Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle, an interactive anime film, opened in 85 cinemas across Japan on February 21, 2025. Despite its limited release, it ranked eighth at the box office and has earned over $5 million so far. Notably, over 30% of viewers have returned for multiple screenings.
The film’s interactive nature, which allows viewers to influence the story, is a key factor in its success. To participate, fans download a mobile app, scan a QR code at the theater, and vote on the story’s direction throughout the film. With over five hours of footage and 48 possible versions, each viewing lasts between 100 to 106 minutes depending on the chosen storyline.
Kenji Okazaki of King Records explains that fans return to experience different story routes shaped by their votes. The collective interaction is a unique feature, distinguishing Hypnosis Mic from previous interactive projects like Netflix’s Bandersnatch. Ronan Wong, CEO of Kino Asia, highlights that Hypnosis Mic offers a collective, theater-based experience, not just individual remote control.
The technology is simple for theaters to implement, with a compact device that connects to the theater’s projector. Premium tickets are priced at 2,500 yen ($18), with proceeds shared between the theater and King Records.
King Records plans to expand the interactive movie concept, with future titles in development. They are also seeking distribution partnerships in Asia, particularly in Korea and China, where the Hypnosis Mic franchise has a strong fanbase.
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