Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu has officially become the most successful film of 2026 in Japan. Recent reporting from Kōgyō Tsūshin confirms the movie has reached a cumulative total of 13.9 billion yen, effectively overtaking the 29th Detective Conan entry, Highway no Datenshi, to claim the top spot for the year.
This performance places the adaptation at 23rd on the all-time domestic box office chart, moving past high-profile titles such as Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and Detective Conan: The Black Iron Submarine. Since its July 24 debut, the film has maintained a strong presence in theaters, even securing the #1 ranking during its seventh weekend of release.
Adapted from the "Siren Arc" of Nagano’s original manga, the feature was produced by Cygames Pictures and directed by Kei Oikawa. The production team continues to support the theatrical run with new initiatives, including the recent launch of 4DX screenings and a fourth wave of collectible charm figures. Fans can also look forward to specialized cheering screenings scheduled for September 11 and penlight-focused events on September 23.
Why it matters: The film's record-breaking trajectory highlights the massive mainstream appeal of the Chiikawa franchise. While the series originated as a modest web manga on X, its transition to the big screen has now outpaced established long-running blockbuster staples, raising questions about how this success will shape the future of the series' animation projects.
