[Edaily Reporter Gim Ga Yeong ] The Japanese animated film "Chiikawa: The Secret of the Mermaid Island" (Chiikawa) has surpassed 2.5 million cumulative viewers.

According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated computer network on the 1st, as of midnight that day, “Chiikawa” had recorded a cumulative audience of 2,527,920. “Chiikawa” was released on September 30 and surpassed the 2.5 million mark in just 33 days.
Previously, “The First Slam Dunk” surpassed 2.5 million viewers in 36 days, but “Chiikawa” has set a record by beating that by three days. It is keeping pace with “Chainsaw Man: The Legend.”
Following “Project Hail Mary,” “Chiikawa” has also secured a spot in the top 10 of the 2026 overall box office rankings. It surpassed “Demon Slayer: The Movie – Mugen Train,” which drew 2.21 million viewers, to claim the 7th spot on the all-time list.
“Chiikawa” is a popular manga and anime character created by Japanese illustrator Nagano. “Chiikawa the Movie,” which features this character as the protagonist, tells the story of Chiikawa and his companions as they set off for an unknown island lured by the sweet temptation of a 100-fold reward and uncover the secrets hidden there.
The film held the No. 1 spot at the box office for 15 consecutive days from the 14th to the 28th of last month and reclaimed the top spot on the 30th of last month. Attention is now focused on whether “Chiikawa” can surpass “Toy Story 5” (2.94 million), which is currently the highest-grossing animated film released this year.