Netflix’s Biggest 2026 Anime Movie Crosses 2 Billion Yen at Japanese Box Office

Netflix’s original anime movie Cosmic Princess Kaguya! has officially surpassed 2 billion JPY at the Japanese box office. Directed by Shingo Yamashita, the movie first premiered on Netflix on January 22, 2026. Shortly after its streaming, the movie received a nationwide theatrical run in Japan, while having a screening run at Laemmle Grendale in California as well.

Earning 2 billion Yen is a major financial milestone for any anime film, but it is especially notable for a completely new story without any background. Let’s dive into more details.

TITLE	Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
RELEASE DATE	22 January, 2026
MAL RATING (as of April 21, 2026)	8.49 / 10
STUDIO	Studio Colorido, Studio Chromato
STREAMING	Netflix

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Surpassed $12 Million With Million Views

On April 19, 2026, the official Twitter account for the movie Cosmic Princess Kaguya! confirmed the box office status of the movie. In the post, it was mentioned that the movie has crossed the milestone of 2 billion JPY, which translates to over 12 million USD.

The post also confirmed that the movie surpassed 1 million ticket sales across theaters in Japan. As reported by Crunchyroll, the movie has been screened in over 100 theaters across the country and was able to solidify its place in Japan’s box office Top 10 for eight consecutive weeks.

— 『超かぐや姫！』公式 (@Cho_KaguyaHime) April 19, 2026

To understand the size of this financial success, the revenue can be compared to Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway – The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, which was released around the same time. The Gundam movie earned 15 million dollars at the international box office (via Box Office Mojo). Now, keep in mind that Hathaway benefits directly from the Gundam tag; it belongs to a highly established franchise with a massive, pre-existing fanbase.

In contrast, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! was a completely new project. It did not rely on a prequel manga or any related source material at all. The movie had to attract the audience with only active marketing, and back it up with quality. Earning well more than 12 million dollars without the backing of an established franchise is a major achievement.

What Is Netflix’s Cosmic Princess Kaguya! About?

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is a modern, science fiction retelling of the classic Japanese folktale, “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.” The script, written by Shingo Yamashita and Saeri Natsuo, adapts the traditional story for a near-future setting where VR technology has advanced quite a lot. Before this film, Yamashita directed the web series Pokémon: Twilight Wings and created the opening animation sequences for shows like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. This movie marks his first time directing a full-length feature film.

The protagonist is Iroha Sakayori, who is a high school student living alone in Tokyo. She balances her regular school classes, extra tuition, and a part-time job. Due to her busy schedule, her only source of entertainment is a popular VR world called Tsukuyomi, which is a bit like Sword Art Online, except that no one is dying inside. In this virtual world, users create avatars to pursue creative interests and perform for others.

One night while walking home, Iroha discovers a glowing electricity pole, from which a baby pops out. Over the next few days, the baby grows at an unnaturally fast rate, quickly becoming a girl the same age as Iroha. The mysterious girl claims that she is a runaway from the Moon. Because of her origin, she is given the name Kaguya, matching the princess from the old Japanese story.

Together, they create a music group in Tsukuyomi. But a problem occurs. External forces want to take Kaguya back to the Moon. The story focuses on the growing friendship between Iroha and Kaguya, and their attempt to stay together despite the people trying to separate them.

Do you think this movie will reach the 3 billion yen mark? Let us know in the comments.

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is currently streaming on Netflix