The premiere stage greeting for the theatrical release of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc Part 1: Akaza Reappears (JP: 猗窩座再来, Akaza Sairai) (released on July 18 in Japan) was held in Tokyo on July 19. Cast members Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado), Takahiro Sakurai (Giyu Tomioka), Akira Ishida (Akaza), and singer LiSA—performer of one of the dual theme songs, “Shine in This Cruel Night (JP:残酷な夜に輝け)”—took the stage.

In an unprecedented move, the event was broadcast live to 357 theaters across Japan. This marks the largest-scale live viewing ever for a Demon Slayer event—and even among all TOHO films.

“I watched it in IMAX just last night,” said Hanae with a smile. “I’ll be watching it at least 10 more times.”

Based on the hit manga that ran in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020, Demon Slayer is set in the Taisho era, in a world plagued by man-eating demons. It follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who joins the Demon Slayer Corps to avenge his family and restore his demon-transformed sister Nezuko back into a human. The manga has sold over 220 million copies worldwide.

The anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc aired in 2019, quickly becoming a sensation. The 2020 release of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc went on to gross over 51.7 billion yen globally, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.

Following its success, the franchise expanded into video games and stage plays, with new anime arcs airing in December 2021 (Entertainment District Arc), April 2023 (Swordsmith Village Arc), and from May to June 2024 (Hashira Training Arc).

The new film trilogy, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc, depicts the Demon Slayer Corps’ climactic battle against their arch-nemesis Muzan Kibutsuji and the Upper Rank demons. Part 1, Akaza Reappears, centers on the corps’ incursion into the demons’ stronghold—the Infinity Castle.

Source : ORICON NEWS