"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1 – Akaza Returns" proved to be a box-office powerhouse in Japanese theaters, wrapping up an extended run on April 9, 2026, after its initial premiere on July 18, 2025. To celebrate the film's Japanese Blu-ray and DVD launch on July 29, a special stage-greeting screening took place on Sunday, August 9, featuring voice actors Takahiro Sakurai (Giyu Tomioka) and Saori Hayami (Shinobu Kocho). Read on for the official event recap, complete with live Q&A highlights directly from the cast!
<The following content is quoted from the official announcement>
Official Report: Blu-ray & DVD Release Memorial Screening & Stage Greeting
Having premiered on July 18, 2025, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1 – Akaza Returns" concluded its hugely successful theatrical run on April 9, 2026 (with a few exceptions). To celebrate the film's home release on Blu-ray & DVD on Wednesday, July 29, a special stage-greeting screening was held today, Sunday, August 9.
The event kicked off with a playful, witty banter between Giyu Tomioka and Shinobu Kocho, leading right into the entrance of their voice actors, Takahiro Sakurai and Saori Hayami. The crowd’s energy hit a fever pitch immediately as Sakurai and Hayami led the audience in a spirited "Hello, everyone!" call-and-response that shook the theater.
While their characters have tackled numerous missions together as fellow Hashira (Pillars), this event marked the very first time these two actors have appeared on stage together as a duo. For Sakurai, this was his first return to an Osaka stage since the original opening tour for "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle," while for Hayami, it was her first time greeting the Osaka fans for this specific film.
The event quickly moved into a Q&A session with questions submitted by the attendees. The first question asked, "With the Blu-ray and DVD finally out, which scene do you find yourself wanting to watch over and over again?"
Sakurai shared, "Speaking as the voice of Giyu, I really want to push the Akaza battle where he and Tanjiro fight with their lives on the line. However, the scene I personally want to rewatch most is the fight between Shinobu and Doma. When I first saw it, I was just... stunned. I want to experience that shock I felt in the theater again, but this time in the comfort of my own home so I can really take it all in. That clash with Doma, combined with all of Shinobu’s raw emotions, left a massive impression on me."
Hayami followed up with equal passion responded, "There are so many! But focusing on Shinobu, I’d say the moment right before she encounters Doma. The way she’s drawn toward him, almost as if she's being beckoned by something—it perfectly captures the haunting atmosphere of the work. You can almost feel the 'unseen' tension drifting across the screen. It’s one of my favorite scenes, and I want to savor that vibe at home. Also," she added with a smile, "I really want to go back and watch the interactions between Zenitsu and his Gramps one more time."
The next question delved into character growth: "Looking back from the very first series through the battles in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle," has your impression of the other person’s character changed at all?"
Sakurai spoke about Shinobu Kocho, "I absolutely loved the scenes in this film where Shinobu’s 'anger' finally boils over. Through Hayami-san's masterful performance, there was a certain beauty found within that rage. I felt like 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle' gave us so much more insight into who Shinobu really is."
Hayami then offered her perspective on Giyu saying,"In my mind, Giyu always seemed to be keeping himself at a distance, feeling like he didn't truly belong among the Hashira. But as things progressed, especially through his bond with Tanjiro, I felt like his way of being—his very existence—started to shift and open up."
The final question touched on the magic of the recording studio: "Were there moments during recording where you felt moved or 'pulled along' by the performances of your fellow cast members?"
Hayami was quick to point out a pivotal moment: "The scene that struck me with the most unexpected intensity was with Kanae-nee-san, voiced by Ai Kayano. When standing next to her during recording and hearing her lines live, I felt an unwavering, resolute strength and determination in her voice. In that moment, an almost overwhelming aura radiated from Kayano-san, and it literally gave me chills. While recording that scene, my own character's heart felt far more vulnerable inside than I had anticipated, so hearing her truly fired me up. In the absolute best way, I felt like my big sister was pulling me forward."
Sakurai reflected on the intensity of the Upper Rank demons: "For me, it has to be Akira Ishida-san. The Akaza battle was everything. Watching the shift from Akaza back into Hakuji, and hearing his inner monologue, gave me total goosebumps. Getting to work together with him was such a precious experience. I think the reason Akaza is such a compelling character—someone you can’t help but feel for—is largely due to the incredible depth Ishida-san built into him over time."
As the event drew to a close, both guests delivered final messages to the audience.
Hayami said: "I hope you enjoy watching the first chapter of the Infinity Castle arc as many times as you like at home. The battle isn't over yet, so please keep supporting us. Thank you so much!"
Sakurai concluded: "Please watch your favorite, heart-pounding scenes on repeat. I hope you continue to cheer for the world of 'Demon Slayer' as the story continues. Thank you for coming today!"
With those heartfelt words, the venue erupted in thunderous applause, bringing the memorable event to a close.
Event Overview: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – Chapter 1 Blu-ray & DVD Special Screening
Date: Sunday, August 9
Venue: TOHO Cinemas Namba, Screen 1
Guests: Takahiro Sakurai, Saori Hayami
MC: Yuma Takahashi (Producer)
"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" Movie Information
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
Doma (Upper Rank Two): Mamoru Miyano
Kaigaku: Yoshimasa Hosoya
Keizo: Yuichi Nakamura
Koyuki: Lynn
©Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable
© Animate Times
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
