From the get-go, the movie had insane sellout %s. Had it released closer to the holidays, I don't think the difference would've been that big. It would've provided better legs in its first 10 weeks, sure, but I'm confident the end result would've been similar. Besides, nobody was expecting for it to be THIS big. I doubt anyone involved in the making and distribution of the movie was expecting it to become the most-attended movie in japan of all time. And even if they knew, I doubt they're anything less than exhilarated with the current results and a sooner return on investments is always better than a delayed ROI.