The First Slam Dunk Movie: 5 Must Know Facts for Basketball Fans

If you’re a fan of basketball and anime, you won’t want to miss The First Slam Dunk movie. This Japanese film, based on the best-selling manga series by Takehiko Inoue, has garnered widespread acclaim for its modern visual style that combines 3DCG technology and 2D animation.

Since its release on December 3, 2022, it has dominated the Japanese box office, earning a total profit of $50.7 million as of January 4, 2023. Here are five fascinating facts about The First Slam Dunk that you won’t want to miss.

1. Based on One of the Best-Selling Manga Series of All Time

The First Slam Dunk movie is based on the manga series Slam Dunk (スラムダンク) by Takehiko Inoue. First published in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from 1990 to 1996, the manga has sold over 121 million copies in Japan alone, making it one of the best-selling manga series of all time. Inoue’s work has earned him a special award from the Japan Basketball Association for popularizing the sport in Japan.

2. Focuses on the Story of Ryoota Miyagi

The film version of Slam Dunk focuses on Ryoota Miyagi, the point guard for the Shohoku High School basketball team. Unlike the anime series, which centers around Hanamichi Sakuragi, the film follows Miyagi’s journey as he grapples with the loss of his older brother and his own sense of self-worth. He and his teammates must face a talented basketball team to gain recognition and glory.

3. A Long Journey to the Big Screen

Takehiko Inoue was first offered the opportunity to make a Slam Dunk film in 2003, but he declined the offer. In 2009, he submitted a proposal for the film project, and the film finally received the green light in 2014, with Inoue serving as writer and director. Work on the script began in 2015, while motion capture and models were produced in 2018. The film entered production in 2021 and was released on December 3, 2022, after five character posters were installed in cinemas throughout Japan on July 1, 2022.

4. Dominated the Japanese Box Office

The First Slam Dunk won the top spot in the Japanese box office and has remained there since its release. It earned a profit of $9.5 million in its first two days and $6 million and $3.9 million in its second and third weeks, respectively. As of January 4, 2023, it had earned a total profit of $50.7 million.

5. Features a Star-Studded Voice Cast

The First Slam Dunk features a talented voice cast, including Subaru Kimura as Hanamichi Sakuragi, Shuugo Nakamura as Ryouta Miyagi, and Jun Kasama as Hisashi Mitsui. Several other well-known voice actors lend their talents to the film, including Takenori Akagi, Kaede Rukawa, and Haruko Akagi.