The first chapter of Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Infinity Castle Arc, subtitled "Akaza Strikes Again," has been dominating the box office since its Japanese debut, with its success echoing across Asia and igniting a new wave of cinematic hype.
At the heart of this first installment is the Upper Rank Three demon Akaza, the formidable antagonist from the Mugen Train arc, who has once again become a hot topic among fans. His voice actor, Akira Ishida, recently sat down with Japanese media outlet Anime! Anime! to discuss his return to the big screen, his approach to portraying "strength," and his personal connection to the character.
(Note: This article contains spoilers for the movie "Akaza Strikes Again." Please read with caution.)
Here’s what Ishida had to say:
On returning to voice Akaza for the movie
Ishida: I was both thrilled and nervous to be part of such a pivotal chapter for Akaza in a feature film. Compared to the pressure I felt when he first appeared in Mugen Train, I felt a bit more relaxed this time, thanks to the experience I gained from the TV anime.
As for the pressure from the sheer scale of the Infinity Castle Arc or the subtitle "Akaza Strikes Again," I didn't find it particularly heavy. My job was simply to deliver a solid portrayal of Akaza's character in this film. Ultimately, the audience is the judge. After seeing it myself, I feel it's a work we can be proud of, and I'll leave the rest for everyone to experience.
On what makes Akaza so compelling
Ishida: I think the biggest reason Akaza is so popular, despite being a villain, is his "overwhelming strength." He's the one who defeated Kyojuro Rengoku. Plus, his code of not harming women and his obsession with fighting powerful opponents are unforgettable traits.
In his latest confrontation with Tanjiro and Giyu Tomioka, I focused on conveying the "convincing power of a strong character" to make fans in the theater truly feel Akaza's formidable presence. If the villain isn't strong enough, the story just isn't as exciting.
On voicing both the demon Akaza and his human self, Hakuji
Ishida: This film portrays both sides of him: "Akaza" and "Hakuji." I believe Hakuji's past helps the audience understand Akaza better, and that understanding creates a powerful contrast.
I didn't consciously alter my performance. Instead, by earnestly portraying Hakuji, I hoped the audience would naturally sense the character's internal contradictions and the stark contrast between his two selves, allowing them to connect with his personality and his plight.
On his impressions of Tanjiro and Giyu Tomioka
Ishida: I find the dynamic between Akaza and Tanjiro interesting because Akaza's assessment of him changes as Tanjiro grows stronger. As for Giyu, he strikes me as someone who is "fair even to himself"—incredibly calm and strict, a total contrast to Tanjiro's more emotionally driven approach.
On the film's blend of intense battles and Akaza's backstory
Ishida: After watching the movie, I'm sure everyone will agree that the strength and conviction of every character in battle are fully realized. At the same time, the scenes with Master Keizo and Koyuki were deeply moving for me. I was particularly impressed with how "Koyuki's vulnerability was expressed so well." You genuinely feel that she is someone who must be protected, which helps you understand why Hakuji's eventual grief was so absolute that it led him down the path to becoming a demon.
A message for the fans
Ishida: While the subtitle is "Akaza Strikes Again," and everyone might be expecting a simple rematch between Tanjiro and Akaza, this film offers so much more. The first chapter is already spectacular, and I hope everyone gets to experience it in theaters. Please look forward to the second and third chapters as Demon Slayer builds toward its final climax.
It's clear that Akira Ishida has a profound understanding of his character, and it's no wonder audiences have widely praised his performance, which is sure to become one of his signature roles.
However, "Akaza Strikes Again" has a long climb ahead if it hopes to surpass Mugen Train's staggering 40.7 billion yen box office record. But with droves of fans still flocking to theaters a month and a half after its release, it might just have a shot at challenging that historic milestone.
via： アニメ！アニメ！