The new Gundam film, long-anticipated by Japanese anime fans, has amassed record-breaking box office sales in its country of origin. First opened in Japanese theaters a few days ago, the movie has been stirring excitement and mammoth ticket sales alike, marking an unusual triumph in the local cinema scene. As part of the globally renowned Gundam franchise, it represents an important milestone for the Japanese media industry which is traditionally dominated by manga and anime TV shows.

Gundam, originally a TV series starting from 1979, has been a monumental part of Japan’s pop culture, forging a deep bond with generations of Japanese. This major box office success of its latest movie underscores how deeply ingrained the Gundam franchise is in Japanese society. This event also signifies how traditional anime, a genre that carries significant national identity, maintains its love and popularity amidst the trend of international content consumption.

In the United States or European markets, franchises like Star Trek or Star Wars mirror how Gundam is perceived in Japan. These long-standing franchises have deep cultural significance, and new releases are likely to incite similar waves of anticipation and record-breaking sales.