Ask John: How Popular is The Matrix in Japan?

Question:
Although Matrix Trilogy is popular in North America. How popular is it in Japan? Since lots of stuff in Matrix is inspired by anime, I was wondering what the Japanese people thought about the movies.

Answer:
The Matrix trilogy is just as popular and just as profitable in Japan as it is in America. While some Westerners may anticipate Japanese viewers feeling indignation over elements of The Matrix trilogy copying elements of Asian cinematic tradition, in fact, when it comes to fantasy entertainment, Japanese audiences are generally very forgiving and very enthusiastic consumers. Rather than get angry over The Matrix “ripping off” anime, like most fans, Japanese viewers simply enjoy and appreciate the Matrix movies as thrilling and entertaining films.

The Matrix Reloaded opened at the number one spot in Japanese theaters in early July and remained the most profitable movie in Japan for five straight weeks. Likewise, as of the middle of November, The Matrix Revolutions had opened at the number one spot in Japanese theaters and held its position. So far this year, Japan’s Bayside Shakedown 2 has had the biggest opening weekend gross, earning over $28 million during its first week of release. The Matrix Reloaded comes in second place, earning over $22 million in its first week. And Matrix Revolutions opened fourth, earning just a bit less than the $20 million dollars Terminator 3 earned during its debut week of release. The Matrix Revolutions’ opening weekend gross of $14.8 million in Japan was the film’s third strongest opening worldwide, just behind its $14.9 million opening weekend gross in the UK and $118.6 million opening weekend here in America. So it could be said that in estimation of which nations most love The Matrix, Japan ranks third behind America and Britain.

The Matrix was certifiably influenced by anime, but it has influenced anime in return. Beside the obvious example of The AniMatrix, fans will enjoy seeing the now classic first Matrix movie “bullet time” bullet dodging recreated in the Slayers Premium motion picture and parodied in episode 7 of Miami Guns. Although not directly anime related, Ryuhei Kitamura also parodied the bullet dodge in his heavily anime influenced live action film Versus.

Finally, for a graphic representation of exactly how insidiously popular The Matrix is in Japan, check out this semi-famous pictorial essay on “The Matrix Reloaded in Tokyo.”