The special stage event “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Stage at AnimeJapan 2025” was held on March 22 at Tokyo Big Sight, featuring cast members Natsuki Hanae, Hiro Shimono, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Reina Ueda, and Nobuhiko Okamoto. The event was hosted by producer Yuma Takahashi.

Earlier, the trio of Hanae, Shimono, and Matsuoka had been active in various appearances and livestreams under the title Taishi Kesshūkai (Corps Gathering). Reflecting on a past event celebrating the announcement of the upcoming theatrical release, Shimono and Matsuoka recalled their grueling challenge to eat 1,000 bowls of wanko soba, with Shimono laughing, “That soba challenge was really something!”

As part of the event, a special edition of the Taishi Selection project—where cast members highlight their most memorable episodes—was held under the title “Genya and Kanao Want to Choose Too! Taishi Selection.” Since Ueda and Okamoto did not participate in the original project, they each selected two favorite scenes from the series.

First, Okamoto selected Episode 6 from the “Swordsmith Village Arc.” He explained, “Up to that point, Genya had been pushing himself forward with self-motivation, but when he was on the verge of breaking down, Tanjiro’s words—‘Don’t give up!’—lifted his spirits. Even in the recording booth, hearing Hanae’s delivery energized me. That’s the power of a true protagonist.” Hanae agreed, saying, “That’s one of my favorite lines among all of Tanjiro’s dialogue.”

Okamoto then picked Episode 7 of the “Mugen Train Arc,” commenting, “No matter how many times I watch it, it’s such a powerful scene. The battle between Rengoku and Akaza is incredibly intense, and it’s filled with iconic quotes that still hit hard.”

Next, Ueda chose Episode 24 of the “Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc.” She shared, “It felt like the first time Kanao’s inner thoughts were revealed. It made me admire Shinobu even more. Her kindness toward others and ability to truly care likely stem from the depth of her own sorrow and internal struggles. Watching her made me wonder what I’d do if I were in Kanao’s place. I think I’d feel the need to grow stronger—to protect someone like Shinobu, both mentally and physically.”

Ueda’s second pick was Episode 2 from the upcoming “Hashira Training Arc.” She explained, “It was such a moving scene, seeing Kanao finally express her true feelings. I also loved Shinobu’s expression after Kanao said, ‘I wish we could train together more.’ It was also the first time I had a full dialogue scene with Hayami-san, who voices Shinobu. We both felt happy and really enjoyed recording it.”

Since this event marked the first time all five Demon Slayer Corps trainees gathered on stage together, a special game segment titled “Total Concentration! Bonds of the Trainees!” followed. In the game, cast members had to stand up only if they believed they were the one who best fit a prompt displayed on the screen—and succeed only if no one else stood up, testing their “synchronized bond” as a group.

For the first prompt, “I’d last the longest doing waterfall training!”, both Hanae and Ueda stood up, surprising the audience. Shimono, who had actually attempted waterfall training in a previous segment, shared a vivid memory: “Once you step into the waterfall, you suddenly can’t breathe. Even though you think you’re inhaling, it doesn’t reach your lungs.” His serious account swayed the others, and he stood alone, successfully winning that round.

For the second prompt, “I’m the biggest mood maker in the recording studio!”, Shimono confidently stood up—and won smoothly.

The final prompt was “I’m the most flexible among us!” Hanae, Shimono, and Okamoto stood up, but Shimono amazed the audience by performing an impressive backbend (bridge pose) on the spot, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

As the event approached its end, new game-related information was unveiled. In the upcoming title “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2”—set to release on Friday, August 1—players will be able to control not only the nine Hashira, but various other characters as well. Notably, Genya Shinazugawa will be available as a playable character for the first time. Okamoto expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m thrilled! I can finally join the roster, and I can’t wait to play as the cool version of Genya!”

To close the event, Hanae addressed the audience with a heartfelt message:
“Thank you all so much for coming today. It was truly special to have all five of us together on the AnimeJapan stage. In the upcoming ‘Infinity Castle Arc,’ not only the Hashira but also the five trainees will have key roles, so I hope you’ll look forward to it. Until then, please revisit Demon Slayer Theater and the Mugen Train Arc revival screenings to keep your hearts burning. Thank you again for your support!”

Source : ORICON NEWS