Story by Koji Uchida
On Sunday, August 17, TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku held the second stage greeting for “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle.” The gathering included voice actresses Saori Hayami (Shinobu Kocho) and Reina Ueda (Kanao Tsuyuri), who presented themselves as “master” and “apprentice.” A message from Ai Kayano (Kanae Kocho) was also shared, contributing to a profoundly moving atmosphere rich with sincere emotions.
“The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” is the newest entry in the “Demon Slayer” anime franchise, produced by ufotable and adapted from Koyoharu Gotouge’s original manga (released by Shueisha’s Jump Comics). The film debuted in Japanese cinemas on Friday, July 18, 2025, and will be accessible in the United States beginning September 12, 2025.
“Kimetsu no Yaiba: Demon Slayer – Infinity Castle” Premiere Greeting Part 2: Official Summary
A welcome event for the widely praised film “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” recently took place at TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku in Tokyo, as the movie remains popular following its release. Producer Yuma Takahashi hosted the gathering, presenting Saori Hayami, who provides the voice for Shinobu Kocho, and Reina Ueda, who voices Kanao Tsuyuri, to enthusiastic applause.
This was the initial stage debut for both actresses. When questioned about the event, Hayami, with a soft smile, conveyed strong feelings and appreciation for the “valuable chance to perform on stage together.”
Ueda also expressed her happiness, saying, “I’m genuinely thrilled! The fact that I’m on this stage as Kanao shows how much the story has evolved and how the bond between Shinobu and Kanao has deepened. It’s a very touching moment for me,” her expression becoming more gentle as she spoke.
One month after the debut of “Infinity Castle Part 1” in Japan, Hayami shared his thoughts on the movie, saying, “The two hours and 35 minutes passed by in a blink. Throughout the film, I experienced a range of characters’ feelings that penetrated the screen and touched my soul. Before I realized it, the credits were rolling.”
When questioned about standout moments involving characters besides herself, Hayami’s eyes sparkled as she replied, “There are plenty, but Akaza’s tale really catches my attention.”
Ueda said, “At the end of the credits, I was so emotional that I couldn’t see straight. I realized that Kanao would soon be fighting Demons on her own, and I felt a heavy burden in my chest wondering how she’d cope. The movie skillfully combined the emotions of Shinobu, Kanao, and all the warriors in the Infinity Castle and further, creating a strong feeling of their linked struggles.”
Both female actors enthusiastically talked about the movie’s engaging aspects, with their excitement clear in their speech.
Moving on to the depiction of each character, the actors were questioned about their emotions during the recording of their lines. Hayami, who voices Shinobu, expressed her perspective, “I think Shinobu has always carried her sister Kanae’s emotions with her. The strong and lively aspect of Shinobu’s personality has remained hidden, almost as if it has been cultivated by wearing her sister’s haori as a symbolic garment. When she confronts Doma, these emotions don’t gradually surface; instead, they erupt with a ‘This is more like it!’ kind of reaction. It’s as if she is saying, ‘What this person possesses goes far beyond this.'”
The appearance of the three sisters held significant meaning for Hayami. She discussed her inner emotions while portraying the character, sharing some anecdotes from the recording sessions: “During the voice recording, I felt a sense of comfort, thinking, ‘Today, I have my sisters here with me.'”
When questioned about Hayami’s performance, Ueda, who voices Kanao, expressed admiration: “The prolonged and significant weight of time that Shinobu has been bearing appeared to match exactly with what Saori-san (Hayami) had been considering, making it extremely authentic. The level of intensity was so great that I could sense the atmosphere in the recording booth turn sharp and filled with Shinobu’s essence. I also believed I had never heard Shinobu’s voice in this way before. It was calm, elegant, and her resolve was evident.”
Thinking about her character’s sister, Kanae Kocho, Hayami said, “While recording the voice, when Kayano-san (who portrays Kanae) spoke ‘Stand up!’ in a more intense manner than I anticipated, I truly felt the character emerge. I recognized this as Kanae Kocho’s natural power, and I think she said it with full awareness of my emotions. It deeply touched me.” Hayami relished every word as she spoke.
Later, a letter came from Ai Kayano, the voice actress for Kanae Kocho.
Hi Hayamin, Pon-chan! And to everyone who comes to the theater: thank you for continuing to support the series, as well as my younger sisters. I’m sorry about this letter, as I would have rather said thanks in person.
For those who have just viewed the film, what are your impressions? I recently saw it and was deeply affected by the commitment of Shinobu, Kanao, the Hashira, and the Demon Slayer Corps. The narratives of Zenitsu and Akaza also greatly moved me, causing me to cry multiple times. As the voice actor for Kanae, I was so absorbed during Shinobu’s scenes that I could hardly breathe, my fists tightly clenched in anguish… It reminded me of vivid recollections of Hayamin’s emotional cries echoing in the studio during recording, and Pon-chan’s trembling yet powerful presence, ready to explode with anger—all those intense emotions came back to life.
Although my time on screen as Kanae was short, watching this movie deeply emphasized the sisters’ shared past. I am truly thankful to have been involved in such an emotional and amazing project. It would be a pleasure if the three of us sisters could get together again one day to talk about the series. Please stay safe during this ongoing heat.
Both Hayami and Ueda appeared deeply touched by this heartfelt message.
Additionally, when the fourth key visual showing the clash between Shinobu and Doma was displayed on the screen, Hayami said, “It feels like all the energy we saw in the animation is contained in this one picture!” She was unable to hide her enthusiasm and commended the visual’s effect.
As the event came to a close, Ueda emotionally shared, “I always wanted Shinobu-san to live a life without fighting, always filled with smiles. At the same time, I also deeply felt the importance of respecting and protecting her dreams. Filming this movie was a huge challenge for me. But watching Shinobu-san fight with such incredible strength and determination… I truly hope her feelings have reached each and every one of you. I want everyone to keep loving ‘Demon Slayer’ and would be overjoyed if you watch it again and again, being deeply moved by it. Thank you all for being here today!”
Hayami further said, “I am extremely happy about the wide impact this project has had since its release. Shinobu-san’s genuine feelings truly bring each scene to life, and I sincerely hope you’ll go back to the theater to experience them again and again. Personally, I plan to pour my heart into ‘Demon Slayer’ as it progresses. I would be delighted if you could continue supporting the developing story from now on. Your continued encouragement is greatly valued! Thank you!”
Thanks to these sincere messages from the two actresses, the venue was filled with a touching mood as the event came to an end.
About “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle”
Open the Youtube video
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Staff
Koyoharu Gotouge (JUMP COMICS / SHUEISHA)
Director: Haruo Sotozaki
Character Design/Head of Animation: Akira Matsushima
Screenplay: ufotable
Sub-Character Creation: Miyuki Sato, Yoko Kajiyama, Mika Kikuchi
Prop Design: Masaharu Koyama
Art Directors: Masaru Yanaka, Yuri Kabasawa
Art Supervisor: Koji Eto
Cinematographer: Yuichi Terao
3D Director: Kazuki Nishiwaki
Color Design: Yuko Omae
Editor: Manabu Kamino
Music: Yuki Kajiura, Go Shiina
Chief Director: Hikaru Kondo
Animation Production: ufotable
Distribution: Toho, Aniplex (International: Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment)
Cast
Tanjiro Kamado: Natsuki Hanae
Nezuko Kamado: Akari Kito
Zenitsu Agatsuma: Hiro Shimono
Inosuke Hashibira: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
Kanao Tsuyuri: Reina Ueda
Genya Shinazugawa: Nobuhiko Okamoto
Giyu Tomioka: Takahiro Sakurai
Tengen Uzui: Katsuyuki Konishi
Muichiro Tokito: Kengo Kawanishi
Shinobu Kocho: Saori Hayami
Mitsuri Kanroji: Kana Hanazawa
Obanai Iguro: Kenichi Suzumura
Sanemi Shinazugawa: Tomokazu Seki
Gyomei Himejima: Tomokazu Sugita
Akaza (Top Rank Three): Akira Ishida
Official Website
“Kimetsu no Yaiba: Demon Slayer Infinity Castle” Official Website
Official X Account: @demonslayerusa
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©Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable
