The world of anime continues to enchant global audiences with its blend of action, emotion, and profound storytelling. Among the most beloved series is Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, a tale of resilience, family bonds, and the fight against darkness. With the recent release of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc First Chapter – Akaza’s Return, fans have been treated to another chapter in this epic saga. This theatrical installment, part of a highly anticipated trilogy, dives deeper into the intense battles and personal struggles of the Demon Slayer Corps. Released in Japan on July 18, 2025, and set for international rollout starting September 12, 2025 in the US and Canada, the movie has already sparked widespread discussion for its stunning animation by ufotable and emotional depth.
On August 17, 2025, a special stage greeting event in Tokyo celebrated the film’s success, featuring voice actresses Saori Hayami, who brings the poised yet fierce Insect Hashira Shinobu Kocho to life, and Reina Ueda, voicing the stoic and evolving Kanao Tsuyuri. Adding a touching layer, a heartfelt letter from Ai Kayano, the voice of the late Flower Hashira Kanae Kocho, was read aloud, unveiling intimate behind-the-scenes moments from the recording sessions. This event not only highlighted the actresses’ dedication but also underscored the themes of sisterhood and legacy that resonate throughout the series. In this blog post, we’ll translate and explore the key moments from the event, while expanding on the characters, voice talents, and cultural significance of Demon Slayer to provide a comprehensive guide for international fans, including those new to anime or non-native English speakers.
Voice Actresses’ Reflections on Recording
The stage greeting kicked off with questions about the dubbing process, known as “afrēko” in Japanese anime production—a meticulous art where voice actors synchronize their performances with animated visuals. Saori Hayami, affectionately called “Hayamin” by fans, delved into Shinobu’s psyche. She explained, “I think Shinobu has been living her life wrapped in her sister Kanae’s feelings. The strong-willed and lively parts that Shinobu originally possesses have been locked away inside her, nurtured under the ‘cloak’ of her sister. When facing Doma, it wasn’t a gradual build-up, but rather a realization of ‘There’s more to it, right?’ and ‘What this person is carrying isn’t just this.'”
Hayami emphasized the importance of the three sisters—Kanae, Shinobu, and their adopted sibling Kanao—in her performance. “During the afrēko, I felt, ‘Today, with my family here, I feel so supported,'” she shared, blending personal anecdotes with her immersion into the role. This sense of familial strength mirrors the real-life camaraderie among the cast, making the scenes more authentic.
Reina Ueda, nicknamed “Pon-chan,” responded to Hayami’s intense acting with admiration. When asked about her impressions, Ueda said, “The length and weight of the time Shinobu has been pondering overlap with what Saori has been contemplating, making it incredibly convincing. The energy was so high that the air in the afrēko booth tensed up, dyed in Shinobu’s essence. I’d never heard Shinobu with such a voice tone before—it was cool, beautiful, and her resolve came through powerfully.”
Hayami then reflected on working with Ai Kayano, who voices Kanae. “When Kayano-san, performing next to me as Kanae, said ‘Stand up!’ much stronger than I expected, I felt the blood start flowing during the afrēko. That was Kanae’s strength, and I think she said it knowing everything. It really grabbed my heart,” Hayami recounted, savoring each word.
The highlight was Kayano’s letter, which brought warmth and emotion to the event. Unable to attend, she wrote: “Hayamin, Pon-chan, and everyone who came to the theater, hello! Thank you always for your support of the work and my little sisters. I should be expressing my gratitude in person, but please forgive this letter greeting. For those fresh from watching the movie, how was it? I saw it in the theater just the other day, and the efforts of Shinobu, Kanao, the Pillars, and the Demon Slayer Corps—plus the stories of Zenitsu and Akaza—pierced my heart deeply with the characters’ ways of life. I cried over and over again.”
Continuing, Kayano shared her personal reaction: “As someone voicing Kanae, Shinobu’s scenes had me so engrossed in the screen that I couldn’t breathe properly, and my clenched fists hurt… It reminded me of the recording, with Hayamin’s soulful screams echoing in the studio, and Pon-chan’s trembling figure etched in my eyes, on the verge of bursting with anger. Though my time living as Kanae on screen was brief, I truly felt the sisters’ lived time was there after watching this movie. I’m once again thrilled to be part of such a heart-shaking wonderful work. It would be lovely if the three sisters could gather someday to talk about the series. The hot days continue, so everyone, please take care of yourselves.” Both Hayami and Ueda appeared deeply moved by the message, highlighting the genuine bonds formed through their roles.
A Tale of Loss, Adoption, and Unyielding Strength
To fully appreciate these insights, let’s delve into the backstory of the Butterfly sisters, a pivotal family in the Demon Slayer universe. Kanae Kocho, the eldest, was the Flower Hashira, known for her gentle demeanor and belief in rehabilitating demons—a compassionate view shaped by her own tragic past. Born into a family of medical practitioners, Kanae and her younger sister Shinobu lost their parents to demons at a young age. Rescued by the Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima, they joined the Demon Slayer Corps, channeling their grief into purpose .
Kanae met her end at 17, slain by the Upper Moon Two demon Doma, leaving 14-year-old Shinobu devastated. Inheriting her sister’s haori (feather cloak) and sword, Shinobu became the Insect Hashira, developing poison-based techniques to combat demons her petite frame couldn’t overpower through sheer strength. Her calm exterior hides a burning rage, especially toward Doma, whom she vows to avenge.
Enter Kanao Tsuyuri, the adopted sister. Kanao’s childhood was harrowing: abused by her biological parents and sold into slavery, she was emotionally numb, relying on a coin flip for decisions. Kanae and Shinobu rescued her during a mission, adopting her into the Butterfly Estate—a sanctuary for orphaned girls training as demon slayers or nurses. Kanao, now 16 in the series, evolves from a passive observer to a determined fighter, inspired by her sisters and protagonist Tanjiro Kamado. The estate also houses others like Aoi Kanzaki, whose family was killed by demons, and younger assistants Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho, all taken in to heal and contribute .
This narrative of adoption and found family reflects broader Japanese cultural values, such as “kazoku” (family) extending beyond blood ties, and resilience in the face of loss—themes universal yet rooted in Japan’s history of overcoming adversity, like post-war recovery. For non-native audiences, understanding these elements enhances appreciation, showing how Demon Slayer draws from folklore (oni demons) while addressing modern issues like mental health and trauma.
Spotlight on the Voice Actresses: Talents Behind the Voices
(Saori Hayami)
The emotional authenticity in the event stems from the actresses’ prowess. Saori Hayami, born in 1991, is a veteran seiyū with roles in Spy x Family (Yor Forger) and My Hero Academia (Himiko Toga). In interviews, she often discusses channeling passion into cool characters like Shinobu, noting how the role’s duality—gentle yet vengeful—mirrors her own acting philosophy . Hayami’s dedication shines in live events, where she connects with fans globally, emphasizing anime’s role in bridging cultures.
Reina Ueda, born in 1994, voices Kanao with subtlety, capturing her growth from silence to self-assertion. Ueda has shared in past talks her love for collecting Kanao figurines and admiration for Hayami, fostering a real “sisterly” dynamic that enhances recordings . Her versatility extends to Genshin Impact (Ganyu), showcasing her range in emotional depth.
(Reina Ueda)
Ai Kayano, born in 1987, infuses Kanae with warmth, despite limited screen time. Known for Your Lie in April (Nagi Aiza) and Anohana (Menma), Kayano’s letter reveals her immersion, unable to “breathe” during intense scenes—a testament to the psychological demands of voice acting in Japan, where seiyū train rigorously in acting schools.
(Ai Kayano)
These women represent the thriving seiyū industry, where cultural sensitivity in portrayals—avoiding stereotypes and honoring source material—is key. For international fans, exploring their discographies via streaming platforms can deepen engagement.
Themes and Global Impact: Why Demon Slayer Resonates Worldwide
Demon Slayer explores grief, vengeance, and redemption, with the Infinity Castle Arc escalating these through labyrinthine battles against Muzan Kibutsuji’s forces. Akaza’s return, as hinted in the title, revisits themes of regret and humanity in demons, tying into the sisters’ arcs.
Globally, the series has amassed over 150 million manga copies sold, inspiring cosplay, merchandise, and discussions on mental health. Fans appreciate its culturally sensitive depiction of Japanese traditions like hanafuda earrings (symbolizing heritage) and breathing techniques inspired by martial arts. For non-native speakers, subtitles and dubs make it accessible, while events like this foster community.
Expanding on fan reactions, interviews highlight how voice actors’ passion amplifies emotional payoff . As the trilogy unfolds, expect more revelations—perhaps a three-sisters reunion event as Kayano hopes.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Heart and Sword
The August 17 event encapsulates Demon Slayer‘s essence: unbreakable bonds amid chaos. Through Hayami, Ueda, and Kayano’s words, we glimpse the human effort behind the animation, reminding us that stories like the Butterfly sisters’ transcend borders. Whether you’re a longtime fan searching for “Demon Slayer voice actress interviews” or a newcomer curious about “Shinobu Kocho backstory,” this series offers timeless lessons in strength and love. As hot summer days persist—echoing Kayano’s well-wishes—dive into the movie and let its soul-stirring narrative inspire you. Stay tuned for more updates on the trilogy.
