"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" - Natsuki Hanae, the voice of Tanjiro Kamado, discusses his mindset for the final battle [Interview]

Kyodo News

18 hours ago

The first chapter of the "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Arc" movie trilogy has premiered in Japanese theaters.
Tanjiro Kamado, voiced by Natsuki Hanae, and his allies finally confront Muzan Kibutsuji, the demon progenitor, in a decisive battle within the Infinity Castle, the demons' stronghold.
To celebrate the movie's release, animate Times is featuring a series of cast interviews. In this installment, Natsuki Hanae discusses the series' highlights, his character, behind-the-scenes recording anecdotes, and the franchise's global popularity.
The Mindset for Portraying Tanjiro Kamado in the Final Battle
ーー"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" is currently showing in Japanese theaters, with the global release coming in a month. This also marks the sixth year since the anime "Demon Slayer" first aired in April 2019. What are your thoughts on reaching the "Infinity Castle Arc"?
Hanae: It's a truly profound feeling to have come this far. We've tackled each element progressively, and as they've built up and the series has continued, we've arrived at this point. Personally, I've been eagerly anticipating the visual adaptation of the "Infinity Castle Arc."
ーーIn the "Infinity Castle Arc," it appears Tanjiro was thrown into the final battle with little time for mental preparation. How did you approach this situation?
Hanae: The final battle was imminent, and Tanjiro, as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, had been training and fighting with the sole objective of defeating Muzan Kibutsuji. Therefore, I believe Tanjiro was always mentally prepared for combat.
In the concluding moments of the "Hashira Training" arc, Tanjiro had already encountered Muzan once in Asakusa and recognized his scent. So, the instant he saw Muzan's form, he recognized him immediately, and I imagine his adrenaline surged. Tanjiro is resolute in his determination to defeat Muzan, but he also fights with the conviction that even if he cannot succeed alone, his comrades will. This belief fuels his resolve.
Regarding my acting approach, rather than overthinking it, I concentrated on portraying Tanjiro as if all his past experiences came rushing back the moment he saw Muzan. It was like a switch had flipped inside him at that very instant.
ーーHow did you feel approaching the voice recording sessions?
Hanae: Personally, I eagerly anticipated the anime's release. Upon reading the script, I realized what scenes would be included in Chapter One, and I noted how certain sections had been expanded. I was simply thrilled to finally commence the recording sessions.
The Infinity Castle arc features decisive battles, leading to heightened intensity and palpable tension during the recording sessions. This part of the story contains numerous powerful lines and scenes. As an actor, I continually pondered, "What's the optimal way for Tanjiro to deliver this?"
ーーFrom your perspective, Hanae-san, what do you appreciate about "Demon Slayer" and what makes it so captivating?
Hanae: "Demon Slayer" is a narrative centered on the bonds between family and loved ones. I believe it powerfully conveys universal human emotions and desires, such as "the wish to safeguard happiness" and "the hope for the well-being of those alive today."
Koyoharu Gotouge-sensei, the original author, has a distinctive approach to crafting dialogue. Despite their unique expressions, they readily resonate with the audience. Each time I read it, I feel that only Gotouge-sensei could create something of this caliber, which is undeniably part of its appeal.
And for children, it's fun to mimic the characters' techniques or shout their names. Every character's design is also unique and unforgettable. Reflecting on it now, I'm reminded of its overall impressiveness.
ーーHanae-san, have you noticed any personal changes while portraying Tanjiro Kamado?
Hanae: Tanjiro's words and actions often inspire me; his demeanor truly motivates me. Even when I'm tired from work, I find myself thinking, "If Tanjiro can work that hard, I should push myself more too."
The series, and Tanjiro in particular, strongly emphasize kindness towards others and love for family. While I've always felt gratitude and love, this role has heightened my awareness of these emotions. This series has undoubtedly had a significant personal impact on me.
ーーYou've had opportunities to engage with people globally through world tour screenings and international events. What was your experience like traveling abroad?
Hanae: I truly sensed the global reach, acceptance, and affection for Japanese anime. Overseas fans exhibit such strong reactions! It initially surprised me, but then I felt immense joy and thought, "This is incredible!"
Many seem to prefer watching the show in Japanese, rather than dubbed versions. I believe the message conveyed by this series resonates universally.
Tanjiro's Unprecedented Growth and New Sides Revealed
ーーHanae-san, could you share the highlights of this film and any scenes that particularly impressed you?
Hanae: The moving Infinity Castle scenes are truly breathtaking. Even when reading the manga, I wondered how they would animate it. The Infinity Castle first appeared in the "Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc" when Muzan Kibutsuji summoned the Lower Rank demons. It was already great during the scene of Enmu's appearance, but now, seeing the moving Infinity Castle on the big screen was so overwhelming that I felt immense gratitude to the staff.
This film features several climactic moments, including Akaza's scenes, as well as the moments with Zenitsu and Shinobu. The battle scenes are also remarkable; I can't imagine the effort required to create such fluid animation. The visual effort throughout the film is palpable.
ーーLastly, do you have a message for the fans eagerly awaiting this film?
Hanae: I believe viewers will once again experience a rollercoaster of emotions. I hope they feel the "power of emotions" that Demon Slayer embodies, and leave the theater with a slightly warmer heart!
[Interview by Song Risuku / Photography by Inoue Shinzo]
About "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle"
Synopsis
Tanjiro Kamado – a boy who joined an organization dedicated to hunting down demons called the Demon Slayer Corps after his younger sister Nezuko was turned into a demon.
While growing stronger and deepening his friendships and bonds with fellow corps members, Tanjiro has battled many demons with his comrades, Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira.
Along the way, his journey has led him to fight alongside the Demon Slayer Corps' highest-ranking swordsmen, the Hashira, including Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku aboard the Mugen Train, Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui within the Entertainment District, as well as Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji at the Swordsmith Village.
As the Demon Slayer Corps members and Hashira engaged in a group strength training program, the Hashira Training, in preparation for the forthcoming battle against the demons, Muzan Kibutsuji appears at the Ubuyashiki Mansion. With the head of the Demon Corps in danger, Tanjiro and the Hashira rush to the headquarters but are plunged into a deep descent to a mysterious space by the hands of Muzan Kibutsuji.
The destination of where Tanjiro and Demon Slayer Corps have fallen is the demons' stronghold – the Infinity Castle.
And so, the battleground is set as the final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the Demons ignites.
Cast
Tanjiro Kamado: Natsuki Hanae
Nezuko Kamado: Akari Kito
Zenitsu Agatsuma: Hiro Shimono
Inosuke Hashibira: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
Kanao Tsuyuri: Reina Ueda
Genya Shinazugawa: Nobuhiko Okamoto
Giyu Tomioka: Takahiro Sakurai
Tengen Uzui: Katsuyuki Konishi
Muichiro Tokito: Kengo Kawanishi
Shinobu Kocho: Saori Hayami
Mitsuri Kanroji: Kana Hanazawa
Obanai Iguro: Kenichi Suzumura
Sanemi Shinazugawa: Tomokazu Seki
Gyomei Himejima: Tomokazu Sugita
Akaza (Upper Rank Three): Akira Ishida
©Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation