The three-dimensional sound that only a theater can produce is truly amazing!" ─ ─ Commemorating the release of "Blade of Demon's Destruction: The Movie" Infinity Train Arc! Interview with Natsuki Hanae as Sumijiro Kamakado

To commemorate the release of the blockbuster hit "Demon Slayer the Movie: Infinity Train Arc," Akiba Research Institute brings you interviews with the main cast. The first interview is with Natsuki Hanae, who plays the main character, Tanjiro Kamado!

Demon Slayer the Movie: Infinity Train Arc" is a continuation of the TV anime "Demon Slayer," which aired in 2019 and gained popularity among a wide range of audiences. It is one of the most popular episodes of the original. The story takes place on the "Mugen Train," which Sumijiro and his fellow Onigiritai members board for a new mission, and the activities and thoughts of the flame pillar, Rengoku Kyoujuro, one of the Onigiritai's highest ranking swordsmen <Pillar>, are spun together with powerful images and music. and music.

In this first part of our interview, we asked Hanae-san about the highlights of this work, what he was conscious of when playing the role of Sumijiro, and even his impressions of Mr. Purgatory.

*This article contains some spoilers about the contents. Please be careful if you have not yet seen the film or read the original.

The train scene dares to ignore the usual sense of distance and to be conscious of the tension of the voice

-- "Demon Slayer" was of such quality that it could be called theater-level from the TV animation, but I think many people are still looking forward to seeing it on the big screen. First of all, could you tell us about the points that you would like people to enjoy only in the theater version?

Hanae: First of all, the sound. The sound is really amazing. The sounds of walking on the train and the sounds of the surroundings when they are fighting on the train were created with great attention to detail. It is also wonderful to be able to see the images on the big screen, which have been further refined from the TV animation. Just watching the trailer on TV or on your smartphone is exciting enough, but I think the actual theater experience will be even more powerful and overwhelming.

--I think it is also significant that the "Infinity Train Arc" has been made into a theater version.

Hanae That's right. The original story is also very popular, and I myself really like it, so I am happy to see it in the theater.

--How do you feel about this film from Sumijiro's point of view?

Hanae: This time, there are more family ties or feelings for loved ones, so I think it is a very emotional story. There are some very painful feelings, but it is an essential story that will lead to my future growth.

--Hanae: Did you have anything in mind when you were playing the role because it takes place on a train?

Hanae: There were quite a few things. Especially the scene on the train. It is very noisy on a train, and even up close, you have to shout to get your message across. So I was conscious of how to raise my voice, ignoring the usual sense of distance. In this scene, I often acted together with Matsuoka-san (who played Inosuke), and we both shouted all the time.

--I was very much involved in the scene with Mr. Matsuoka (who plays Inosuke).

Hanae: Sumijiro's family was killed by demons in the first episode, but this time the voice actors got together for the first time in a long time, and I felt warm and fuzzy, like a real family. However, there are scenes in which the family members say terrible things to Sumijiro, to the extent that there is a direction that says, "Please play the role to make Sumijiro feel pain," so I felt like a wreck (laugh). (Laughs) The actors were also in trouble because they didn't really want to say it, but they were so embarrassed.

There are many parts that I want to watch over and over again.

--I feel that the "Infinite Train Arc" is a story in which Purgatory is the main character. Please tell us your honest impression of the character of Kyoujuro Purgatory, whether from the perspective of Sumijiro or Hanae-san.

Hanae: Mr. Purgatory is the boss of Sumijiro and the others, but I thought he showed us the significance of being a pillar, his attitude, and his strength. That is why every word he says is so important, and he is the one who shows Sumijiro and the others, who have just joined the Onikagitai, what to do in the future.

--How would you feel if Mr. Purgatory were actually in the position of Hanae's boss or teacher?

Hanae: I would like Mr. Purgatory because he gives good reasons (for his actions and thoughts) and he is very competent. If he just shouted at me or said unreasonable things without any reason, I would think it would be different. Instead, he shows it through his actions and sacrifices himself for the sake of his juniors, so I can trust him a lot.

--Hanae: If you could work under anyone among the Pillars, would you choose Mr. Purgatory?

Hanae: I think all the Pillars are like that, so I don't have a specific one, but Purgatory is someone who makes me want to follow him very much.

--In this work, "dream" and "unconscious realm" appear as keywords. So, if there is an unconscious world that spreads out in your mind, what kind of world do you think it is?

Hanae: I don't know. I don't really know, but I think it must be a world of strong desires (laughs). (Laughs.) I have desires to do things that I want to do, and I want to do them this way. If I had to choose a color, I would say black.

--Hanae: What if I were to say "I wish it were this way," what would you say?

Hanae: In terms of wishes, I think it would be best if I were like Sumijiro. But I don't think my heart is clear (laughs).

--(laughs) - I am sure that even those who have seen this film once will want to see it a second or third time. So, please tell us what you think is interesting to pay attention to that we may not notice at first.

Hanae: There are various points that I would like to watch again, so much so that I wanted to watch it one more time right after watching it. For example, the breathing and the techniques of each character are so well drawn, and the images are of such high quality that I want to watch them over and over again. I think you may be so overwhelmed at first that you may miss some parts, so I hope you will take the time to watch it again.

--Thank you very much!

(Reporting, writing, and photography by Kenichi Chiba)

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