Have You Noticed That Character All Over the Convenience Store?
Since April, 7-Eleven shelves have been stocked with Conan tie-in snacks, and McDonald’s has been running Conan-themed Chicken Tatsuta commercials. If a coworker has asked you “Have you seen the Conan movie yet?”, now you know why.
The Detective Conan movie is a spring tradition in Japan, with a new installment released every April. This year’s entry, Highway of the Fallen Angel (Haiwei no Datenshi), crossed 10 billion yen at the box office in just 27 days. Four consecutive years above 10 billion yen is a first for any Japanese film series.
(Source: CinemaTuday)
This article explains what that record means, why Conan is this popular, and how you can experience the phenomenon even if you’ve never watched a single episode.
TL;DR
- Highway of the Fallen Angel crossed 10 billion yen on May 4, 2026 (day 27). Opening-day revenue of 1.13 billion yen set a franchise record
- Four consecutive years at 10 billion yen is a first for any Japanese film series
- Convenience store and restaurant tie-ins launch every spring, making it part of daily life even for non-viewers
- Over 70% of the audience is female. Japan’s oshi-katsu (fan devotion) culture drives repeat viewings
- UK and Ireland theatrical release scheduled for June 12, 2026. Living in Japan means you get to see it first
Disclaimer: This article is based on reporting from CinemaTuday, eiga.com, and Anime News Network from April–May 2026. Box office figures are as of May 6.
Four Consecutive Years at 10 Billion Yen: What That Actually Means
In Japan’s film market, crossing 10 billion yen is rare. Only a handful of titles manage it each year, and they tend to be social phenomena like Demon Slayer or Suzume.
The Conan franchise has done it four years running.
| Year | Title | Box Office |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Black Iron Submarine (Kurogane no Submarine) | 13.88 billion yen |
| 2024 | The Million-Dollar Signpost (Hyakuman Doru no Michishirube) | 15.80 billion yen |
| 2025 | One-Eyed Flashback (Sekigan no Zanzou) | 14.74 billion yen |
| 2026 | Highway of the Fallen Angel (Haiwei no Datenshi) | 10.88 billion yen (as of May 6, still running) |
(Source: CinemaTuday)
The latest film earned 1.13 billion yen on opening day (739,000 admissions) and 3.5 billion yen in its first three days (2.31 million admissions), both franchise records.
(Source: eiga.com)
(Source: Anime Hack)
Why Conan Movies Keep Getting Bigger
The Oshi-Katsu Effect: Over 70% of the Audience Is Female
According to an ORICON survey, 75.3% of those who answered they “like” or “really like” Detective Conan are female. Support is strongest among women in their 20s through 40s, with each age group contributing roughly 30%. Side characters like Akai Shuichi and Amuro Tooru have passionate fan followings. Many fans practice oshi-katsu (dedicating time and money to supporting a favorite character), which translates into merchandise purchases and repeat theater visits, further driving box office.
(Source: ORICON NEWS)
A Dual-Audience Structure
Conan movies work as kids’ animation and as adult action films simultaneously. Families bring children, while dedicated fans come for the character drama and action set pieces. This dual audience is what pushes attendance numbers so high.
Massive Cross-Industry Tie-Ins
Every April, convenience stores and fast food chains launch Conan tie-ins. This year, 7-Eleven released 6 limited collaboration items (Tokyo metropolitan area only) along with acrylic keychain giveaways, McDonald’s ran Conan-themed Chicken Tatsuta menu items, and NEXCO Central Japan held special events at expressway service areas. You encounter the franchise daily even without setting foot in a theater.
(Sources: 7-Eleven Official, NEXCO Central Japan)
The Conan movie isn’t just a film. It’s a spring event that reaches into convenience stores, restaurants, and train stations across Japan. Even if you never watch it, living in Japan means you’ll encounter it.
International Expansion Is Growing
Highway of the Fallen Angel is scheduled for theatrical release in the UK and Ireland on June 12, 2026. Last year’s One-Eyed Flashback also received a UK release in September 2025. The franchise’s international reach has been expanding year by year.
(Source: Anime News Network)
If you’re living in Japan, you get to see the film months before it reaches most other countries.
How to Experience This as a Resident of Japan
Workplace Small Talk
In Japanese offices, “Did you see the Conan movie?” is standard spring conversation. You don’t need to know the full storyline. Just having gone to see it, or having tried a tie-in snack at the convenience store, is enough to join in.
Try the Tie-In Products
Even without watching the movie, picking up a limited-edition Conan snack or drink at your nearest convenience store is a way to experience “Conan season.” The special packaging makes them easy to spot.
Watching It in Theaters
The film is still showing at theaters nationwide, with IMAX, 4DX, SCREENX, and ULTRA 4DX options available for the car action sequences. Book online at TOHO Cinemas (tohotheater.jp, English pages available) or other chains.
You don’t need any background knowledge. Each year’s film tells a standalone story with a character introduction at the start. Think of it as an action movie you can walk into cold.
FAQ
Q. Are there English subtitles?
A. Standard screenings are Japanese audio only. Some theaters offer English-subtitled showings, but times and locations are limited. Search for “English subtitles” on the theater’s website before booking.
Q. How long will it be in theaters?
A. As a popular current release, it’s expected to continue at least through June. Schedules vary by theater, so check official websites for the latest.
Q. How much are tickets?
A. General admission is around 1,900 to 2,000 yen. IMAX and 4DX carry a surcharge of roughly 400 to 1,000 yen. Children aged 3 and up are around 1,000 yen. Online booking with credit card is available.
Looking for movie snacks? Check out our choco mint roundup from all three major convenience stores. And if you want to learn more about Japanese seasonal culture, our 2026 rainy season guide is a good place to start.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Highway of the Fallen Angel crossed 10 billion yen in 27 days. Four consecutive years at this milestone is a first for Japanese cinema
- ✅ Convenience store and restaurant tie-ins make this a daily-life cultural event, not just a movie
- ✅ Over 70% of the audience is female, driven by Japan’s oshi-katsu fan culture
- ✅ UK and Ireland release on June 12, 2026. Living in Japan means early access
- ✅ No prior knowledge needed. Standalone story, heavy on action, enjoyable without Japanese
Four consecutive years at 10 billion yen shows that Conan movies have grown beyond mere animation into an established cultural phenomenon of Japanese spring. Living in Japan gives you a front-row seat. Experience this excitement your own way, whether at the theater or the convenience store.
