by “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Castle Arc Chapter 1 Akaza Returns” is currently receiving rave reviews. The story is finally reaching its final stage. It depicts the fierce battle between Tanjiro and the Pillars, who have been thrown into the demon’s base, Infinity Castle, by Muzan Kibutsuji.
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Castle Arc Chapter 1 Akaza Returns”Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Castle Arc Chapter 1: Akaza Returns. The story finally reaches its final stage. It depicts the fierce battle between Tanjiro and the Pillars, who have been thrown into the demon’s base, Mugen Castle, by Muzan Kibutsuji.
Art Director: Koji Eto
Cinematography /Finishing Director: Yuichi Terao 3D Director: Kazuki Nishiwaki Color Design: Yuko Omae Editing: Manabu Kamino Music: Go Shiina and Yuki Kajiura Theme Songs: Aimer “A World Where the Sun Doesn’t Rise” (SACRA MUSIC / Sony Music Labels Inc.) and LiSA “Shine on a Cruel Night” (SACRA MUSIC / Sony Music Labels Inc.) General Director: Hikaru Kondo Animation Production: ufotable Distribution: Toho / Aniplex Tanjiro Kamado: Natsuki Hanae Nezuko Kamado: Akari Kitou Zenitsu Agatsuma: Shimono Inosuke Kozuhira: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka Kanao Tsuyuri: Rena Ueda Genya Shinazugawa: Nobuhiko Okamoto Giyu Tomioka: Takahiro Sakurai Tengen Uzui: Katsuhiko Konishi Yukitoki Tohru Muichiro: 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 The correct spelling of “Ne” in Nezuko’s name is “Ne + 爾”. The correct spelling of “Tsuji” in Kibutsuji Muzan’s name is with a single dot. The correct spelling of “Rengoku” in Rengoku’s name is “Fire” + “East”.
We recently interviewed Akira Ishida, who plays Akaza, whose name is also the subtitle of the first chapter. We asked him about his thoughts on playing Akaza again in the film, how he tried to portray the “strength” he displayed while playing him, and his impressions of his pre-demon form, “Hakuji.” [Interview and text by Kaori Yoneda] Akaza, on becoming a “demon”: “It’s precisely in that moment that I feel his unique dramatic side.”
Five years have passed since the shocking battle in the October 2020 release of “Mugen Train Arc.” Please tell us your thoughts on being cast as Akaza again in the film. As the actor, I’m thrilled that such a significant episode for Akaza will be remade into a movie. While that does add to the tension, I recall being particularly nervous, as this was my first appearance in the film during the previous “Mugen Train Arc.”
Since then, I’ve appeared in the TV series, and this is my return, so I was able to relax more than before. Did you feel any pressure playing a character in the “Infinity Castle Arc,” which depicts the final battle, and whose subtitle is “Akaza Returns”? Well… in a good way, I don’t feel any particular pressure. I’m not in a producer-like position. Having seen the finished film, it was a work worthy of praise, but how people interpret it will depend on the sensibilities of each viewer.
Akaza became popular despite playing the villain in the “Infinity Train Arc.” What do you think is the reason for his popularity, Ishida-san? It must be his overwhelming strength. He was even able to defeat Kyojuro Rengoku. That overwhelming strength made him stick in people’s minds.
In this film, Akaza once again faces off against Tanjiro and Giyu Tomioka. What do you always keep in mind when playing him? He appears as an antagonist to the protagonist, so the enemy has to be strong. I knew that this was necessary to make the story more interesting, and Akaza is indeed portrayed as a powerful character. I played the role with the awareness that I had to describe that strength convincingly.
When Akaza reappears in the “Infinity Castle Arc,” was there anything you kept in mind when trying to express the feelings of Akaza that are depicted in this work? The story is structured in such a way that there is an “Akaza part” and a “Komaji part,” so I think that in the scenes that depict Komaji, the audience’s understanding of Akaza deepens. That said, my approach as Akaza doesn’t change. By correctly portraying Komaji, a gap might be created within the character. I had to ensure that this was conveyed correctly.
Tomioka Giyu is “someone who can judge himself fairly.” What is your impression of Tanjiro, whom you face again in this work, and what changes did you notice from the previous work? It was exciting how Akaza’s opinion of Tanjiro changed. As the protagonist, it’s only natural that he grows, but I feel fortunate to have been able to play Akaza, a character who is present in scenes where that growth is clearly visible.
This time you’ll be facing off against the Water Pillar, Giyu Tomioka. What’s your impression of him? Giyu is also a powerful character. However, he’s also someone who can judge himself fairly. He’s a calm character, and he’s naive. Tanjiro tries to carry the fight with passion, saying, “I might lose, but I have to do it!” However, Giyu is so dry and strict with himself that even his passionate encouragement can’t fool him.
The fierce battle between these three is a highlight of this film, but what did you think of the finished footage? They’d created some truly amazing scenes with a continuous stream of sword-fighting action. The footage clearly conveys why Tanjiro, Giyu, and Akaza are so amazing, and the reasons why they’re considered amazing, so I’m sure viewers will be delighted.
I heard that characters who interact with each other were able to record together. What was the atmosphere like on set? It was a solemn recording session, and the studio maintained a good level of tension. Speaking of highlights, the scenes between the master and Koyuki are a must. Please tell us your impressions of the two of them, and your thoughts on interacting with them.
There were many scenes where I had to find the right balance. Looking at the finished footage objectively, the balance was perfect, Koyuki’s fragility was fully conveyed, and she was a convincing character who needed to be protected. Finally, please give a message to the fans of the series.
The first chapter is subtitled “Akaza Returns,” and it’s likely well known that the fierce battle between Tanjiro and Akaza will be depicted once again. However, there’s much more to the story than that. It’s a truly worthwhile film, so I hope you’ll go see it in the theater and get on board with the significant flow of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” which continues into Chapters 2 and 3. Thank you very much. “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Castle Arc Chapter 1 Akaza Returns” is currently showing in theaters nationwide.
[Staff] Original story: Koyoharu Gotouge (published by Shueisha Jump Comics) Director: Haruo Tonozaki Character design and chief animation director: Akira Matsushima Screenplay production: ufotable Sub-character design: Miyuki Sato, Yoko Kajiyama, Mika Kikuchi Prop design: Shoji Koyama Art director: Koji Eto Cinematography and finishing director: Yuichi Terao 3D director: Kazuki Nishiwaki Color design: Yuko Omae Editing: Manabu Kamino Music: Go Shiina, Yuki Kajiura Theme songs: Aimer “A World Where the Sun Doesn’t Rise” (SACRA MUSIC / Sony Music Labels Inc.) and LiSA “Shine on a Cruel Night” (SACRA MUSIC / Sony Music Labels Inc.) Chief director: Hikaru Kondo Animation production: ufotable Distribution: Toho, Aniplex
[Cast] Tanjiro Kamado: Natsuki Hanae Nezuko Kamado: Akari Kito Zenitsu Agatsuma: Hiroshi Shimono Inosuke Hashibira: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka Kanao Tsuyuri: Rena Ueda Genya Shinazugawa: Nobuhiko Okamoto Giyu Tomioka: Takahiro Sakurai Tengen Uzui: Katsuhiko Konishi Yukitoki Tohru Muichiro: 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 The correct spelling of “Ne” in Nezuko’s name is “Ne + 爾”. The correct spelling of “Tsuji” in Kibutsuji Muzan’s name is with a single dot. The correct spelling of “Rengoku” in Purgatory’s name is “Fire” + “East”.
