The Hashira Training arc has begun. The fight against Muzan is approaching, and the Demon Slayers will need all the strength they can muster in order to bring in a new dawn of hope and peace. Fans around the world have now been able to enjoy the first episode of the upcoming arc, and these cinematic events only remind us of the power of anime, as well as the ways it binds us together. The brand new movie was met with triumphant cheers, an army of cosplays, and even new fans testing the waters, In London, fans were treated with a very special screening which featured the appearance of Tanjiro voice actor Natsuki Hanae and producer Yuma Takahashi– The crowd went wild for them both.
Thanks to Crunchyroll, we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to talk to voice actor Natsuki Hanae, who has been voicing Tanjiro Kamado since the very first episode back in 2019 – Yes, the Demon Slayer anime is almost 5 years old… Let that sink in. It was a huge honour to be able to talk to Natsuke, especially as an anime fan, so we’re thrilled to be able to bring you this very exclusive interview.
James: Tanjiro is always in the heart of some of the most intense action sequences. How do you prepare for those sorts of scenes?
Natsuki: He’s always fighting, isn’t he? he’s always in the middle of the fight, but he learns a lot from the other Hashira, and the stronger characters, and even the stronger demons as well. So Tanjiro doesn’t think when he fights. He doesn’t go with his intellect, he doesn’t think. He’s rather stick to the stronger characters and learn from them and react.
James: Just as Tanjiro has developed as a Demon Slayer, how do you think being part of Demon Slayer has helped you grow?
Natsuki: Tanjiro is very kind, and is very correct in values and morals. He has strong moral values. So for myself, I need to value those morals that I learnt from the character. So I try to eandeavour to bring those values from Tanjiro into everyday life to try and be kinder to people. I am very aware of that in Tanjiro, and I like to try and reflect that in my life as well.
James: What is it about Demon Slayer that you that you think works so well on the big screen?
Natsuki: Maybe it’s because since the very first season, the quality of the animation is so strong that people have thought “oh, I want to watch this on the big screen”, that has just been from the outset. I personally would love to watch all of it on the big screen.
James: What do you think it is about Tanjiro that feels so special to you?
Natsuki: Through playing Tanjiro, I get a lot of strength. So even when I come across hardship in my life or things that I find tough, I think… What would Tanjiro do? And that gives me that strength in my life. That’s what’s special to me.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training- will feature “A Connected Bond: Daybreak and First Light” (Episode 11) from the Swordsmith Village Arc, featuring the conclusion of the fierce battle between Tanjiro and Upper Four demon Hantengu, as well as Nezuko’s triumph over the sun. Seamlessly followed by Episode 1 of the highly anticipated Hashira Training Arc, featuring the start of training conducted by the Hashira in preparation for the forthcoming final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji, an episode never before seen by audiences.
DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA -TO THE HASHIRA TRAINING- is out now in UK cinemas. Have you seen it yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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