Anime Anime Global

A talk event right before the release of “‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ the Movie: Mugen Train” (to be released on Oct. 16, 2020) was held on Oct. 11. The voice actors including Hanae Natsuki, Kitou Akari, Shimono Hiro, and Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, and LiSA, the theme song artist, and others appeared.

■What is the attractive point of each character? ‘Tanjirou is truly innocent.’
At the beginning of this event, Hanae was asked about the attractive point of Tanjirou, the brother, and Nezuko, his younger sister that became a demon. He answered about Tanjirou, and praised his strength and kindness, saying ‘Tanjirou is truly innocent, honest, and has a strong mind, which made me respect him.’ Kitou talked about the attractive point of Tanjirou and Nezuko, who still keeps the ties of family even after becoming a demon, saying ‘the Kamado siblings care about each other a lot. I think that Tanjirou can do his best because he has Nezuko, and Nezuko can keep fighting even after becoming a demon, because she has Tanjirou, a thoughtful brother.’

Shimono and Matsuoka were asked about the attractive scenes of the two unique characters, Zenitsu, a coward womanizer, and Inosuke, who is prone to rushing recklessly. Shimono immediately asked Matsuoka ‘What do you think?’. Matsuoka replied, saying ‘As you think, I would say the scene that Inosuke is rushing in recklessly.’ Shimono replied with a laugh, saying ‘He is always rushing in recklessly toward Zenitsu (laugh)’, and Hanae was laughing beside them. They were in tune with each other as if Tanjirou, Zenitsu, and Inosuke had been there, making for a great performance and bringing laughs to the whole room.

Shimono also talked about the attractive point of the two characters that are important to Tanjirou, saying, ‘Tanjirou is having fun with Zenitsu and Inosuke who are his friends and members of the same group at the same time, which is also one of their attractive points.’

■What are some of the stories behind the epic dubbing session and what are your thoughts behind the theme song?
In “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train”, Tanjirou and others battle against Enmu, the strongest enemy.
Hanae talked about the voicing for this work that depicts more fiercer battles than ever, saying, ‘We played the role as if a chemical reaction had occurred between us. If one gets serious, the other ‘tries to play better’. “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train” was born in such a challenging environment, so I would like you to watch it as soon as possible.’

Matsuoka left an unexpected comment, saying ‘I thought, I’m content enough if my career as a voice actor to finish it here .’ Hanae agreed with him, saying ‘I could not think about the next day during the voicing period.’, and Shimono also added ‘It was like there came a point in time when it would have been bad to go any further, but then I was hit with a bang (from the other voice actors’ good performances) and I was like, “I don’t care about tomorrow!” We played our role with all our heart, and with our life (for the TV anime), but the movie was even more full of spirit.’

The theme song ‘Homura’ was written with Kajiura Yuki, who handled the composition. LiSA talked about the song, a beautiful ballad, which is totally different from the fast music such as ‘Gurenge’, saying ‘Kajiura-san and all the other members wrote it enthusiastically. However, I would like you to enjoy the first long-awaited “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” movie, and to take it all in on the way home. I tried to put my feelings into words, and to make it a bridge between the film and you.’ She said that she wrote the song, being considerate of the fans’ feelings.

■Hanae Natsuki ‘We will not let you down!’
At the end, in commemoration of the release, “Special lighting” of Tokyo Skytree was shown. At the signal of Hanae’s ‘Total concentration!’, Hanae, Kitou, Shimono, Matsuoka, and LiSA pressed the lighting button all at the same time. Tokyo Skytree immediately started shining in passionate and gorgeous ‘houmura (flame) color’ inspired by Rengoku’s breathing technique, his sword, and the theme song ‘Houmura’.

Hanae said ‘”Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train” will be released on Oct. 16. “Mugen Train” is one of my most favorite episodes in the original manga. I didn’t expect to see it in a theater, so I’m already really excited. “Mugen Train” features a strong will, so I would be happy if you can feel the will that all the Kisatsutai members shared, think about your beloved ones, and have a great time. We will not let you down! Please look forward to it!’ He sent his heart with Tokyo Skytree in ‘houmura’ color in the background. The event came to an end with the cast’s smile and cheers.

‘”Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” the Movie: Mugen Train’ will be released on Oct. 16, 2020.

(C)Gotouge Koyoharu / Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable