Demon Slayer: Japan's Pop Culture Ascent

How did one anime movie topple a twenty-year legend? In this episode, we dive into the explosive rise of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, the film that shattered Spirited Away’s box-office record and became a cultural juggernaut almost overnight. We explore how pandemic-era binge-watching, a perfectly timed release, and a drought of Hollywood blockbusters created the ideal storm for its success. But the real story goes deeper—from a rare female creator shaping the world of Demon Slayer to its strong, dynamic female protagonists and a streaming model built for modern audiences. With merchandise everywhere and even Japan’s prime minister weighing in, we ask: what does Mugen Train’s runaway dominance reveal about the future of anime?https://www.economist.com/asia/2021/01/21/demon-slayer-is-the-most-successful-japanese-film-of-all-time