The film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc Part 1: Akaza Returns is now showing in theaters across Japan. Voice actor Akira Ishida, who voices Akaza, shared his thoughts on the film’s three central battles.

On Doma’s Cunning and the Bonds Between Zenitsu and Kaigaku

—This film features three major battles: Shinobu vs. Doma, Zenitsu vs. Kaigaku, and Giyu & Tanjiro vs. Akaza. What impressions did you have of each?

Ishida
Doma’s repulsiveness really stands out. In the TV series, there was a brief encounter between him and Akaza, and even then, I personally felt that I didn’t like him very much. That’s me as Akira Ishida speaking, but I thought, “He’s just not the kind of person I’d get along with.” That unpleasant, cunning personality of Doma comes through strongly again in this film.

Each of the three battles has its own style, and that separation keeps things fresh. Though they’re all fights between Demon Slayers and demons, they never feel repetitive. Especially Zenitsu and Kaigaku’s battle—it stands out the most because of their personal connection and emotional history.

—How did you feel about Akaza’s fight against Tanjiro and Giyu?

Ishida
This time, it’s two against one. Compared to the previous film, where it was essentially one-on-one, it might seem unfair from a numbers standpoint, but that doesn’t matter at all once you see how strong Akaza truly is. His defining quality isn’t about fighting with emotions, but about overwhelming physical strength—he fights from a position of absolute superiority, and that really shows in this battle.

Watching the finished animation, the speed and intensity were breathtaking—almost too fast for the eye to follow. When we recorded the lines, we had stage directions describing what was happening, but seeing the completed film made me think, “So that’s what it looks like! This is incredible.”

A Focused Atmosphere in the Recording Booth

—What was the atmosphere like in the recording studio?

Ishida
Everyone was serious and focused, so there was a sharp sense of tension in the air. The studio was set up with only the members involved in each specific scene, so there wasn’t any unnecessary chatter or forced excitement. It was an environment where everyone faced their own task with full commitment, and I thought that was ideal for recording a work like this.

—Since you performed with other actors, did that affect your delivery?

Ishida
Definitely. It’s very different from performing alone and imagining the scene in your head. When characters like Tanjiro respond to me directly, I can feel my emotions rise—even though I am Akira Ishida and not Akaza, that energy still affects me.

—Do you think that emotional engagement contributed to the sense of realism?

Ishida
If the audience watching in theaters can feel that emotional intensity and authenticity, then I think it means we succeeded.

Source : ORICON NEWS