TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Devoted "Demon Slayer" (鬼滅之刃) fans swarmed merchandise stores across Taipei and Kaohsiung on Saturday (Sept. 6), creating massive overnight queues after attending 2 a.m. movie screenings. The unprecedented demand drove enthusiasts to line up throughout the night, with queues stretching from arcade entrances to surrounding sidewalks. Store owners initially planned to distribute 300 queue tickets but reduced the allocation to just 120, leaving countless disappointed fans empty-handed.
Demon Slayer has captivated Taiwanese audiences, grossing NT$639 million (around US$21 million) over 23 days and securing its place as the highest-grossing Japanese film in Taiwan's box office history. Fans braved the scorching sun with hats, umbrellas, and portable stools to secure their coveted merchandise. One dedicated fan who arrived at 8:25 a.m. received ticket number 905 and spent over NT$4,000 (around US$132) on movie cards, standees, and collectible folders.
Some fans, undeterred by exhaustion, revealed they joined merchandise queues immediately after the 2 a.m. screening, determined to wait despite severe sleep deprivation. The official merchandise's appeal lies in its unique representation of specific scenes from the film, making these collectibles highly sought-after among devotees. Although unofficial channels offer alternative products, fans overwhelmingly prefer authentic items, underscoring the franchise's remarkable and enduring popularity across Taiwan. ◼
