It is revealed that the anime movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Part 1: Akaza Returns (Japanese Name: Kimetsu no Yaiba Movie 1: Mugenjou-hen – Akaza Sairai) has won the 50th Hochi Film Awards, surpassing Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc and Scarlet.
The voice actor of Giyu Tomioka, Takahiro Sakurai expressed his delight at this second win in the series, following the previous film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train (released in 2020), “It’s an honor to receive such a historic award, and I’m truly happy, especially considering there were so many popular films.“
Regarding the huge excitement surrounding this production, Sakurai gave a frank response, saying, “I’m also appearing in it, but it’s so amazing…I can’t really react properly. That’s how it feels. I feel an incredible momentum that goes far beyond my imagination.”
When asked why it has been so popular, he cited “the stunning visual quality” and “the carefully drawn human drama,” saying, “Even I, as a cast member, am overwhelmed by the splendour of the animation every time. It’s not that each episode is simply brushed up, but rather that it’s a work that broadens the range of expression and gives us a new visual experience. On top of that visual quality, I think it’s the drama of the characters – the anger, hatred, sadness, and desire for revenge that the members of the Demon Slayer Corps (Tanjiro, Giyu, and others) carry, as well as the sad circumstances of the demons – that draws people in.“
He also noted that the series’s appeal across a wide age range is a key factor in its popularity. “I believe it has easily relatable themes like familial love, parent-child bonds, and mentor-disciple relationships that transcend generations and gender. Its dramatic portrayal of life and death is what makes it so attractive to a wide range of people.”
Sakurai also sensed a change in his character, as Giyu is portrayed. “Giyu, who once said ‘I’m not the Water Pillar,’ has now, after the ‘Pillar Training Arc,’ become the Water Pillar in name and deed. He faces this battle as Tomioka Giyu. Previously, I focused on shaping Giyu within a narrow range of emotional expression, making him seem cold. But in this film, we see new, more human glimpses of Giyu. I felt a desire within myself to broaden my expression—to try speaking with more richness, a bit more passion, or perhaps even with a touch of comedic flair.“
Sakurai described the Demon Slayer series as a work that “took me to places I’d never seen or been to.” He added, “As an actor involved in Japanese animation myself, I’m now looking forward to seeing what comes next.”
Demon Slayer is based on the original manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, which was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump (Shueisha) from 2016 to 2020. The film Infinity Castle has grossed over 38.3 billion yen as of 3 November 2025, in its 122 days since its release and is the second-highest-grossing film of all time in Japan. The first highest-grossing movie is also from this same franchise’s first film, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Train“, which grossed over 40.75 billion yen at the Japanese box office.
Even five years after the original manga’s serialization ended, Demon Slayer continues to be loved by people worldwide.
Source: Hochi
