Demon Slayer: Smiling Giyu & Sabito Art Goes Viral

“They’re Truly Best Friends” “Can This Be a Bonus Gift (tears)”
The movie “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1: Akaza Returns” has been showing in theaters since July 18. To commemorate the release, ufotable posted an illustration of a young Giyū Tomioka and Sabito on their official X (formerly Twitter) account. The artwork, which captures the two sharing a smile, has stirred emotions online.

In the Demon Slayer storyline, Giyū's relationship with Sabito has been explored, and for those familiar with their history, the illustration is heart-wrenching. Online reactions include, “Sabito would scold him when needed and help when it mattered—he’s a true friend,” “I’m sorry, but could this art be a bonus gift (tears)?” “I’m really going to cry—please let them be happy,” and “What’s with those smiles… it’s impossible not to cry!”

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is based on the hit manga that ran in Weekly Shōnen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020. Set in the Taishō era where man-eating demons exist, it tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a boy whose family was killed by demons, and who joins the Demon Slayer Corps to turn his demonized sister Nezuko back into a human and avenge his family.

The series has sold over 220 million copies worldwide. The anime adaptation “Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc” aired from April to September 2019 and created massive buzz. The film “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” premiered in October 2020 and became a social phenomenon, grossing over 51.7 billion yen worldwide.

The franchise expanded into games and stage plays, followed by the anime arcs “Entertainment District Arc” (Dec 2021), “Swordsmith Village Arc” (Apr 2023), and “Hashira Training Arc” (May–Jun 2024). The current Infinity Castle Arc is being released as a trilogy. The first chapter, Akaza Returns, follows Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps as they confront their ultimate enemy Muzan Kibutsuji and the Upper-Rank Demons in the demon stronghold, the “Infinity Castle.” The movie is currently screening in 452 theaters (393 standard + 59 IMAX).

Source : ORICON NEWS