A special screening event with stage greetings was held on 16 August 2026 at TOHOシネマズ Shinjuku, Screen 9 in Tokyo, celebrating the Blu-ray and DVD release of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen-jo-hen Chapter 1: Akaza’s Return (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編 第一章 猗窩座再来). Producer Takahashi Yuma served as MC, welcoming Shimono Hiro (voice of Agatsuma Zenitsu) and Hosoya Yoshimasa (voice of Kaigaku) to the stage.
An Entrance Straight Out of the Film
The event kicked off in spectacular fashion: Shimono strode out from the wings shouting “Thunder Breathing, Seventh Form: Honoikazuchi no Kami,” then introduced himself to the audience. Hosoya followed with “Thunder Breathing, Sixth Form: Rumble and Flash,” drawing thunderous applause and cheers from the packed house.
A Historic First Appearance Together
Although the two characters are fellow disciples trained under Kuwajima Jigoro in the story, this marked the first time Shimono and Hosoya had appeared together at any event. It was also Hosoya’s very first Kimetsu no Yaiba event appearance. “I am truly moved to be able to attend a Kimetsu no Yaiba event,” he said. Shimono added that while the two characters battle each other on screen, he hoped they could work as a team on stage — a sentiment Hosoya echoed warmly, noting that the two are good friends off-camera.
Scenes Worth Watching Again and Again
When asked which scenes or lines they most wanted fans to revisit, Shimono pointed to the flashback sequence shared by Zenitsu and Kaigaku. He admitted that before recording, he had not particularly liked Kaigaku as a character, but the recording process changed his perspective. “Through the fight and the dialogue, I came to understand that Kaigaku was someone Zenitsu admired — almost like family. That’s why the line ‘Sorry, big brother’ came from such a deep place,” he explained. He added that the final unleashing of Honoikazuchi no Kami carries the weight of all that inner conflict, and urged fans to watch it multiple times to feel what Zenitsu was carrying.
Hosoya said he too wanted fans to rewatch the full battle including the flashbacks, describing how vividly he felt the characters’ humanity — their foolishness and cunning alike. From Kaigaku’s perspective, he had trained longer than Zenitsu and could perform every form except the first, yet was told to share the succession with Zenitsu. “You can understand why he’d be resentful,” Hosoya said.
Recording Alongside Chiba Shigeru
Asked whether recording alongside Chiba Shigeru — the voice of master Kuwajima Jigoro — changed their approach, Hosoya recalled that Shimono was noticeably more focused than usual. “He wasn’t his typical relaxed self in the booth, which left a strong impression on me,” Hosoya said. Shimono confirmed it was likely the most nervous he had ever been recording for Kimetsu no Yaiba. “Normally Hanae-kun [Natsuki Hanae, voice of Tanjiro] anchors the scene, but this time I had to fill that role. The fight with Kaigaku has always felt special to me, so I felt the responsibility to set the right atmosphere.”
Rediscovering Kaigaku a Year On
Hosoya was asked what new dimensions of Kaigaku he had discovered in the year since the film’s release. He reflected that many people have experienced situations where charm is rewarded over ability, or where genuine talent goes unrecognized due to personal bias. “The desire for recognition, the jealousy of losing unfairly — those are universal human feelings. I think that’s why so many people connected with Kaigaku,” he said. He also noted that while Kaigaku’s actions are far from praiseworthy, his absolute honesty with his own desires gives the impression of someone who truly lived with intensity. “I’m not going to say I dislike him,” Hosoya added.
Heartfelt Closing Remarks
Closing the event, Hosoya expressed his gratitude directly to the audience: “The reason I could stand on this stage today is because all of you loved Kaigaku and cheered for him. I’m so glad I could thank you in person.” Shimono wrapped up with equal emotion, saying he had long wanted an opportunity to say that Kaigaku is not simply a villain, and that being able to say it alongside Hosoya on this stage meant a great deal to him. The event ended to warm applause and a lingering sense of appreciation shared between the cast and their fans.
- Date: Sunday, 16 August 2026
- Venue: TOHOシネマズ Shinjuku, Screen 9 (Shinjuku Toho Building 3F, Tokyo)
- Guests: Shimono Hiro, Hosoya Yoshimasa
- MC: Takahashi Yuma (Producer)
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