The animation “Zootopia 2”, by Disney, consolidated its status as a phenomenon at Japão by surpassing the significant mark of 13 billion yen in revenue. The resounding success was celebrated with a special fan appreciation event, held at Tóquio last Wednesday, January 21, 2026, which was attended by the main voice actors from the Japanese version.
Since its premiere on December 5, 2025, the film has dominated the country’s cinemas, maintaining leadership at the box office for seven consecutive weeks. Este represents a significant milestone for a foreign animation production in the competitive Japanese market, attracting more than 9.5 million viewers to date and demonstrating the public’s strong connection with the franchise.
The celebration brought together the voice cast to share the joy of success with the audience. Actress Aya Ueto, voice of protagonist Judy Hopps, was the central figure of the event, expressing her gratitude for the continued support that has driven production numbers to historic heights.
A historic milestone for foreign animation in the country
The performance of “Zootopia 2” at the Japanese box office goes beyond the numbers. Staying at the top of the rankings for seven weeks is a rare feat for films that are not of Japanese origin, especially in the animation genre. The sequence broke a record, becoming the first Western animated production to achieve such longevity in leadership, surpassing major local and international releases that competed in the same period.
Industry analysts point out that the combination of an engaging narrative, charismatic characters and the quality of local dubbing were crucial factors in this warm reception. The continuation of the journey of Judy Hopps and
Thanks to the cast at a special event
During the event in Tóquio, Aya Ueto, 40 years old, expressed genuine surprise at the scale the film reached. Ela shared with the public that they see references to animation constantly on their social networks and that friends report completely packed cinema sessions, with families and groups of friends attending in large numbers.
The voice actress for the bunny Judy Hopps also commented on the appeal of secondary characters, such as the sloth Flash, jokingly stating that she would like to adopt the calmer rhythm of the civil servant, as she considers herself a naturally impatient person.
At the end of her participation, Ueto was surprised by Disney studios with a frame containing an original illustration of Judy, a gesture that moved her. Ela concluded his speech by reinforcing how visible the film’s brand is on the streets and stores of Japão and asked fans to continue supporting the production.
Optimism and good humor mark the celebration
Masahiro Takashima, 60 years old, who voices the horse mayor Winddancer, was one of the highlights of the event. Ele took to the stage holding a carrot-shaped microphone, a clear reference to the film’s universe, and made the audience laugh with his charismatic and good-humored performance.
The actor revealed that, in a previous appearance, he had quietly hinted that the film could break historical records. Agora, with the numbers consolidated, he confidently stated that he can already hear the “steps” of animation approaching brands that are considered national treasures of Japanese cinema.
Other important cast members also participated, such as 58-year-old Toshiyuki Morikawa, the voice of Judy’s partner, the fox Nick Wilde. The chemistry between the two protagonists is one of the pillars of the story, and the presence of Morikawa was greatly celebrated by fans.
Completing the team on stage was Noriko Eguchi (Nibbles, the beaver), 45 years old, and comedian Shigeo Takahashi (Clawhauser, the cheetah receptionist), 49 years old. Their presence reinforced the importance of the supporting cast in building the vibrant and diverse world of Zootopia.
The numbers behind the phenomenon
Until January 20, 2026, the official box office data for “Zootopia 2” on Japão was impressive. Accumulated revenue reached exactly 13,063,500,000 yen, with a total of 9,587,861 tickets sold throughout the archipelago. Manter number one for seven consecutive weeks is not only a record, but a testament to the story’s power of engagement, which is supported by positive word of mouth and continued interest from family audiences, especially during the school holiday period. Globalmente, the performance is equally spectacular, with the animation surpassing the 1.7 billion dollar mark in worldwide revenue, establishing itself as one of the highest-grossing animations in recent history and surpassing records that belonged to other productions by Disney itself. Success in key markets such as China and Estados Unidos, coupled with exceptional performance in Japão, confirms the franchise’s universal appeal.
Factors Driving Popularity
The plot of “Zootopia 2” expands the universe presented in the first film, deepening the dynamics of the city where predators and prey coexist. The sequel presents new challenges for the protagonist duo, who now act as official partners, while introducing captivating characters like Mayor Winddancer.
The direction of Jared Bush and Byron Howard maintained the perfect balance between action, comedy and important messages about diversity and overcoming. Esses themes resonate strongly with Japanese audiences, who value narratives with subtexts of social harmony and perseverance.
The franchise and its cultural legacy
The film’s popularity transcended cinema screens, generating a vast line of derivative products. Lojas throughout Japão are full of merchandise, from dolls and clothes to accessories inspired by the characters, indicating strong consumer engagement with the brand.
The success of the sequel reinforces the legacy of the original 2016 film, which not only grossed over $1 billion globally, but also received critical acclaim and won the Oscar out of Melhor Animação. “Zootopia” thus establishes itself as one of Disney Animation Studios’s most valuable and profitable intellectual properties.
Repercussion among the Japanese public
The reception from the public present at the thank you event was extremely positive. Fãs reported on social media the enthusiasm for the cast’s energy, highlighting the interaction between the voice actors and the affection shown by the team. The film’s emotional connection with families and children was evident in the composition of the audience, who applauded and celebrated every moment of the presentation.
