Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Infinity Castle Arc Part 1: Akaza Returns is now playing in theaters nationwide. Akira Ishida, who voices the Upper Rank Three demon Akaza, spoke about performing Hakuji’s story and how his tone and perception shifted in emotional scenes with Keizo and Koyuki.

Akira Ishida on Portraying Hakuji’s Humanity

—In performing the past arc, aside from “insights” or the “meaning” of what is depicted, was there anything else you were conscious of?

Ishida
It’s a story that lets you understand the background of Hakuji as a human being — not the kind of “battle” story that’s simply about seeking strength, like Akaza’s.
Based on that, I tried to carefully grasp what Hakuji was thinking and what standards he used to make decisions at each moment. If I could capture those feelings properly, I thought I would be able to express him as Hakuji.

— I felt that your tone of voice became somewhat softer. Was that intentional?

Ishida
Structurally, that happens naturally — I understood that it was part of the intended direction. The result came from reflecting Hakuji’s emotions in each situation. It wasn’t something I aimed for deliberately; it happened naturally within me.

Recording and Impressions of Koyuki’s Character

—What stood out to you during the recording sessions?

Ishida
"Since these are very important scenes, we recorded them carefully, with great attention to detail.
At the time, I took that for granted, but when I saw the completed film, I was struck again by the convincing fragility of Koyuki (voiced by Lynn).

She’s someone who makes you feel that you must protect her — even if your heart has grown rough, you still feel she’s someone who must be protected. I thought she was a very persuasive and moving character.”

On Muzan Kibutsuji’s Ruthlessness

—There were also scenes with Muzan Kibutsuji (voiced by Toshihiko Seki) in the TV series. What impression do you have of him?

Ishida
"Muzan is a cold person.
In the TV series, even when Akaza said, “I’ve done all this for your plan,” Muzan replied, “You’ve done only that much, and yet you look so pleased with yourself?”
There’s truly no salvation there. But that’s exactly what makes Muzan who he is.

The more merciless he appears to Akaza, the more it feels like Muzan is being portrayed correctly. I think making the audience feel “He’s terrible” is precisely what the creators intend."

Source : ORICON NEWS