Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Voice Actor Interview: Kengo Kawanishi/Muichiro Tokito × Kana Hanazawa/Mitsuri Kanroji

English translation of articles from the Japanese entertainment magazine Nikkei Entertainment!
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On July 11, a Pre-release Blessing Event was held at Zojoji Temple in Tokyo. That day, thirteen Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba cast members gathered in front of the main hall. It was a lively event, with a talk session and lantern dedication. After the event, Kengo Kawanishi, who plays Muichiro Tokito, and Kana Hanazawa, who plays Mitsuri Kanroji, sat down to share their thoughts.

——How was the Pre-Release Blessing Event at Zojoji?

Kawanishi: I was amazed that we were able to hold an event for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba at such a historic temple. The year before last, we also did a bean-throwing event at Senso-ji...

Hanazawa: We certainly did.

Kawanishi: At first, the atmosphere was pretty solemn, but once we started throwing beans, everyone got all excited, and it turned out to be really fun. This time, as well as at Zojoji, the atmosphere felt relaxed and comfortable from the start, which was really nice.

Hanazawa: The appearance at Senso-ji was unannounced. A lot of visitors didn't know the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba team would be there. This time, though, we were able to have a proper talk for more than thirty minutes in front of the fans who won tickets to be there. It really hit me that Infinity Castle is starting. I felt really excited myself.

Groans at Doma's performance

——What was your impression from watching the movie?

Hanazawa: It feels so packed. Like, it all unfolds so rapidly, you don't even have time to catch your breath. In Shinobu KOCHO's scenes, Mamoru Miyano's gleeful performance (as Doma) provoked some strong reactions among those of us watching...

Kawanishi: It really did.

Hanazawa: Zenitsu's scenes were really good too. Each character's heartfelt emotions are fully conveyed throughout. I really hope everyone goes to watch it and cheer them all on.

——In the story, the Hashira are split up in different locations within the Infinity Castle—Muichiro Tokito with Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, while Mitsuri Kanroji ends up with Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira…

Kawanishi: Gyomei has complicated feelings towards children due to past events.¹ Yet, he proceeds alongside Muichiro, the youngest of the Hashira... Personally, I found this development to be profoundly emotional.

Hanazawa: The pairing (of Mitsuri and Obanai) is great! I thought that he [Obanai] would fall alongside her, and they descend through the Infinity Castle while looking out for each other... I'm curious to see what happens next, but acting it out is even more exciting.

——In the Swordsmith Village Arc, Muichiro happens to be in the village and fights an Upper Rank demon, with Mitsuri's assigned area nearby. What are your memories from back then?

Kawanishi: Perhaps when the two of us got to go to Seoul on the World Tour.² The food was incredible, and the people who came were so enthusiastic that it got us pumped as well.

Hanazawa: We went to Taipei³ before that as well.

Kawanishi: Right, and Natsuki was there too.

Hanazawa: We had so much incredible food in Taipei. I still remember Kengo eating so much food that he was just like moaning because his stomach was so full. (laughs)

Kawanishi: That...that did happen...(laughs)

——How do you feel now that you've gotten all the way here?

Kawanishi: So grateful. The other day, I rewatched the anime reruns on TV. You can really see that even the demons have strong convictions, which makes them far from straightforward. Watching it again made me realize that Gyokko [the demon Muichiro defeated in the Swordsmith Village Arc] was truly evil...

Hanazawa: You're right.

Kawanishi: His convictions aren't shown at all... That was a new discovery for me. (laughs)

Over the past six years, I've felt the passion of our fans who have continuously supported us. I hope to keep that passion with me and continue this journey together with everyone. It would mean so much if everyone could share our excitement with us.

Hanazawa: I've been journeying together with Mitsuri for six years [since the show started]. From the Swordsmith Village Arc, I've been able to see her kindness, strength, and all her admirable qualities. I feel honored to be able to portray her. I'll be with Mitsuri until the end, so I hope you keep cheering us on.

¹ An episode from Gyomei Himejima's past in Episode 7 of the Hashira Training Arc.
² A stage greeting was held in Seoul on February 11, 2024, for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training-, marking showings in over 145 countries and regions.
³ A stage greeting was held in Taipei on March 19, 2023, for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Swordsmith Village-, marking showings in 95 countries and regions.

Voice actor for Muichiro Tokito, Mist Hashira
Kengo Kawanishi
Muichiro Tokito, the youngest Hashira of the current generation. A prodigy who attained the rank of Hashira after just two months of training. He defeated Gyokko in the Swordsmith Village and has manifested Mark.

Profile
Kengo Kawanishi: born February 18, from Osaka Prefecture. Affiliated with Mausu Promotion. Debuted as a voice actor in 2006. Notable roles include Mikazuki Augus in Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans and Soshiro Hoshina in Kaiju No. 8, among many others.

Voice actress for Mitsuri Kanroji, Love Hashira
Kana Hanazawa
Mitsuri Kanroji has a cheerful and bright personality. Despite her slender appearance, she possesses extraordinary strength. Joined the Demon Slayer Corps to find a man to spend her life with.

Profile
Kana Hanazawa: born February 25, from Tokyo. Affiliated with Office Osawa. Debuted as a voice actress in 2003. Notable roles include Ichika Nakano in The Quintessential Quintuplets, Nadeko Sengoku in Bakemonogatari, and Rika Orimoto in Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie, among many others.