‘Demon Slayer Movie Launch Event—Natsuki Hanae and Takahiro Sakurai Praise Each Other

The premiere stage greeting for the theatrical release of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc Part 1: Akaza Reappears (JP: 猗窩座再来, Akaza Sairai) (released on July 18 in Japan) was held in Tokyo on July 19. Cast members Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado), Takahiro Sakurai (Giyu Tomioka), Akira Ishida (Akaza), and singer LiSA—performer of one of the dual theme songs, “Shine in This Cruel Night (JP:残酷な夜に輝け)”—took the stage.

As the film was finally released to the public, the venue was filled with thunderous applause. One of the highlights of the movie is the powerful battle where Tanjiro and Giyu fight together. Reflecting on the experience, Sakurai said:

“What came to mind was the very first episode—the beginning of the entire series, when Giyu first encountered Tanjiro. And then that scene on the bridge in the Hashira Training Arc, where they shared a meaningful conversation. That moment gave Giyu the strength and conviction to fight as a true Hashira.”

He continued, “In this movie, we see Giyu grow even further during battle. Watching that unfold moved me deeply. At the same time, the scene reveals how harsh this battle truly is. Between the depiction of their breathing techniques and the beauty of the animation, there were moments where I was simply awestruck by the intensity and artistry. The fight felt like something beyond human limits. I was literally gripping my hands as I watched.”

Hanae also shared his thoughts on fighting alongside Giyu:

“In the first episode of the Unwavering Resolve Arc, Tanjiro couldn’t do anything. Seeing him now, able to fight shoulder to shoulder with Giyu, was incredibly emotional for me.” He added, “We saw a new side of Giyu in his battle against Akaza—it was amazing. He was truly cool.”
Sakurai responded warmly, “It’s because Tanjiro—and you, Hanae-kun—were there!” The mutual appreciation brought smiles throughout the venue.

Based on the hit manga that ran in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020, Demon Slayer is set in the Taisho era, in a world plagued by man-eating demons. It follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who joins the Demon Slayer Corps to avenge his family and restore his demon-transformed sister Nezuko back into a human. The manga has sold over 220 million copies worldwide.

The anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc aired in 2019, quickly becoming a sensation. The 2020 release of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc went on to gross over 51.7 billion yen globally, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.

Following its success, the franchise expanded into video games and stage plays, with new anime arcs airing in December 2021 (Entertainment District Arc), April 2023 (Swordsmith Village Arc), and from May to June 2024 (Hashira Training Arc).

The new film trilogy, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc, depicts the Demon Slayer Corps’ climactic battle against their arch-nemesis Muzan Kibutsuji and the Upper Rank demons. Part 1, Akaza Reappears, centers on the corps’ incursion into the demons’ stronghold—the Infinity Castle.

Source : ORICON NEWS