To commemorate the release of the Blu-ray and DVD of " Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1 - Akaza's Return," the theatrical film based on the popular manga by Koyoharu Gotouge , a screening event with a stage greeting was held at TOHO Cinemas Namba (Chuo-ku, Osaka). Takahiro Sakurai , who plays Giyu Tomioka, and Saori Hayami , who plays Shinobu Kocho Giyu Tomioka , made an appearance. Although the two characters have gone through numerous missions in the story, this was their first event appearance together as a duo. They talked about the highlights of the film and behind-the-scenes stories from the recording.
During a Q&A session with attendees at the event, one question was raised: "With the release of the Blu-ray and DVD, is there a scene you would like to watch multiple times?" Sakurai replied, "As the person playing Giyu Tomioka, I would like to recommend the fight against Akaza, where Tanjiro and I face each other with desperate resolve, but the scene I would like to watch multiple times is the fight between Shinobu and Doma. When I saw that scene, I was left speechless. I want to relive the impact I felt when I saw it in the theater by watching it carefully at home. The fight with Doma was very impressive, especially with Shinobu's emotions."
Hayami emphasized, "There are so many, but if I had to pick a scene with Shinobu, it would be the scene before she encounters Doma. That scene where she is drawn to Doma as if by some unseen force is, in my opinion, a scene where you can fully experience the atmosphere of the work. I feel like there's a unique atmosphere and feeling, something invisible, that permeates the entire screen, and it's one of my favorite scenes, so I'd like to experience it again at home." She added thoughtfully, "Besides that, I'd like to watch the interaction between Zenitsu and his grandfather again."
Next, they were asked, "Has your impression of the characters you play changed at all since the first TV series, through your respective battles in the first chapter of the Infinity Castle Arc ?" Sakurai answered about Shinobu Kocho, and Hayami answered about Giyu Tomioka. Sakurai said, "I really liked the scene in this arc where Shinobu's emotions are revealed and she shows her 'anger.' Thanks to Hayami's skillful portrayal, I felt a certain beauty in her 'anger.' I think a lot of information about Shinobu was depicted in this first chapter of the Infinity Castle Arc ."
Hayami reflected, "This is just my personal interpretation, but I felt that from the beginning, Tomioka felt that he didn't belong there as a Hashira, and that he was taking a step back. In that context, Tanjiro's presence and other factors played a big role, and I felt that Tomioka's way of being changed."
When asked about the recording process, "Were there times when your acting was influenced (in a good way) by the people you were recording with?", Hayami revealed, "The scene that surprised me the most and really struck me was the scene with Kanae-nee-san, played by Ai Kayano. When I stood next to her during the voice recording and heard her lines, I felt Ai-san's unwavering strength and determination. At that moment, I felt a kind of aura emanating from Ai-san, and it made me tremble. When I was recording this scene, I was feeling weaker than I realized, so it was like I was being encouraged. In a good way, I feel like I was being pulled along by Kanae-nee-san."
Sakurai said, "It's definitely Ishida (Akira), who played Akaza. The fight with Akaza was a perfect example. The transformation from Akaza to Hakuji was also remarkable, and I was captivated by Akaza's inner monologue. The time I spent working with him was very precious, and I felt that the way he created Akaza's character, the way you somehow empathize with him, is largely due to the foundation that Ishida has built up." They both looked back on the recording sessions with great enthusiasm.
Finally, Hayami said, "When you return home, I hope you will enjoy the first chapter many times from now on. And the battle is still ongoing, so please continue to support us. Thank you very much!", and Sakurai added, "I hope you will watch your favorite scenes and scenes that make your heart flutter over and over again, and continue to support ' Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba' as it continues. Thank you very much for today!" With these words, the event came to a close.
