by [Model Press | January 26, 2026]
Disney’s blockbuster animated sequel “Zootopia 2” continues its unstoppable run in Japan. As of January 25, 2026, the film has attracted 9,956,957 moviegoers and earned an impressive ¥13,571,697,332 at the domestic box office. With this achievement, Zootopia 2 has officially surpassed “Frozen 2” (¥13.37 billion) and secured its place as the third-highest-grossing foreign animated film ever released in Japan.
This historic milestone confirms that Zootopia 2 is not just a successful sequel, but a full-scale cultural phenomenon whose popularity shows no sign of slowing down.
A Phenomenal Box Office Run That Keeps Growing
Since its release, Zootopia 2 has maintained extraordinary momentum at theaters nationwide. Remarkably, the film:
- Ranked No.1 at the weekend box office for eight consecutive weeks
- Set a new record for the longest-running No.1 weekend performance for a foreign animated film in Japan
- Continued to grow its audience well beyond the typical post-release period
Even weeks after its premiere, theaters are still filled with repeat viewers, driven by overwhelmingly positive word of mouth.
On social media, fans have shared emotional reactions such as:
- “I want to watch it again and again.”
- “I couldn’t stop crying by the end.”
- “The bond between Judy and Nick is too precious.”
This wave of enthusiasm has evolved into what fans are calling a nationwide “ZOO Crazy” movement, further fueling ticket sales.
Why “Zootopia 2” Resonates So Strongly in Japan
1. A Perfect Balance of Entertainment and Message
Like its predecessor, Zootopia 2 delivers:
- Laugh-out-loud comedy
- High-stakes mystery and suspense
- Deep emotional storytelling
- Social themes that resonate across generations
While the world of Zootopia is bright and fluffy, the film tackles serious questions about coexistence, prejudice, and truth—making it both fun and thought-provoking.
2. Judy and Nick’s Relationship Takes Center Stage
Audiences have especially praised the evolving partnership between:
- Judy Hopps, the hardworking and optimistic rabbit police officer
- Nick Wilde, the sarcastic yet kind-hearted fox
Their contrasting personalities, mutual trust, and emotional growth form the heart of the story, making their journey deeply relatable.
Beginner-Friendly Story Overview: What Is “Zootopia 2” About?
Zootopia 2 is the latest entry in Disney’s acclaimed Zootopia series, set in a futuristic metropolis where animals live together like humans.
Story Summary
Zootopia is a dream city inhabited only by mammals or so everyone believes. Judy and Nick, now fully-fledged police partners, are assigned a mysterious case involving Gary, a snake who should not exist in the city.
As they investigate, shocking truths begin to surface:
- Why are there only mammals in Zootopia?
- What happened to other animal species, like reptiles?
- What secrets lie beneath the city’s carefully constructed image of harmony?
As the mystery deepens, Judy and Nick’s bond is tested like never before, forcing them to confront the biggest secret in Zootopia’s history.
Japanese Voice Cast Adds Star Power
The Japanese dubbed version has also played a major role in the film’s success, featuring an all-star cast, including:
- Aya Ueto
- Toshiyuki Morikawa
- Hiro Shimono
- Noriko Eguchi
- Ryosuke Yamada
- Tomio Umezawa
- Kenta Miyake
- Dream Ami
- Masahiro Takashima (※“Taka” written as hashigo-daka)
- Nana Mizuki
- Akira Emoto
- Shigeo Takahashi (Savannah)
- Kumamoto Pro Wrestling (Benishoga)
- Wataru Takagi
- Kazuhiro Yamaji
- Jumbo Takao (Rainbow)
Their performances have been widely praised for bringing warmth, humor, and emotional depth to the characters.
How “Zootopia 2” Ranks in Japanese Box Office History
With its latest achievement, Zootopia 2 now stands:
- Above “Frozen 2” in domestic earnings
- Third overall among foreign animated films released in Japan
- As one of Disney’s most successful animated releases in the Japanese market
This places it alongside legendary titles that have defined animation history in Japan.
What’s Next for “Zootopia 2”?
Industry analysts expect:
- Continued strong box office performance into early spring
- Extended theatrical runs due to sustained demand
- Potential special screenings and promotional events
There is also growing speculation about:
- Additional spin-off projects
- Expanded franchise developments
- Increased presence at international award ceremonies
While Disney has not yet made official announcements, the overwhelming success of Zootopia 2 makes further expansion highly likely.
Final Thoughts
Zootopia 2 has achieved what few animated sequels ever manage—surpassing its predecessor’s legacy while breaking new records. By overtaking Frozen 2 and crossing ¥13.5 billion at the Japanese box office, the film has cemented itself as a modern animated classic.
With its heartfelt storytelling, unforgettable characters, and powerful themes, Zootopia 2 continues to captivate audiences of all ages. As the “ZOO Crazy” phenomenon shows no sign of fading, one thing is clear: Zootopia’s world still has a lot more magic to offer.
