Sgt. Frog's 20th Anniversary Film Ranks 4th at Box Office, Anpanman 5th
Two legendary series of the Japanese animation world secured a solid place at the box office with their new films released this past weekend. The 20th anniversary Sgt. Frog (Keroro Gunsō) film ranked 4th in its opening week, while the Anpanman series, which brings a new adventure every year, entered at 5th place with its 2026 film. The live-action The Samurai and the Prisoner, which made waves in previous weeks, fell to third place.
Created by Mine Yoshizaki, Keroro Gunsō (Sgt. Frog) started as a manga first published in 1999 and was adapted into an anime in 2004. The series, which has maintained a loyal fanbase both in Japan and internationally for over 20 years, offers audiences both nostalgia and a brand-new story with this special film. The film features a time-travel adventure of Keroro and his friends; moreover, many of the series' unforgettable characters come together in this production.
On the other hand, Anpanman is a brand created by Takashi Yanase that has been instilling values such as kindness, sharing, and courage in children since 1973. The series, which releases a new movie every year, has once again won the hearts of young audiences. The 2026 film depicts Anpanman and his friends battling a new enemy, and it stands out with the series' classic music and colorful animation.
The simultaneous presence of both films in the top five showcases the multi-generational diversity of the Japanese animation industry. While Sgt. Frog's 20th anniversary film appeals to both old fans and new generations, Anpanman continues to captivate children of all ages. More details about the international screenings and home video releases of these films are expected to be shared in the coming weeks.
