The final episode (Episode 8) of the TV anime "Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc" aired on June 30. In this episode, the Demon Slayer Corps leader, Kagaya Ubuyashiki (Oyakata-sama), finally faces the arch-enemy demon, Muzan Kibutsuji, marking a significant turning point in the story. We spoke with Toshiyuki Morikawa, who voices Kagaya Ubuyashiki, about the appeal of "Demon Slayer" and his recording experience with Toshihiko Seki, who voices Muzan Kibutsuji.

Creating the Character of Kagaya: Harnessing Inner Passion with a Calm and Gentle Approach

-- Finally, Kagaya and Muzan come face to face in the final episode, featuring scenes where they probe each other with words. Could you share any memorable moments or scenes from your recording sessions with Toshihiko Seki, who voices Muzan?

Morikawa: I had the privilege of interacting with Seki-san, who plays Muzan Kibutsuji, while carefully considering the director's intentions. As a voice actor, the dialogue exchanges in this tense scene were a form of bliss, a battle that was both the hottest and the quietest, and it felt sacred.

-- Kagaya always seemed to think more about the Demon Slayer Corps than himself. He was a compassionate person who empathized with and understood others. Can you tell us about your approach to playing this character and your preparation for the role?

Morikawa: During the recordings, I approached the sessions with a calm and gentle attitude, all while channeling the intense, burning emotions hidden within Oyakata-sama.

The Appeal of "Demon Slayer" is Human Emotions: "Human Emotions Are Eternal and Indestructible"

-- Kagaya has a line, "Eternity lies in human emotions. Human emotions are what make us eternal and indestructible." This line seems to encapsulate his actions and way of life and the charm of "Demon Slayer" as a whole. From your perspective, how do you perceive Kagaya, and what do you think is the appeal of "Demon Slayer"?

Morikawa: I believe this line captures the essence of the work. The fact that Oyakata-sama speaks these words to Muzan holds great significance.

The greatest appeal of this work lies in human emotions. It portrays intangible aspects such as feelings towards life, family, and friends, and focuses on these elements. I believe this is what makes "Demon Slayer" so compelling. Indeed, "human emotions are eternal and indestructible."

About the Series
"Demon Slayer" is based on the manga of the same name serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020, surpassing 150 million copies in circulation. Set in the Taisho era, where man-eating demons exist, the story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a boy whose family is killed by demons. He joins the Demon Slayer Corps to turn his demonized sister Nezuko back into a human.

The TV anime "Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc" aired from April to September 2019, followed by the movie "Demon Slayer: Mugen Train" in October 2020, which continued from the anime's final episode. The "Entertainment District Arc" aired in December 2021, the "Swordsmith Village Arc" in April 2023, and the "Hashira Training Arc" aired from May 2024. A trilogy movie adaptation of the "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc" is also planned.

Source : ORICON NEWS