100 Meters Film Surpasses 500 Million Yen at Japanese Box Office

The theatrical anime 100 Meters has achieved a significant box office milestone, surpassing 500 million yen (approximately $3.3 million) in revenue within its first 31 days of release as of October 19, 2025. The film has attracted over 362,000 viewers since its September 19 premiere across 203 theaters nationwide in Japan.

Based on the manga debut work by Uoto, who became the youngest ever recipient of the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize for the acclaimed series Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, 100 Meters explores the intense passion and obsession surrounding the 100-meter dash in track and field athletics. The film is directed by Kenji Iwaisawa, whose debut feature ON-GAKU: OUR SOUND earned an Annie Award nomination for Best Independent Animated Feature and garnered recognition at numerous international film festivals. The voice cast features Tori Matsuzaka as the naturally talented runner Togashi and Shota Sometani as Komiya, the determined athlete who becomes captivated by the sport through his encounter with Togashi.

To commemorate reaching the 500 million yen milestone, original character illustrations created by chief animation director and character designer Keisuke Kojima have been unveiled. The newly released artwork features characters Zaitsu and Kaitou in a special visual that pays homage to the cover of the manga's deluxe edition, complementing previously revealed illustrations of Togashi and Komiya from the upper and lower volume covers.

The film's success has extended internationally, with theatrical releases rolling out across multiple territories. Following its initial international launch in Hong Kong and Macau in early October, 100 Meters has opened in Taiwan, South Korea, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, receiving positive reviews on international platforms. GKIDS distributed the film in North America starting October 10 in select theaters, followed by a nationwide release October 12-14. Additional releases are planned for Singapore, Malaysia, and other regions in the coming months.

Director Iwaisawa recently traveled to Los Angeles and New York ahead of the North American release. On October 5, the film held its North American premiere at Beyond Fest, one of the largest genre film festivals in the United States, followed by a screening for ASIFA-Hollywood members. Both events included post-screening discussions and Q&A sessions with the director. Iwaisawa also participated in a screening at Japan Society in New York, further engaging with American anime audiences.

Starting October 24, theaters in Japan will distribute the sixth theatrical bonus gift, a postcard featuring visuals of Komiya and Zaitsu that appear as the Japanese Championship poster within the film. This limited-quantity item will be available while supplies last. Additionally, a second teach-in screening event will take place on October 23 at Shibuya Cine Quinto in Tokyo, featuring director Iwaisawa and rotoscope actors Korui Nozaki (who performed Togashi's daily life scenes) and Takaki Murai (who performed Komiya's scenes), followed by an autograph session.

100 Meters continues its theatrical run in Japan, with the sixth bonus gift distribution beginning October 24, 2025.