Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Dark Side of Dimensions, a Major Japan-Brand, to Release in the US
Released on April 23, the movie "Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Dark Side of Dimensions" reportedly earned over 1 billion yen. The news came rather belatedly after a while since its premier and it was because of follow-up earnings from various modes of presentation e.g. subsidiary running, 4D presentations, etc. The work is planning to land in the US, Canada, etc. next year for closed circuits totaling over 500.
Personally, I find this news rather charming. It goes and proves that Yu-Gi-Oh! is a powerful commodity overseas.
Yu-Gi-Oh! traces closely behind Pokemon in the US
Pokemon is still the undisputed giant in the US in box-office revenue. Pokémon: The First Movie tops in box-office takings with $85 million followed by another Pokemon - Pokémon: The Movie 2000 with $45 million.
Trailing these two is none other than Yu-Gi-Oh! - "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light" earning nearly $20 million.
Though decorated with Academy awards, Ghibli works rank way below them in box office takings - Japanese films farther way down below.
In the US Market, Yu-Gi-Oh! has high market potentials second only to Pokemon.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Swings abroad : Both in cards and anime
There are good reasons for Yu-Gi-Oh!'s popularity abroad. Well known to those who know it well, Yu-Gi-Oh! is being marketed in cards - selling explosively well, in fact. This underlines Yu-Gi-Oh!'s popularity.
How well? Well, for one thing, it was the world's best-selling trading card game in 2009 (later its company record was renewed to 25.1 billion in 2011). In 2013, Yu-Gi-Oh! marked a Guinness record in a card game event as the most participated trading card game tournament.
Renewed from now and then, its TV anime enjoys a long life since 2000 (1998 if Toei versions are included) throughout till this day. Anime-goods tie-up deals are expanding worldwide.
Ready to advance into the US market
Now, a scheme is underway to advance into the US/Canada markets. By the way, this is no maiden attempt Yu-Gi-Oh! to swing abroad. Yu-Gi-Oh! has already "swung abroad" as the movie is being released this year in Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore and other parts of Asia. So it's a well-planned scheme now to land in all America.
Another point of interest is that the game application "Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links" just released by KONAMI possibly coincides in timing. This popular game is being downloaded 3 million in five days and still going strong. Android's closed beta test is underway in the US and chances are a multiplier effect may be expected.
Yu-Gi-Oh! 's advance into the US is entering a new phase. What awaits Yu-Gi-Oh! ahead is something of a news to all of us.
Interesting developments are in sight overseas, the events at home are perhaps in a new phase as Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Dark Side of Dimensions is about to be released in its disc versions. A production-limited DVD/Blueray version with audio commentary and other gifts is slated for release on March 8 - something Yu-Gi-Oh! fans should watch.
Talk about "Cool Japan", not every Japanese brand can fare well in US market. Here's the case of a fresh challenge by yet another hopeful brand. This is no doubt a project we all should share efforts to back up.
Source: Anibu
