years, it has also focused on animated films and big-budget productions utilizing VFX, contributing to the promotion of Japanese culture through diverse business expansion.
What is Box Office Revenue?
Box office revenue refers to the total amount of money earned from ticket sales at theaters where a film is screened. This figure is considered a crucial indicator of a film's commercial success, and works generally dubbed "hit films" record high box office revenues. From the box office revenue, theater operating costs, distributors' shares, and publicity expenses are deducted, with profits ultimately distributed to production companies and investors. The target of ¥6 billion is a level considered a major hit for a Japanese film, and achieving it would require extensive promotion and attracting a broad audience.
Who is Circe (Kirke)?
Circe (Kirke) is a powerful sorceress in Greek mythology, believed to be the daughter of the sun god Helios. She resides on the island of Aeaea and is known for transforming visitors into pigs with her magic. Most famously, in Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey," she turned Odysseus's crew into swine and detained him. Later, Odysseus, with the help of the gods, broke her spell, and it is also said that a close relationship developed between them. From the movie title, there is high anticipation for how this mysterious and captivating character will be portrayed.
What are the hit criteria for Japanese films?
Generally, the box office success threshold for Japanese films starts at several hundred million yen, and exceeding ¥1 billion is often considered a "hit." Furthermore, surpassing ¥3 billion marks a major hit, and over ¥5 billion categorizes it as a top-tier blockbuster for that year. It is particularly rare for live-action Japanese films (excluding animated ones) to exceed ¥6 billion, signifying an extremely significant success. Shochiku's target of ¥6 billion for "The Witch of Circe" demonstrates remarkable confidence and strong commitment to the film.