The fifth stage adaptation of the popular manga " Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba " by Koyoharu Gotouge, "Stage Demon Slayer: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Part 5 Attack on the Swordsmith Village," opened on April 11th at the Tennozu Galaxy Theater (Shinagawa, Tokyo). In the new production, Tanjiro Kamado fights fiercely alongside Nezuko and friends to protect the village of swordsmiths that has been attacked by the Upper Rank demons. The "Upper Rank Gathering" scene, featuring video footage of Kazuki Kato , who plays Kokushibo and Kenji Urai, who plays Douma, who are making their first appearance in the " Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba " stage series, is also a hot topic.
In the new work, Shogo Sakamoto, who was scheduled to appear as Tanjiro Kamado, has canceled his appearance due to treatment for a mild cervical disc herniation, and Shohei Hashimoto, who was scheduled to appear as Sohakuten, will play Tanjiro. Yojiro Itokawa will appear as Sohakuten.
Hashimoto commented, "Sakamoto Shogo was originally scheduled to make a comment here, but I will presume to do so in his place. During rehearsals, led by Motoyoshi (Yoshiyasu), we have all moved forward with the word 'connecting' under our motto. It may be easy to say, but the determination of this troupe, which feels strongly about it and embodies it, is genuine. I imagine that Sakamoto Shogo must have had a truly disappointing experience this time. However, seeing them watch the rehearsal videos, come to set to watch the run-through, and support us with all their might even though it must have been difficult for them, gave me courage and unfathomable strength. There are not many troupes that are so warm, where one acts for all and everyone acts for one. To pass on the legacy to the next generation, to protect Shogo's place in the world, and to protect the efforts that everyone has made so far, I will put all I have into the production. I was scared on the first day at first, but now we have strong teammates and a fantastic play that has turned out great. There is one thing I can say: please look forward to it."
Takahashi Karen, who plays Nezuko, said, "I am truly happy to be able to bring this story to everyone. The rehearsal period, where I faced the work "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" and shared my heart with Nezuko and my brother, was a happy and intense one. The Demon Slaying Corps and demons, those who persevere in change and those who seek immutability. I will do my best to convey the feelings of Nezuko, who stands in between these two, with all my heart and soul. Inheriting the bonds and love that have been passed down since the premiere, I will cherish weaving this story together, hand in hand with my two brothers and all the members of the cast. I look forward to seeing you at the theater."
Sasaki Yoshihide, who plays Muzan Kibutsuji, said, "Thanks to everyone who always supports our plays, the play ' Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba', which premiered in 2020, has been able to reach 'Itsunoki' after about five years. Thank you very much. This is finally the story of the swordsmith village. In terms of the number of volumes of the original work, we've probably passed the halfway point. Up until this point, there have been many stories in which the lives of the Demon Slaying Corps and demons have been put on the line. Carrying all of those stories and the thoughts of all the cast members, as the founding demon, I intend to connect the story to the second half of the story as it comes. I hope this work reaches everyone who loves Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Please look forward to it."
Scriptwriter and director Motoyoshi Tsuneyasu sent a message saying, "Connect, connect, connect. The curtains are finally rising. A wonderful cast has come together for this fantastic original work. "Swordsmith Village" is full of stories that explore how people live their lives. The Upper Ranks attack. Tanjiro fights back. The battles intensify and diversify. I hope that we all, including the audience, will stand together to face the moment when the story blossoms and heads towards its climax. I hope that you enjoy the play that we have all woven together."
The play will be performed at Tennozu Galaxy Theater from April 11th to 20th, and at AiiA 2.5 Theater Kobe (Chuo-ku, Kobe) from April 25th to 27th.
