Sunday was certainly a day to remember for Demon Slayer fans. Not only were we able to watch the action unfold on the biggest IMAX cinema screen in the UK – a whole 85ft of Demon Slayer – but we were also gifted with some surprises and special guests. The fun started in the foyer. Surrounded by various cardboard cut outs of our favourite characters, fans had the opportunity to take pictures with the likes of Innosuke, Tanjiro, and even the powerful Hashira members. James went and tracked down Nezuko and Obanai Iguro (Serpent Hashira) immediately.
As the foyer gradually filled with cosplayers, Demon Slayer t-shirts, colourful kimonos, and even the odd parent who probably had no idea what was going on, the excitement rose exponentially. Everyone was here for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training- , and it felt so nice to be able to share that with so, so many like-minded fans.
Upon entry, everyone received a ridiculously cool print of the movie, printed on a very fine and shiny piece of card and protected in a lovely envelope for safekeeping. James has already displayed his next to his Nezuko statue and manga collection, and we’re certain many fans followed suit. It’s a relic; a momento that we can all keep to remind us where were and what we had seen.
Check out these images of the event from our friends over at Crunchyroll:
Now, this is where we went our separate ways. Neil went into the screen to enjoy the movie, while James waited for a very special opportunity. Inside the screening, awesome prizes were won, fans nattered amongst themselves, and then the action started…
Tanjiro voice actor Natsuki Hanae and producer Yuma Takahashi came out, followed by a tremendous roar from the crowd that could even be heard from downstairs. The pair participated in a quick Q&A session that was exclusive just to the screening, which makes it extra special. The lights suddenly dimmed and the crowd quietened… Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training- had arrived.
While James didn’t get to watch the film with everyone, at the time of writing this post he managed to watch it twice, so if you’re interested in what he thought, you can can his full review here.
On the other side of the screen, James had the absolute priviledge of talking to Japanese voice actor Natsuki Hanae, where they talked about Tanjiro and Natsuki’s role as a voice actor. You can check out the full interview here, but here’s a little taste:
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.
It was a very special event for many reasons, and we’re so grateful to Crunchyroll for this opportunity. It seems as though everyone had an amazing time. This sort of experience is something that Demon Slayer has mastered, so we’re certain that this won’t be the last time Demon Slayer comes to the big screen. However, we were struck by this realisation that the end is almost here… So now, more than ever, it’s important we cherish what time we have with these characters and this world. Until next time.
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.
Don’t forget, you can catch up on all of the latest anime news right here.
