Oshi no Ko An Unexpected Stumble in Theaters
"Oshi no Ko An unexpected stumble on the big screen.
The live-action adaptation of "Oshi no Ko"fails to conquer the Japanese box office.
A debut that did not take off
On December 20, 2024, "Oshi no Ko - The Final Act", a live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series "Oshi no Ko", was released in Japanese theaters. Despite high expectations, the film grossed only 135 million yen in its first weekend, ranking seventh at the box office. Since then, the figures have declined, generating debate about the reasons behind this performance.
An unconventional launch strategy
Prior to its arrival in theaters, the live-action series was released on Amazon Prime Video on November 28, 2024. Although it received praise, especially for Asuka Saito's performance as Ai Hoshino, the decision to release first on streaming may have affected cinema attendance. In Japan, the penetration of streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video is limited, which could have reduced the series' exposure and, consequently, interest in the film.
Preference for traditional television
In contrast, movies based on TV dramas broadcast on domestic channels have shown remarkable success. For example, "Grand Maison Paris," a sequel to the drama "Grand Maison Tokyo," grossed ¥1.39 billion in its first seven days. This suggests that, in Japan, traditional television remains a more effective medium for attracting large audiences.
Lessons for future productions
The case of "Oshi no Ko" highlights the importance of considering Japanese audience preferences when planning distribution strategies. Although streaming is a growing global trend, in Japan, traditional formats still dominate. Future productions should balance innovation with established practices to maximize their reach and success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did "Oshi no Ko - The Final Act" underperform at the box office?
The film was first released on Amazon Prime Video, a platform with lower penetration in Japan, which limited its exposure. In addition, Japanese audiences still prefer traditional TV dramas, which tend to attract more viewers.
How does the preference for traditional television affect the success of films in Japan?
Films based on television dramas broadcast on national channels tend to be more successful at the box office, as they reach a wider audience and establish a stronger connection with the public.
What can future productions learn from this case?
It is essential to adapt distribution strategies to local market preferences, balancing innovation with traditional practices to maximize production reach and success.
Although the strategy of launching first in streaming sought to innovate, in the Japanese context, where traditional television still carries significant weight, this decision may have been premature. It is essential to understand the particularities of the local market before implementing distribution models that work in other countries.
Conclusion
The case of "Oshi no Ko - The Final Act" serves as a reminder that, although global trends point towards streaming, it is vital to consider the preferences and consumption habits of each market. Adapting distribution strategies to these realities may be the key to the success of future productions.
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