The movie Kimetsu no Yaiba: Infinity Castle it continues its international success and has become a phenomenon in Hongkong. However, in Mainland China its release remains unconfirmed, which has caused numerous fans to cross the border just to see it in theaters.
According to local media reports, the hong Kong Cinemas they register a notable increase in spectators from neighboring cities such as Shenzhen. A 31-year-old follower stated that she travels to Hong Kong until five or six times a year just to see Japanese films that are never shown in your country. The success of the film represents an economic relief for cinemas in the region, affected by the drop in income after the pandemic.
The contrast between Hong Kong and mainland China
The analyst Ng Kwok-kwan, associate professor at Hong Kong Baptist University, noted that the political context could influence distribution decisions. He explained that, within the framework of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the war against Japan, Chinese authorities would show reluctance to exhibit Japanese productions. Although the anime Kimetsu no Yaiba it is very popular on streaming platforms within China, his previous film, Mugen Train, it was also not released in local theaters, possibly due to its violent content or for unspecified political reasons.
A difference in systems that benefits cinema
The beginning of “one country, two systems”, which gives Hong Kong a degree of autonomy, allowed the film to be shown freely in its theaters. Despite growing political pressure on the region, this case demonstrates how cultural and commercial openness it continues to make a tangible difference compared to the rest of the country. For many followers, crossing the border to see Kimetsu no Yaiba it is not only a trip for entertainment, but also a way to connect with Japanese culture without restrictions.
