Key Moments from the Special Stage Greeting Event
The anime "Demon Slayer," based on Koyoharu Gotoge's manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Its latest installment, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle," the first film of the theatrical trilogy, premiered in Japan on Friday, July 18, 2025. To celebrate this release, a special stage greeting event was held at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya on Saturday, July 19. The event featured prominent voice actors Natsuki Hanae-san (Tanjiro Kamado), Takahiro Sakurai-san (Giyu Tomioka), and Akira Ishida-san (Akaza), along with LiSA-san, the artist behind the theme song "Shine in the Cruel Night."
This article will highlight some of the key moments from this event. For those who wish to avoid spoilers or prefer to watch the film without prior information, it is advisable to read this report after viewing the movie.
Tanjiro and Giyu Standing Together in Battle... Thoughts on Their Opponent, Akaza, Revealed
As the voice actors took the stage, each delivered a brief greeting. Hanae-san shared that he had watched the film in IMAX the previous night and expressed his eagerness to watch it at least ten more times. This event marked the first post-screening gathering with fans, and when the MC asked about their impressions of the film, the audience responded with enthusiastic applause.
Hanae-san admitted that he had been eagerly anticipating this day and expressed his joy at sharing the stage with Sakurai-san, Ishida-san, and LiSA-san. Reflecting on the film’s main feature, he praised the exceptional visuals, confessing that tears welled up from the outset. By the time the Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima, appeared, he was already reaching for a handkerchief.
Sakurai-san noted that Giyu and Tanjiro’s collaboration in this work evokes memories of their initial meeting in the debut episode of the Unwavering Resolve Arc, and their conversation on the bridge during the Hashira Training Arc. He finds that precisely because that particular scene happened, it's thrilling to see Giyu now operating as a fully-fledged Hashira.
Hanae-san also shared his perspective on partnering with Giyu, highlighting the emotional significance of Tanjiro's evolution from helplessness to fighting as Giyu's equal. He also alluded to moments that will reveal an uncharacteristic side of Giyu. In this heartwarming exchange, Sakurai-san and Hanae-san then expressed their gratitude to each other, showcasing mutual appreciation between the voice actors. They also mentioned scenes where Giyu and Tanjiro recognize each other's strengths, as well as humorous interactions that might amuse the audience. As you watch the film, make sure to pay attention to these moving instances between Giyu and Tanjiro!
Celebratory Cheers Echoed Through the Venue to Mark the Release
When asked about his impressions of the work, Ishida-san simply stated that it turned out wonderful, especially since the voice recording was done with unfinished visuals. He was delighted that his character, Akaza, played a significant role, particularly in scenes with the visibly developing Tanjiro and Giyu. Ishida-san also noted how the battle sequences underscored the immense power of the Demons and the unwavering resolve of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Next, LiSA-san shared her excitement about contributing another "Demon Slayer" movie theme song, "Shine in the Cruel Night," following "Homura" from the Mugen Train Arc. This marks her sixth song for the franchise. She expressed particular enthusiasm to be involved at a time when Akaza would be battling Tanjiro and his companions again. LiSA-san also reflected on Tanjiro's significant growth since the Unwavering Resolve Arc, explaining that she sang "Shine in the Cruel Night" with the intention of accompanying and sending the characters off on their journey.
After that, there were messages from Aimer-san, read by Hanae-san and Sakurai-san. Aimer-san explained that her goal for the theme song was to build anticipation for the impending intense battles while deepening the listener's immersion in the narrative. Meanwhile, she praised the meticulous depiction of various iconic scenes in the anime, having seen the preview screening of the film herself.
The Voice Actors Discuss Their Performances
The voice actors then discussed their performances. Hanae-san, portraying Tanjiro, explained his approach to facing Akaza. He aimed to carry and convey the emotions of various characters, including Rengoku Kyojuro and his family. Surprisingly, Ishida-san's portrayal of Akaza naturally brought out Tanjiro's feelings, making conscious effort unnecessary. In particular, Tanjiro's reaction after Akaza spoke about Kyojuro was something Hanae-san didn't expect from himself.
Regarding his performance as Giyu, Sakurai-san noted that Akaza's strength acted as a catalyst, unleashing Giyu's own power. He felt that Ishida-san's performance imbued Akaza, a character solely driven by the pursuit of strength, with a sense of beauty.
Ishida-san seemed slightly embarrassed by the comments from Hanae-san and Sakurai-san. When questioned about his depiction of Akaza, he revealed that during the recording of the Mugen Train Arc, he had the freedom to portray the character as someone solely driven by the pursuit of strength.
While Akaza's fundamental drive for strength remains, Ishida-san clarified that in this film, his opponents have grown stronger. Intriguingly, Akaza appears to acknowledge this growth in direct proportion to their increased power. Ishida-san observed that Akaza's assessment of strength is impartial, recognizing the evolution in his adversaries. However, it is precisely this recognition that compels Akaza to believe he cannot allow them to continue unimpeded. Ishida-san stressed that he meticulously focused on conveying these subtle shifts in Akaza's perspective.
A Celebration for the Film's Release
As the talk session concluded, a celebratory ceremony was held to mark the film's release. At Hanae-san's signal, confetti cannons erupted, showering the venue with streamers to the enthusiastic cheers of the assembled fans.
To cap off the event, Hanae-san thanked the attending fans. He voiced his aspiration for widespread viewership, hoping the film would generate excitement globally, not just within Japan. He then affirmed his dedication to the second and third chapters, bringing the event to a close.
With the much-anticipated release of this film, the climactic battle of the "Demon Slayer" anime has commenced. Make sure to check out the movie once it's released in your country!
About "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle"
Synopsis
Tanjiro Kamado – a boy who joined an organization dedicated to hunting down demons called the Demon Slayer Corps after his younger sister Nezuko was turned into a demon. While growing stronger and deepening his friendships and bonds with fellow corps members, Tanjiro has battled many demons with his comrades, Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira. Along the way, his journey has led him to fight alongside the Demon Slayer Corps’ highest-ranking swordsmen, the Hashira, including Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku aboard the Mugen Train, Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui within the Entertainment District, as well as Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji at the Swordsmith Village.
As the Demon Slayer Corps members and Hashira engaged in a group strength training program, the Hashira Training, in preparation for the forthcoming battle against the demons, Muzan Kibutsuji appears at the Ubuyashiki Mansion. With the head of the Demon Corps in danger, Tanjiro and the Hashira rush to the headquarters but are plunged into a deep descent to a mysterious space by the hands of Muzan Kibutsuji. The destination of where Tanjiro and Demon Slayer Corps have fallen is the demons’ stronghold – the Infinity Castle. And so, the battleground is set as the final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the Demons ignites.
Cast
Tanjiro Kamado: Natsuki Hanae
Nezuko Kamado: Akari Kito
Zenitsu Agatsuma: Hiro Shimono
Inosuke Hashibira: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
Kanao Tsuyuri: Reina Ueda
Genya Shinazugawa: Nobuhiko Okamoto
Giyu Tomioka: Takahiro Sakurai
Tengen Uzui: Katsuyuki Konishi
Muichiro Tokito: Kengo Kawanishi
Shinobu Kocho: Saori Hayami
Mitsuri Kanroji: Kana Hanazawa
Obanai Iguro: Kenichi Suzumura
Sanemi Shinazugawa: Tomokazu Seki
Gyomei Himejima: Tomokazu Sugita
Akaza (Upper Rank Three): Akira Ishida
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