The story finally heads to the final battle. 'Demon Slayer: Hashira Training - Hashira Gathering Arc' is an incredibly intense prelude that leads into the 'Infinity Castle Arc', leaving me trembling with excitement.
[Personal Satisfaction]
Ranking of 2025 Japanese films I enjoyed: - (Excluded as it is the same as the previously broadcast TV version)
Story: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Visuals: ★★★★★
Music: ★★★★★
Want to watch in a theater: ★★★★★
[Work Information]
Original Title: -
Production Year: 2025
Country of Production: Japan
Distributor: Toho, Aniplex
Runtime: 106 minutes
Genre: Anime, Action
Source Material, etc.: Manga 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba' (2016-2020)
Official Website: https://kimetsu.com/anime/kimetsutheater/
[Synopsis]
*Quoted from Eiga.com.
Depicts Tanjiro and the other Demon Slayer Corps members undergoing training by the 'Hashira,' the strongest swordsmen and executives of the Corps, to improve their combat capabilities in preparation for the upcoming final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji.
[Review]
Watched at the 'Demon Slayer Theater'. Due to my 'if I watch the first one, I have to watch them all' syndrome, I ended up completing the entire 'Demon Slayer Theater' run (lol). This work is a compilation of the fourth season of the TV anime 'Hashira Training Arc' (8 episodes total) broadcast in 2024, structured into two parts: 'Hashira Training: Opening Arc' and 'Hashira Training: Hashira Gathering Arc'. This 'Hashira Gathering Arc' depicts the latter half of the Hashira training with comedic elements, while the final part portrays the serious development where Muzan Kibutsuji finally appears at the Ubuyashiki estate and Tanjiro and the others are sucked into the Infinity Castle.
<Hashira Training with strong comedy elements>
In the Hashira training, grueling training continues, such as Obanai Iguro's sword technique correction, Sanemi Shinazugawa's infinite strikes, and Gyomei Himejima's leg and hip strengthening. That said, Obanai showing blatant jealousy over Mitsuri and Tanjiro getting along is quite cute, contrary to his silent image. Also, Sanemi is thrown off his pace by the 'mismatch' with Tanjiro, who obliviously sticks his nose into the conflict with his brother, which also gives a comedic impression. The characters' expressions are often deformed, giving it a surprisingly comedic atmosphere. However, things are different for Himejima-san. There is a scene where he confesses to Tanjiro the tragic past of being betrayed by the children he once trusted, and as a parent, it was heartbreaking. It is precisely because of that background that his words to Tanjiro about 'believing' in him carry such weight. By the way, this is unrelated to the main story, but am I the only one who thinks Himejima-san looks like Anji Yukyuzan from 'Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story' (1994-1999)? (lol)
<Muzan Kibutsuji finally reveals himself>
Meanwhile, a sudden turn of events occurs where Kagaya Ubuyashiki's location is finally discovered by Muzan Kibutsuji. Although they are fated enemies, this is actually their first meeting. Although Ubuyashiki had already lost his sight, I felt his unwavering conviction in his gentle tone as he poured his heart out to Muzan.
Then, the operation that Ubuyashiki staked everything on is activated. The entire estate explodes, Muzan's movements are further sealed by Tamayo's Blood Demon Art, and Himejima-san's strike is added to that. The sight of the Hashira and then Tanjiro gathering one after another following the emergency summons was a grand production that truly made one feel the 'all-out war of the Demon Slayer Corps'.
But the climax doesn't end there. Just when it seems like a direct confrontation with Muzan, the ground suddenly collapses, and everyone is swallowed into the Infinity Castle. The Hashira, of course, as well as Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and other Demon Slayer Corps members are all dragged in, and the story finally heads to the final battle.
<So, with that said>
This work is an essential episode to keep in mind as it leads to the final battle. There is no episode more intense as a prelude to the 'Infinity Castle Arc' scheduled for release on July 18th.