The stage greeting for the new film adaptation of the popular anime " Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Yaiba" based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, " Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Yaiba the Movie: Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1: Akaza Returns," titled "Release Appreciation Stage Greeting: Kasugai Crows," took place at TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku (Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo) on September 6th. The stage greeting featured a star-studded cast of voice actors, including Takumi Manaka Iwami, Manaka Iwami, Ryusei Nakao, Yui Horie, Yui Horie, Kenyu Horiuchi, and Show Hayami, who play the Kasugai Crows. Each Demon Slaying Corps member is assigned a crow to act as a messenger for missions. During the stage greeting, the voice actors showcased their unique cries and memorable lines. Behind-the-scenes stories from the filming were also shared.
Appearing at the event were Yamazaki, who plays the crow for Tanjiro Kamado , Iwami, who plays the Kasugai Crows for Zenitsu Agatsuma Genya Shinazugawa , Nakao, who plays the crow for Genya Shinazugawa, Kugimiya, who plays the Kasugai Crows for Muichiro Tokito , Horie, who plays the Kasugai Crows for Mitsuri Kanroji , Horiuchi, who plays the Kasugai Crows for Sanemi Shinazugawa , and Hayami, who plays the Kasugai Crows that is the messenger for the Master , Kagaya Ubuyashiki .
When asked about his impressions of taking the stage that day, Yamazaki laughed, "I'm probably the most surprised. When we first started, I didn't think it would turn out like this. As the recording progressed, these veterans were chosen to play the Kasugai Crows one after another... Today, I'm the younger one (than everyone else on stage)!" Iwami, who has been with the series since its inception, was also thrilled by the impressive lineup, saying, "I never thought I'd be able to stand on stage like this, surrounded by such Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, so I'm really excited."
Nakao smiled and said, "I'm surprised I'll be appearing on stage as a crow. I'm happy to finally be able to participate in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Kimetsu no Yaiba." Kugimiya, who has been participating since the "Swordsmith Village Arc," said, "I never imagined I'd be appearing on stage for this work, but I've actually been approached about it for over a year, and I can really feel the extraordinary passion of everyone (on the staff)." Horie spoke with humor, saying, "I saw on social media that last week's stage greeting with Akaza and the others (stage greeting for the release, Part 3) was very moving and exciting, and then I was asked to appear on stage as a crow. I was worried about whether I'd be able to make everyone cry, but I decided to leave it to the veteran seniors here."
Horiuchi said with deep emotion, "I can't hide my joy that I've finally been cast." Hayami said enthusiastically, "Today's dress code is black, so I've decided to look chic. I'm going to eat like a crow!"
When asked about his mindset when acting and memorable moments from the recording session, Yamazaki humorously reflected, "At the very first recording session, we all recorded together, but after the test, they told me, 'Takumi, you're the only one recording separately,' and after that, he was just yelling alone." Iwami recalled, "Zenitsu's sparrow only says 'Chun,' so I created a very memorable character. At first, I played him as a sparrow with an unknown emotion, like a sound effect, but Chuntaro would make comments to Zenitsu with a lot of expression, so gradually, together with the staff, I created the cute sparrow with a clear range of emotions that he has now."
When asked how he felt when he received the offer, Nakao revealed a surprising episode, saying, "It was the shortest time I spent in the studio on set." Horiuchi continued, "My line was only one line, but it took the longest time I've ever had (for a role like this)! We did multiple takes, so when it was finished and I heard the reaction, I thought, 'Maybe I've conquered Karasu!?'" he said, drawing laughter.
The Kasugai Crows in charge of Muichiro and Mitsuri first appeared in the "Swordsmith Village Arc ," and Kugimiya revealed behind the scenes of the recording, saying, "I got the feeling from the lines that she loved Muichiro, so I prepared with that image in mind, but on set, I was told to love (Muichiro) more and more! I loved him more and more, and I liked no one else but Muichiro, so I realized he was an intense character and worked hard, even though I was drenched in sweat!" Horie said, "This was my first time playing a crow, so I first used Yamazaki's crow as a reference, and then I looked to Rie (Kugimiya) to see what a female crow would be like. I was conscious of making sure that she spoke Japanese properly and that she had a gentle aura, as she was Mitsuri's crow."
Regarding the Kasugai Crows , the Lord's messenger whose calm demeanor became a hot topic in the " Hashira Training Arc , Hayami revealed, "I was playing the role of a crow, so I practiced a lot. But when I got to the studio, I had no idea what I was doing. It was a recording session that had absolutely no crow flavor whatsoever."
When the topic turned to " Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1," Iwami said with emotion, "I could really feel Zenitsu's growth, and I'm really glad I got to see it in the theater." Nakao added, "The two and a half hours went by in a flash, and it's a work that I want you to see in the theater. Each character was well-developed, and each actor gave a wonderful performance that matched the quality of the visuals." Kugimiya also seemed impressed, saying, "I truly felt that it was a truly incredible work. The actors' performances, the beauty of the visuals, the splendor of the music, everything came together to create a comprehensive work of art. I felt so happy to be involved in such a work, and my heart was warmed at the thought of what a wonderful time everyone who sees it in the theater will have."
Horie said, "I didn't want to waste my time, so I only read part of the original work, but after seeing the movie, I thought Akaza was really cool." Horiuchi also spoke passionately, saying, "First of all, the visuals are amazing, and the actors have to deliver their lines with an excitement that matches that. The actors who overcame that brilliantly were also amazing. I was really moved by how it made me think about what it means to be human and what justice is." The conversation was very lively.
At the end of the event, Yamazaki, on behalf of the Kasugai Crows, sent a message saying, "Thank you so much to everyone at the venue and to everyone watching the live viewing today. We, the Crows involved in this film, are also truly moved by how great it is. We look forward to having even more fun with you all."
