Shochiku reported operating profit jumped nearly sixfold to ¥4.25 billion ($28.3 million) for the six months ended August, as the 130-year-old entertainment company capitalized on strong demand for anime films and traditional kabuki performances.
The Tokyo-based studio, which distributed Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram—one of 2024’s highest-grossing Japanese films with over ¥10 billion ($67 million) in ticket sales—posted revenue of ¥49.63 billion ($331 million), up 25% from a year earlier. Net income reached ¥4.12 billion ($27.5 million), reversing a ¥681 million loss in the prior period.
Film and video operations led the turnaround, with segment profit soaring 488% to ¥2.58 billion ($17.2 million). Concession sales at Shochiku’s theaters hit record levels during the summer season. The company also benefited from robust DVD sales and streaming rights.
Theater operations, marking its 130th anniversary, generated ¥489 million ($3.3 million) in profit after a ¥923 million loss last year. Kabuki succession ceremonies and commemorative performances drew audiences to venues across Japan.
Shochiku raised its full-year profit forecast by 38% to ¥4.3 billion ($28.7 million), citing better-than-expected summer box office returns and strong kabuki attendance.
