The new "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc" was broadcast on Fuji TV on the 12th. The opening featured a joint battle between the Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, and the Serpent Hashira, Obanai Iguro, fighting against demons. This was the first time they showcased their techniques "Wind Breathing" and "Serpent Breathing," and notably, this scene was originally created for the anime. Following the episode, Tomokazu Seki, who voices Sanemi, shared insights about the recording and his role development in an interview with ORICON NEWS.

The scene of Sanemi and Obanai's cooperation swept the trending charts on X shortly after the broadcast, with "#DemonSlayer" reaching the top spot followed by "original anime development" ranking second. Viewers expressed their surprise and joy, commenting, "Looks like there will be quite a bit of original content since the source material is short," and "The battle scene introducing Serpent Hashira Iguro and Wind Hashira Sanemi was unexpectedly unveiled, and the animation for Serpent Breathing is divine."

Remarks on Participation with Limited Screen Time: "Didn't Quite Feel It (laughs)"

"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," based on the manga serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" from February 2016 to May 2020, has become a popular work with over 150 million copies of the comics sold. The Hashira Training Arc features a storyline where Tanjiro and his comrades receive further training from the Demon Slayer Corps' highest-ranking swordsmen, the Hashira, to become stronger. Despite appearing in previous works, Seki mentioned that before the Hashira Training Arc, his main appearances were in scenes where the Hashira gathered at the Ubuyashiki estate for meetings. "I hadn't had many scenes fighting demons and using 'Breathing' techniques, so even when people said to me, 'I watch Demon Slayer!' I didn't quite feel it," he revealed with a laugh.

In the first episode, Sanemi teams up with Obanai Iguro (voiced by Kenichi Suzumura) on a mission, marking the first time Sanemi's full battle scene is depicted in the anime. "I was finally able to perform a typical Demon Slayer scene using 'Total Concentration Breathing' to defeat a demon," Seki expressed joyfully. "I've enjoyed watching the movie and other parts as an audience member, so I'm grateful that I could finally unleash that passion," he added with a relieved smile.

During the recording, "I was in the studio with the main cast. Internally, I was like, 'That's Tanjiro's voice!' 'That's Zenitsu's voice!' 'Wow, that's Inosuke!' That's when I really felt that I was part of Demon Slayer (laughs)," Seki shared excitedly.

Fully Satisfied with "Wind Breathing" Line: "Finally Got to Say It!"

Sanemi's technique is "Wind Breathing." When the long-awaited technique name was revealed in the script, Seki felt grateful: "I've heard how 'Total Concentration' is used to encourage people to study hard, so when I saw it in the script, I thought, 'Finally, I get to say it!'"

In the dubbing studio, "I discussed with the staff how I imagined it and made adjustments accordingly. I tried whispering the lines after performing the techniques, but eventually, we decided to go with a more spirited delivery," Seki recalled, experimenting with his delivery.

After the line for "Total Concentration Breathing" was cleared, "I did the 'Wind Breathing' line about three times in a row (laughs). It felt like I was releasing something pent-up. I ended up projecting my voice louder than expected, like I was releasing the wind," he shared with satisfaction.

Seki also spoke about the fun of portraying Sanemi, "Maybe it's because he's living sharpened and focused towards the huge goal of annihilating demons, but there's a satisfaction in not sweating the small stuff and being able to bluntly say what I think about unnecessary things."

On the other hand, he discussed his acting approach, "I think there's no need to reveal anything about Sanemi that he wouldn't show himself. I just think about the demons in my performance, which has not wavered from the initial impression."

Sanemi's Core Hasn't Changed Since His First Appearance: "All About Demons, Demons, Demons"

Initially, Sanemi had a frightening impression when he attacked Nezuko, but glimpses of a caring older brother were seen in the "Swordsmith Village Arc." When asked about his impression of Sanemi, Seki responded, "Given his childhood experiences, he fights demons to protect his family. There might be an aspect of avenging enemies, but it's clear he's put everything into defeating demons, which might seem a bit crude to others."

Seki nodded, "I think Sanemi himself hasn't changed much. It's just that people feel that way because they don't know everything about him. As more information about him is disclosed, pieces are falling into place, and people are gradually understanding his character. He's a good example of someone you can't fully understand just from a glance or their actions in the moment."

Edit By Taimu Tsuji
Source ORICON NEWS