TOKYO, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- For the first time in more than two decades, domestic films in Japan may tally higher annual box office numbers than all foreign imports combined.
On the strength of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," foreign films have beaten their domestic peers in Japan through the first 10 months of 2006, yet a strong homegrown holiday lineup could shift that position dramatically, Daily Variety reported.
Included among those Japanese offerings that could increase the current 47 percent of total box office numbers is "Nana 2," a sequel to director Kentaro Otani's film that grossed $34.4 million during its 2005 release.
In the first 10 months of 2006, the top 10 spots on Japan's box office charts have been split down the middle with "Tales from Earthsea" and "Umizaru 2 -- Test of Trust" heading the domestic charge.
Daily Variety said if the domestic offerings can surpass their foreign counterparts, it would mark the first time Japanese studios have accomplished the goal since 1985.
