Warner Bros International's The Matrix Reloaded grossed an estimated $22m over the weekend, raising its projected cumulative score to $347m.

In its second weekend in Japan the sci-fi sequel took around $9m (Yen 1bn), representing a 20% drop-off from the record opening weekend.

It was the third or fourth biggest second weekend ever in the territory; the official ranking will be confirmed when actual figures are released this week.

The Matrix Reloaded grossed 70% of the second weekend amount taken by Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone, 76% of that taken by Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets and roughly the same box office for the comparable period as Spirited Away.

Warner Bros International has confirmed the film scored the biggest ever opening week in the territory of $30m (Yen 3.6bn).