Blue Lock -Episode Nagi- film's global success brings good news for international fans

On December 3, 2024, 33 USA Inc. informed Sportskeeda Anime via email correspondence that Blue Lock: The Movie -Episode Nagi- earned more than $23.3 million at the global box office. With that in mind, Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. and Kodansha Ltd. have lined up some exciting plans to promote the anime worldwide, including a wide variety of merchandise and gaming experiences.

Some of these plans have already materialized their way into the United States, Europe, and Asia, promoting the series in all capacities.

Bandai Namco and Kodansha set to ramp up international promotion for Blue Lock

Nagi and Reo as seen in the anime (Image via 8bit)

On December 3, 2024, Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. along with Kodansha Ltd announced that BLUE LOCK THE MOVIE -EPISODE NAGI- earned more than $23.3 million (3.6 billion yen) at the global box office.

The movie was released in over 87 countries and regions, generating more revenue internationally than within Japan. With that, the film joined the ranks of hits like Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. The movie's successful theatrical venture also surpassed the critically acclaimed Look Back.

Pop-up stores in Asia (Image via Bandai Namco Filmworks)

With the anime's second season currently airing, Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. and Kodansha Ltd. plan to continue their global promotional efforts for the franchise.

A variety of merchandise and gaming experiences allow fans of the series to engage with the franchise as much as they’d like. This is especially because the manga has been translated into over 20 languages and published in more than 20 countries worldwide.

Bandai Namco Filmworks is responsible for the licensing in Asia, while Kodansha is responsible for the licensing in Europe, the United States, and other regions.

Fans at the Anime Expo panel (Image via Kodansha)

Surprisingly, the scale of licensing has grown approximately four times in Asia alone, and sales have grown nearly twelve times. This rivals the merchandising income generated in Japan. In addition, pop-up stores offering goods and collectibles have been particularly well received in Asia.

Meanwhile, in the United States, more than 2000 fans attended each of the anime's panels at 2024’s Anime Expo, hoping to hear cast members, producers, and the manga’s editor speak on the franchise. Additionally, BLUE LOCK VS U-20 Japan anime was promoted at various Los Angeles Football Club matches throughout their season, marking the club's first promotion of a Japanese anime.

Los Angeles Football Club promoting the anime (Image via Kodansha)

As per Bandai Namco Filmworks and Kodansha, the anime's success not only comes from the growing football fandom but unique themes and distinctive characters present in the series. Moreover, the anime follows more of a "death game" structure than a sports series, bringing that additional appeal.

International fans can expect continued simultaneous releases of Blue Lock media as Bandai Namco Filmworks and Kodansha remain committed to bringing incredible stories like this one to global audiences.