The world of anime is about to witness a monumental event with the release of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc Chapter One: Akaza’s Return” on July 18. This new movie kicks off the highly anticipated “Infinity Castle Arc,” a trilogy that will depict the climactic final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps, led by the heroic Tanjiro Kamado, and the sinister demons commanded by Muzan Kibutsuji. Since the anime’s debut in April 2019 with the “Tanjiro Kamado: Demon Slayer Corps Arc,” Natsuki Hanae has been the voice behind Tanjiro, bringing heart and soul to this iconic character. In an exclusive interview, Hanae opens up about the moment he truly grasped Tanjiro’s essence and shares his excitement for the upcoming “Infinity Castle Arc.”
(MANTAN)
Looking Back: The Origins of ‘Tanjiro Kamado: Demon Slayer Corps Arc’
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” is a global phenomenon born from the brilliant mind of Koyoharu Gotouge. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy whose life is torn apart when demons slaughter his family and transform his younger sister, Nezuko, into a demon. Driven by a desperate desire to save Nezuko and avenge his loved ones, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps, an ancient organization dedicated to eradicating demons. Set in Japan’s Taisho era (1912–1926), the series blends historical aesthetics with supernatural action, creating a visually stunning and emotionally gripping narrative.
The manga was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump from 2016 to 2020, amassing over 150 million copies in circulation worldwide. Its anime adaptation, produced by the renowned studio Ufotable, premiered in April 2019 with the “Tanjiro Kamado: Demon Slayer Corps Arc.” The series exploded in popularity, thanks to its compelling characters, breathtaking animation, and universal themes of family and resilience.
The franchise reached new heights with the 2020 release of the “Mugen Train Arc” movie, which drew over 28.97 million viewers in Japan alone and grossed approximately 40.4 billion yen (around $400 million USD at the time), making it the highest-grossing film in Japanese history. Following this success, subsequent arcs like the “Entertainment District Arc” (December 2021–February 2022), “Swordsmith Village Arc” (April–June 2023), and “Hashira Training Arc” (May–June 2024) kept fans on the edge of their seats. Now, the “Infinity Castle Arc” promises to bring the story to an epic close as a cinematic trilogy.
For nearly six years, Natsuki Hanae has lent his voice to Tanjiro, guiding the character through battles, heartbreak, and moments of profound growth. But when did Hanae feel he truly understood Tanjiro? His answer takes us back to the very beginning.
“I think I started to get a solid grasp on Tanjiro in the second episode of the ‘Tanjiro Kamado: Demon Slayer Corps Arc,’” Hanae reveals. “The first episode was a bit of a trial-and-error process for me. Tanjiro is young at the start, and I knew he’d grow a lot over the series, so I was figuring out the right tone. Should I play him with exaggerated flair, or keep it more natural? There was some uncertainty.”
The first episode is heavy with tragedy—Tanjiro’s family is brutally killed, and he discovers Nezuko’s transformation. Hanae admits the intensity left him feeling “a bit lost.” But the second episode offered a lighter moment that became a turning point. In a comedic scene, Tanjiro visits a village to buy a basket for Nezuko to hide in during the day. With earnest determination, he dramatically slams his money on the table, startling the villagers. “The director told me to really go for it in that scene,” Hanae recalls. “That’s when things clicked. I started to see how to balance Tanjiro’s sincerity with his more expressive side.”
By the fourth episode, when Tanjiro faces the Hand Demon in his first real fight and unleashes his signature water breathing technique, Hanae felt more confident. “Looking back now, my performance feels different—less polished, maybe—but there’s a freshness to it that I love,” he says. “It was Tanjiro’s first step toward becoming a true demon slayer, and it shaped how I approached him moving forward.”
Hanae also points to other defining moments in Tanjiro’s journey, like the battle against Rui in the “Natagumo Mountain Arc” and the emotional weight of the “Mugen Train Arc.” “Those scenes—where Tanjiro loses something or recalls what matters most—were turning points for him,” he explains. “For me, since I’ve been with him the whole time, it’s not just one ‘aha’ moment. But for Tanjiro, those were the moments that changed him.”
Tanjiro’s Resolve: A Hero Ready for the Endgame
Tanjiro’s growth as a character is perhaps most evident in his encounters with Muzan Kibutsuji, the demon king responsible for his family’s tragedy. In the seventh episode of the “Tanjiro Kamado: Demon Slayer Corps Arc,” Tanjiro first crosses paths with Muzan in the bustling Asakusa district—a fleeting but chilling moment. Years later, in the climactic finale of the “Hashira Training Arc,” he faces Muzan again. This time, Tanjiro doesn’t hesitate. “I will definitely defeat you, Muzan Kibutsuji!” he declares boldly, charging toward the Infinity Castle.
Hanae believes this moment encapsulates Tanjiro’s unwavering resolve. “I think Tanjiro was always ready for the final battle,” he says. “He’s been training and fighting as a demon slayer with the sole purpose of taking down Muzan. Having seen him once before in Asakusa, he recognized him instantly. His adrenaline must have spiked, but he was prepared to fight at any moment. Even if he couldn’t defeat Muzan himself, he trusted his comrades to finish the job.”
This trust in his allies—the Hashira, Nezuko, and friends like Inosuke and Zenitsu—reflects Tanjiro’s selflessness and growth. What began as a personal quest to save his sister has evolved into a mission to protect humanity, and Hanae’s performance has captured that transformation beautifully.
Excitement for the ‘Infinity Castle Arc’
The “Infinity Castle Arc” is the grand finale fans have been waiting for, and Hanae is just as thrilled as they are. “It’s finally happening!” he exclaims. “The ‘Infinity Castle Arc’ is one of the most exciting parts of the manga—so many highlights, so much action. I’ve been dying to see it animated.”
In the manga, this arc is a rollercoaster of epic battles and emotional stakes, set within the surreal, ever-shifting Infinity Castle. The trilogy begins with “Chapter One: Akaza’s Return,” pitting Tanjiro against Akaza, the Upper Moon Three demon he clashed with in the “Mugen Train Arc.” Their rematch promises to be a heart-pounding spectacle, animated with Ufotable’s signature flair.
For Hanae, reaching this milestone is deeply moving. “Getting to this point feels incredible,” he reflects. “We’ve taken it one step at a time—each arc building on the last—and now we’re here. It’s a testament to the series’ steady progress and the support of the fans.”
The Global Impact of ‘Demon Slayer’
To fully appreciate Hanae’s journey and the significance of the “Infinity Castle Arc,” it’s worth exploring why “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” has become such a cultural juggernaut. Beyond its record-breaking box office numbers, the series has left a lasting mark on anime and pop culture worldwide.
Since its debut, “Demon Slayer” has inspired a merchandising empire—everything from figurines to clothing to themed cafes. Fans have flocked to real-life locations in Japan, like Mount Kumotori (said to inspire Natagumo Mountain), boosting local tourism. The series’ distinctive Taisho-era aesthetic, with its kimonos and traditional architecture, has even influenced fashion trends.
At its heart, “Demon Slayer” is a story about the power of human connection. Tanjiro’s compassion—his refusal to see demons as mere monsters but as tragic figures with lost humanity—sets him apart from typical action heroes. This emotional depth, paired with Ufotable’s jaw-dropping animation, has resonated with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The studio’s work deserves special mention. Ufotable has redefined anime visuals with fluid choreography in fight scenes (like Tanjiro’s water breathing forms) and vivid, expressive character designs. The “Infinity Castle Arc” is poised to push these boundaries even further, offering a visual feast that matches the story’s intensity.
Unique Insights: Hanae’s Craft and Tanjiro’s Legacy
Natsuki Hanae’s journey as Tanjiro is a masterclass in voice acting. A veteran of the industry, Hanae has voiced characters in hits like Your Name and Attack on Titan, but Tanjiro remains his defining role. His ability to evolve alongside the character—finding the right mix of innocence, humor, and gravitas—mirrors Tanjiro’s own maturation.
That comedic basket-buying scene in episode two? It’s more than just a funny moment. It’s a window into Tanjiro’s earnestness, a trait that endears him to fans and drives his every action. Hanae’s willingness to “go all out” under the director’s guidance shows how collaborative anime production can be, with actors and staff shaping a character together.
As the “Infinity Castle Arc” looms, there’s a bittersweet air surrounding the series’ end. Fans are eager to see Tanjiro’s final stand, but saying goodbye to this world will be tough. Hanae’s enthusiasm suggests he’s ready to give his all, ensuring Tanjiro’s last chapter is as memorable as his first.
Conclusion: A Hero’s Voice, A Story’s End
Natsuki Hanae has been more than just a voice for Tanjiro Kamado—he’s been the heartbeat of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.” From tentative early steps to a confident portrayal of a hero facing his destiny, Hanae has grown with Tanjiro, delivering a performance that’s touched millions.
With the “Infinity Castle Arc,” we’re on the cusp of an anime event that promises stunning visuals, raw emotion, and a satisfying conclusion. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Hanae’s reflections remind us why this story matters: it’s about courage, love, and the strength we find in each other.
As the curtains rise on “Chapter One: Akaza’s Return,” one thing is clear—Tanjiro’s legacy, brought to life by Hanae’s voice, will echo far beyond the Infinity Castle.
