by A historic milestone has been announced for Japanese animation.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie – Mugen Castle Arc Chapter 1: Akaza Returns, currently showing in theaters nationwide, will receive a special IMAX screening starting February 6, 2026. This marks the first time in history that a Japanese anime film will be presented in IMAX’s unique 1.43:1 expanded aspect ratio, offering audiences an entirely new and immersive viewing experience.
Alongside the announcement, a special IMAX trailer has been unveiled, and an exclusive IMAX admission bonus, the IMAX Visual Illustration Board, will be distributed to attendees while supplies last.
What Makes This IMAX Screening So Special?
Unlike standard IMAX presentations, this screening uses IMAX’s full 1.43:1 aspect ratio, which expands the image both vertically and horizontally in selected scenes. This allows viewers to see more of the animation than ever before, particularly during large-scale battle sequences inside the Infinity Castle.
For Demon Slayer fans, this means:
- Greater visual depth in combat scenes
- Expanded backgrounds and environmental details
- A more overwhelming sense of scale during the final battles
This format has rarely been used even in live-action films, making its adoption for an anime feature a groundbreaking achievement.
Screening Locations
The IMAX special screening will be available at two theaters in Japan:
- Grand Cinema Sunshine Ikebukuro (Tokyo)
- 109 Cinemas Osaka Expo City (Osaka)
These venues are among the few capable of projecting the full 1.43:1 IMAX format, ensuring the film is shown exactly as intended.
Exclusive IMAX Bonus: Visual Illustration Board
To commemorate this historic screening, an A5-size “IMAX Visual Illustration Board” will be distributed exclusively to IMAX ticket holders.
Bonus Details
- Distribution Start Date: February 6, 2026
- Quantity: Limited to 100,000 copies nationwide
- Availability: IMAX screenings only
- Limit: One per viewer, while supplies last
Important Notes
- The bonus is not for sale
- Resale, reproduction, or copying is strictly prohibited
- Minor scratches or stains may occur; exchanges are not accepted
- Distribution will end once stock runs out
Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as this collectible is expected to sell out quickly.
Additional Theater Gifts Also Announced
In addition to the IMAX-exclusive bonus, the film’s 14th special theater gift—the “Teaser Visual Clear Stand”—will begin distribution starting January 24, 2026, at standard screenings.
This means viewers attending IMAX screenings after February 6 may receive:
- The IMAX Visual Illustration Board (IMAX only)
- Plus existing theater gifts, depending on availability
About Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, published by Shueisha’s Jump Comics. The manga concluded in 23 volumes and has surpassed 220 million copies sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga series of all time.
The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy whose family is slaughtered by demons. After his sister Nezuko is turned into a demon, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps to find a cure and defeat the demons responsible.
The series is celebrated for:
- Emotional storytelling
- Intense sword combat
- Deeply human villains
- Beautiful animation by ufotable
The Mugen Castle Arc: Beginning of the Final Battle
Mugen Castle Arc represents the final confrontation between the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons. Set inside the ever-shifting Infinity Castle, this arc brings together every major character for a climactic showdown.
The trilogy structure was officially announced, with:
- Chapter 1: Akaza Returns released theatrically on July 18, 2025
- Subsequent chapters planned to continue the final battle
Despite narrowly missing a major award win, the film achieved international recognition as the only Japanese movie nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, a category often viewed as a precursor to the Academy Awards.
IMAX Trailer and Promotional Rollout
- IMAX Special Trailer: Begins screening at select theaters from January 23, 2026
- Highlights expanded visuals and large-scale action sequences
- Designed specifically to showcase the IMAX format advantages
This rollout further emphasizes the cinematic ambition behind the project.
Staff and Production Team
- Original Story: Koyoharu Gotouge
- Director: Haruo Tonozaki
- Chief Director: Hikaru Kondo
- Character Design / Chief Animation Director: Akira Matsushima
- Screenplay & Animation Production: ufotable
- Music: Go Shiina, Yuki Kajiura
- Theme Songs:
- “A World Where the Sun Doesn’t Rise” – Aimer
- “Shine on a Cruel Night” – LiSA
- Distribution: Toho, Aniplex
Main Voice Cast
- Tanjiro Kamado – Natsuki Hanae
- Nezuko Kamado – Akari Kito
- Zenitsu Agatsuma – Hiro Shimono
- Inosuke Hashibira – Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
- Kanao Tsuyuri – Reina Ueda
- Giyu Tomioka – Takahiro Sakurai
- Shinobu Kocho – Saori Hayami
- Akaza (Upper Rank Three) – Akira Ishida
- Doma (Upper Rank Two) – Mamoru Miyano
Why Fans Shouldn’t Miss This IMAX Screening
This event is more than just a special showing—it’s a historic moment for anime cinema. The IMAX 1.43:1 format allows Demon Slayer’s already stunning animation to reach an entirely new level of immersion.
Whether you are:
- A longtime Demon Slayer fan
- A collector of limited theater bonuses
- Or simply curious about anime in premium formats
This IMAX screening offers the ultimate Mugen Castle experience.
Final Thoughts
With its groundbreaking IMAX presentation, exclusive collectibles, and breathtaking animation, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen Castle Arc Chapter 1: Akaza Returns continues to push the boundaries of what anime films can achieve.
Starting February 6, 2026, fans will be able to witness the beginning of the final battle like never before—on the largest screens, in the most immersive format, and with a piece of anime history in hand.
