The second episode of the new "Demon Slayer" anime, "TV Anime 'Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc'," aired on May 19. The episode concluded with a shocking scene where Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, tries to reveal her hidden feelings to her Tsuguko, Kanao Tsuyuri. We spoke with Saori Hayami, who plays Shinobu, about what she focused on in her performance, her changing feelings toward Kanao, and the behind-the-scenes of the second episode.

Recording the Hashira Meeting: "Nervous with All the Seniors Present"

The scene of the Hashira meeting depicted in the first episode was recorded with all the cast members actually gathered together. Hayami recalls, "I was very nervous (laughs)," and after experiencing the pandemic, "It had been a while since we recorded with so many people at once. Previously, we used to record with such large groups, so it was nostalgic and at the same time, I was quite nervous with all the seniors present." However, once the recording started, she felt, "There was a sense that the atmosphere of the Hashira meeting naturally came together just by being there with the seniors," expressing her gratitude. "Although the content was serious, the atmosphere on set was calm and wonderful," she added, feeling fulfilled. During breaks, she shared, "I talked with everyone about various things," and recalled an episode where "Mitsuri (voiced by Kana Hanazawa) was doing edgy moves (laughs). After the rehearsal, Tomokazu Seki commented, 'It feels like Hanazawa-san is in a different show,' which was very memorable. I thought that was really true (laughs)."

Focusing on Shinobu’s Hidden Feelings in Episode 2: Analyzing Her Character

Usually calm and composed, Shinobu is seen trying to put on her best smile at the end of the second episode, saying, "Unable to control emotions is immature. I am immature." This scene hints at her constant effort to suppress her emotions. Hayami explains her approach to the role, "I always play her with the thought that, deep down, she is not always calm, kind, and full of compassion." Reflecting on Shinobu's backstory, especially the episode featuring the past of the Kocho sisters from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc," Hayami describes Shinobu as "quick to anger and often quite peevish (laughs). She is a strong-willed person who retorts when something is said to her. She is sensitive to external stimuli and has a heart that wavers." In preparing for episode 2, Hayami kept in mind that Shinobu is aware of her own emotional control, and aimed to let a glimpse of the past Shinobu show through, especially in the scene where she seeks help from her deceased sister in her heart.

Feeling Kanao's Growth: Changes in Shinobu's Feelings

The current episodes of the "Hashira Training Arc" feature many interactions between Shinobu and her Tsuguko, Kanao (voiced by Reina Ueda). Lines like, "You can express your feelings honestly now... it's a good sign," reflect Kanao's growth. Hayami felt a wall breaking down during scenes with Kanao, saying, "Kanao herself has grown, and she has changed enough to express her desire to train more with her master. Seeing this, Shinobu might have felt that she could reveal more of herself to the current Kanao." Hayami recalls recording with Ueda, noting, "We actually recorded the Hashira meeting scenes on the same day, and then switched to these scenes, so the feelings were different..." She adds, "The scenes where Shinobu and Kanao are talking felt like there was a trust in the air, making it a different atmosphere compared to the tense Hashira meeting." She felt that this was due to the built-up history of the Kocho sisters and the sincere interaction from Ueda, making her feel drawn out in the scenes.

Core of Shinobu's Character: Expressing Her in Episode 2

The final scene of episode 2, where Shinobu talks to Kanao about the demon who killed Kanae, was recorded in multiple takes. Hayami explains, "We recorded many versions of the final scene, experimenting with where to place punctuation, how strongly to say the lines, and the tone." She emphasizes the importance of these choices, saying, "In 'Demon Slayer,' each scene is carefully directed, and the staff communicates their vision. This particular scene, which delves into Shinobu's core, required trial and error to determine how the delivery would affect the overall expression."

Source : ORICON NEWS