A special screening event with a stage greeting was held on July 25 at TOHOシネマズ日比谷 (TOHO Cinemas Hibiya), Screen 12, Tokyo, to celebrate the upcoming Blu-ray and DVD release of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba — Infinity Castle Arc, Chapter 1: The Return of Akaza, set to go on sale on July 29, 2026.
A Historic First: Tanjiro and His Crow Together on Stage
The event marked the first time Hanae Natsuki, the voice of Kamado Tanjiro, and Yamazaki Takumi, the voice of Tanjiro’s Kasugai Crow, had ever appeared on stage together — despite having worked side by side since Episode 5 of Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc. Yamazaki’s previous Kimetsu no Yaiba event appearance had been a crow-themed stage greeting held on September 6, 2025.
The event opened with a lively back-and-forth narration between Tanjiro and the Crow before both actors walked out to a roaring crowd. Hanae greeted fans with “Welcome, everyone! I hope we can have a lively, fun time today!”, while Yamazaki added, “I hope you all enjoy yourselves!” Hanae also noted warmly, “You can really feel how much Takumi-san loves Kimetsu no Yaiba on set — he always wants to talk about it whenever we meet, so I was really looking forward to today.”
How to Enjoy the Blu-ray at Home
The first audience question asked how the two actors planned to enjoy the home release. Hanae said he was looking forward to frame-by-frame playback: “The action scenes are so incredible. I want to pause and really study what expression Giyu-san has in a single instant, or exactly how he’s moving. Every scene has stunning visuals — I’d love for everyone to pay close attention to that.” Yamazaki, meanwhile, revealed he has his home set up with a large TV, surround sound, and lighting specifically for movie-watching. “I’m going to sit down alone and completely immerse myself,” he said. “I can’t wait to hear my own ‘Caw!’ booming through the speakers.”
The Crow’s Key Line at the Film’s Climax
When asked about the emotionally charged scene near the end of the film in which the Kasugai Crow speaks directly to Tanjiro, Yamazaki reflected: “I was so happy to be entrusted with that important line. I felt the weight of the responsibility when I recorded it, and I made sure to pour in the feeling of ‘the fight continues into Chapter 2.'” Hanae added: “The Crow’s scenes are usually quite comedic, so the seriousness of that moment really hit me — I genuinely teared up.”
The Cheering Guide Track and Building the Crow’s Character
Yamazaki also spoke about recording the special commentary track “Kasugai Crow’s Cheering Guide” for the participatory screening. “There were so many lines, and it was all high-energy cheering — by the time I finished I was completely drained,” he laughed. Hanae, who had listened to the track, praised it: “It really fired you up to want to defeat Kibutsuji Muzan together. It was a great cheering guide.”
On the subject of how he developed the Crow’s voice and personality, Yamazaki said: “At first I just thought, ‘What would a crow sound like if it could speak human language?’ and tried to work from there. Then there was a scene in the Tsuzumi Mansion arc where the Crow speaks to Tanjiro up close for the first time — that’s where I felt I finally found the right direction for the performance.”
Tanjiro’s Growth — and What Never Changes
Asked about Tanjiro’s development throughout the series, Hanae said: “At the start, all he could do was beg Giyu-san for help. Now he’s fighting back-to-back with him. You can really see how hard he’s worked, and honestly that alone makes me tear up. But what hasn’t changed is that his driving force has always been his family and the people he loves — that consistency is his strength and his charm.” Yamazaki agreed: “I watch the full TV rebroadcast every week, and even back in the Unwavering Resolve Arc, Tanjiro’s core never wavers. That’s the same Tanjiro who carries through all the way to the Infinity Castle Arc.” Hanae added: “His compassion never wavers either — I think it’s precisely because he’s kind to others that he’s able to grow so strong.”
How to Introduce Kimetsu no Yaiba to a Friend
For the final question — how to recommend the series to a friend who has never seen it — Hanae suggested a subtle approach: “Rather than explaining it, maybe just casually have it playing in the background when you’re hanging out with them?” Yamazaki enthusiastically agreed: “Just make them watch it!” On a more earnest note, Hanae said the key selling point is “the bonds between the characters, and the fact that there’s someone in the cast that anyone can connect with emotionally.”
Closing Remarks
As the event drew to a close, Yamazaki told the audience: “Starting next week you’ll be able to enjoy this at home — thank you so much for coming today!” Hanae closed with: “Many of you have probably been to the cinema multiple times already — please watch it again and again at home, and keep cheering Tanjiro and the others on. Their fight is far from over, so please continue to support them with your full concentration. Thank you so much!” The venue erupted in applause as the event came to a warm end.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, July 25
- Venue: TOHO Cinemas Hibiya, Screen 12 (Tokyo Takarazuka Building B1, Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
- Guests: Hanae Natsuki, Yamazaki Takumi
- MC: Takahashi Yuma (Producer)
- Blu-ray & DVD on sale: July 29, 2026
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