A long interview with voice actress Saori Hayami, known for her role as Shinobu Kocho in the anime 『Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba』, has been published in the web magazine “J:magazine!”, with part of the interview now available. Regarding the currently released movie 『Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc Part 1: Akaza Returns 』, Hayami expressed, “I would be happy if you could etch into your eyes the beautiful yet sorrowful way Shinobu fights,” highlighting the character’s unique appeal.

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Hayami, who has portrayed numerous popular characters such as Shinobu Kocho in 『Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba』, Yor Forger in 『SPY×FAMILY』, and Ryuu Lion in 『Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (DanMachi)』, has brought out the charm of each role.

As a singer, she also celebrates her 10th anniversary as a performing artist in 2025.

In this milestone year, the interview explores her feelings toward music as an artist and her approach to voice acting, shedding light on both her career and personality.

—In 2025, you marked the 10th anniversary of your career as an artist. Looking back on the past decade, how do you feel now?

Hayami: “When you hear or see the words ‘10 years,’ it feels so big that it even surprises me. But truly, it’s been a decade of trial and error, running forward while taking on various challenges, so in a way, it feels like it passed in the blink of an eye. However, when I think back to my debut in 2015, it feels like something from long ago. Time is strange that way—it feels both long and short.”

—So, it’s been a decade that feels both long and short?

Hayami: “Yes. For example, in my music activities, I’ve created songs, decided on musical directions, structured live performances—things that involve a different kind of creativity from voice acting. There were also opportunities to sing directly in front of audiences at festivals and concerts. Through those experiences, I constantly felt the unique challenges compared to voice acting, but at the same time, I was able to discover the fun and excitement of it. That’s probably why it feels like a decade that was long yet short.”

—In 『Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba』, you voice Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira. How do you perceive the character of Shinobu?

Hayami: “She’s very straightforward, yet at the same time, she carries such intense emotions inside that it almost feels clumsy in a way. The root cause, of course, is that demons killed her beloved sister. She has been fighting while holding that anger deep inside.

Her sister Kanae was calm, kind, and gentle, yet had a strong inner core—completely different from Shinobu. Shinobu lives by embodying her sister’s feelings and behavior within herself. That’s why, on the surface, she smiles and seems gentle and caring, wrapping others in kindness. But in truth, she’s just imitating her sister’s demeanor; deep down, she harbors an unyielding hatred toward demons, a vow to never forgive them. That, I believe, is the essence of Shinobu Kocho.”

—Sometimes, watching Shinobu feels painful, almost heartbreaking.

Hayami: “Exactly, she’s incredibly straightforward to the point of being too earnest. When Kanae was dying, she told Shinobu to ‘leave the Demon Slayer Corps and live happily as a normal girl.’ Shinobu fully understood her sister’s feelings,

but no matter what she was told, she had already decided to avenge her sister herself. Even knowing it put her at a disadvantage, she was resolute in carrying it out. That unwavering determination—willing to risk even her own life—fosters a powerful, passionate emotion within her. That’s what makes Shinobu Kocho so compelling, and it’s why watching her feels so heart-wrenching.”

—In the movie releasing this July, we’ll see exactly that side of Shinobu. Could you share a message for its release?

Hayami: “I gave my all during the recording in many ways, so I’d be truly happy if everyone could witness Shinobu’s beautifully tragic battles and etch them deeply into their hearts.”

Source : ORICON NEWS