Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc – Part 1 Akaza’s Return

鬼滅の刃
(Kimetsu no Yaiba)

In Japanese, “Kimetsu(鬼滅)” means “to slay demons,” and “Yaiba(刃)” refers to “blade” or “sword.” Together, the title “Kimetsu no Yaiba” can be translated as “Blade of Demon Destruction.”

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” is a popular Japanese anime and manga series that follows a young boy named Tanjiro Kamado, who becomes a demon slayer after his family is killed by demons and his sister Nezuko is turned into one. The story is known for its emotional depth, stunning animation, and intense battles between humans and demons.

無限城編 第一章 猗窩座再来
(Infinity Castle Arc – Part 1: Akaza’s Return)

After the release of the Mugen Train Arc on October 16, 2020, which featured the fierce battle between the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, and Upper Rank Three demon, Akaza, the new installment “Infinity Castle Arc – Part 1: Akaza’s Return” premiered in Japan on July 18, 2025.

I usually watch movies at TOHO Cinemas, and this time as well, I booked and watched the movie there.

To celebrate the release of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc, a memorial popcorn box was also on sale, but when I visited, it was already sold out.

Umeda Osaka TOHO Cinemas snack area with Demon Slayer ceiling poster
Lobby ceiling poster above snack counter at TOHO Cinemas
Character panel display of Demon Slayer cast at TOHO Cinemas
Cardboard panel featuring the Infinity Castle Arc heroes
Demon Slayer photo zone with Tanjiro figure and poster
Photo spot with Tanjiro figure and release poster

This TOHO Cinemas is located in the Hankyu Department Store Men’s Building in Umeda. As soon as I entered, I was greeted in the main lobby by a poster of Demon Slayer, featuring Kamado Tanjiro and Giyu, the Water Hashira, for the film released today.

There were various photo spots set up, making it a great place to take commemorative pictures.

Demon Slayer Goods at the Theater Store

Demon Slayer merchandise list with many items marked sold out
Item list board shows several goods already sold out

You don’t need a movie ticket to buy goods—just visiting the theater is enough.
With so many Demon Slayer character items available, it was hard to decide what to get.

However, due to the immense popularity of Demon Slayer in Japan, there were strict purchasing limits. Each person was allowed to purchase one pamphlet, and for all other goods, only one item per person per product could be bought in a single transaction.

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Arc: Worth Watching Three Times Over

Entry gift for Demon Slayer movie held inside the theater
Entry gift received at the theater for Infinity Castle Arc

Every time a Demon Slayer movie is released, they give out a special entry gift to theatergoers. When the Mugen Train Arc was released in theaters, the entry bonus changed with each season even for the same film.

My favorite character is Inosuke, one of the main hero’s companions—but I also really love Akaza. So I was especially thrilled that this new film focused on Akaza’s story.

The theater I went to had premium seating and Dolby Atmos sound,
which made the experience even more immersive with both stunning visuals and powerful audio. During the battle scenes, I found myself holding my breath, completely forgetting about my popcorn.

Living in Japan and being able to understand Japanese made me feel truly grateful. To watch, hear, and fully feel the emotion of such a masterpiece in its original form is a real gift.

Not only does Demon Slayer deliver an engaging story, but it also showcases just how incredible Japanese animation techniques are—truly a film worth watching two more times.

– Recommended Reading –

■Demon Slayer Official Site – Infinity Castle Arc Part 1: Akaza’s Return

『劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編 』第一章 猗窩座再来』 公式サイト|2025年7月18日(金)公開
『劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編 』第一章 猗窩座再来』、2025年7月18日(金)公開!『決戦の火蓋を切る――』|劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編 三部作 制作決定 繋いだ想い<永遠>を胸に―――― 無限城決戦へ

■TOHO Cinemas at Hankyu Men’s in Umeda

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