To mark the release of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle," the latest installment in the series, animate Times is publishing a series of cast interviews.
In this installment, we interviewed Akira Ishida, the voice actor for Upper Rank Three Akaza, who made a powerful debut in the "Mugen Train Arc" movie version. This interview delves into his return in the new film.
We explore Akaza's character through Ishida's insights, specifically how he portrayed Akaza's obsession with "strength" and his thoughts on the intense battles with Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka.
As an Overwhelmingly Powerful Villain
――Five years after his shocking appearance in "Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train," Akaza returns to the big screen.
Ishida: As a voice actor, I'm truly happy that fans can experience Akaza's story in theaters again. His first appearance brought a unique tension, but having also appeared in the series, I felt more relaxed this time.
――What did you focus on when portraying Akaza throughout the series?
Ishida: Given Akaza's role as a villain, I'm aware that a formidable enemy is crucial for an exciting story. He's depicted as incredibly strong, and I always strive to convey that strength convincingly. It's an aspect I can't overlook when playing Akaza.
――How do you perceive Akaza's popularity after the "Mugen Train" arc?
Ishida: To be honest, I don't truly feel his popularity firsthand. Perhaps it's because he made such a big impact as "the one who defeated Rengoku." Nevertheless, he's undeniably an overwhelmingly powerful character—strong to the point of being detestable. I believe these extreme characteristics are what captivate the audience.
The Contrasting Evolution of Tanjiro and Giyu
――Akaza once again confronts Tanjiro and his companions. What are your thoughts on Tanjiro's ongoing transformation and growth?
Ishida: It's fascinating to observe the shift in Akaza's perception of Tanjiro, a change that Tanjiro himself seems to acknowledge. As the story's protagonist, Tanjiro's growth is essential. Akaza's presence at this juncture is serendipitous; as a character consumed by the pursuit of strength, he serves as a formidable obstacle in Tanjiro's path.
――So, Akaza's role in Tanjiro's development carries multiple significant implications?
Ishida: Indeed. Akaza, through his relentless pursuit of ultimate strength, has become an incredibly powerful adversary. This paradoxically highlights why Tanjiro needed to grow.
――Then, what are your thoughts on Giyu Tomioka?
Ishida: Giyu is strong, but he also judges himself fairly. He sets a strict standard for himself, which is a defining characteristic.
――The battle scene with Tanjiro, Giyu, and Akaza is a major highlight. What were your impressions after watching the footage?
Ishida: It's a perfectly crafted visual spectacle with continuous, intense action and sword fighting. You can truly sense why these three characters excel, making it a highly satisfying scene.
What Makes Voicing Akaza Fun?
――As mentioned earlier, Akaza looks like he's enjoying the battle itself, which symbolizes his strength, doesn't he?
Ishida: Akaza thrives on fighting, especially against stronger opponents. My focus during recording was to convey his intense enjoyment while battling Giyuu.
――Sakurai-san mentioned feeling "overwhelmed" by your portrayal of the battle.
Ishida: Really? Tanjiro and Giyuu have a different intensity in battle compared to Akaza. Confronting them, I felt Akaza's stance shifting, particularly at the beginning where he clearly underestimated Tanjiro.
――Lastly, any message for fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming story?
Ishida: Part 1 is "Akaza Returns," as the subtitle suggests. While I want everyone to enjoy his story, the episode is incredibly dense, truly cinematic. I hope you'll come to the theaters and follow the progression into the second and third chapters. Let's all move towards the ultimate goal of "Demon Slayer."
[Interview by Layla]
About "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle"
Synopsis
Tanjiro Kamado – a boy who joined an organization dedicated to hunting down demons called the Demon Slayer Corps after his younger sister Nezuko was turned into a demon.
While growing stronger and deepening his friendships and bonds with fellow corps members, Tanjiro has battled many demons with his comrades, Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira.
Along the way, his journey has led him to fight alongside the Demon Slayer Corps’ highest-ranking swordsmen, the Hashira, including Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku aboard the Mugen Train, Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui within the Entertainment District, as well as Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji at the Swordsmith Village.
As the Demon Slayer Corps members and Hashira engaged in a group strength training program, the Hashira Training, in preparation for the forthcoming battle against the demons, Muzan Kibutsuji appears at the Ubuyashiki Mansion. With the head of the Demon Corps in danger, Tanjiro and the Hashira rush to the headquarters but are plunged into a deep descent to a mysterious space by the hands of Muzan Kibutsuji.
The destination of where Tanjiro and Demon Slayer Corps have fallen is the demons’ stronghold – the Infinity Castle.
And so, the battleground is set as the final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the Demons ignites.
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 (Upper Rank Three): Akira Ishida
©Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
