Ishida Akira—”I Want You to Feel the Discrepancy Born from Playing Akaza and Hakuji” Gekijouban “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Mugenjou Hen Dai Isshou Akaza Sairai Interview

The highly anticipated Gekijouban “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Mugenjou Hen Dai Isshou Akaza Sairai is currently playing in theaters! The story has finally reached its climactic final phase, depicting the fierce battles fought by Tanjirou and the Hashira after they were plunged into the Infinity Castle (Mugenjou), the stronghold of Kibutsuji Muzan.

We had the privilege of interviewing **Ishida Akira**, the voice actor for Akaza, who is also featured prominently in the subtitle of this first chapter. He shared his thoughts on returning to portray Akaza in a theatrical film once again, the “strength” he consciously tried to express while playing the character, and his impressions of Akaza’s human form, Hakuji. Dive into his insights below!

［Interview & Text by Yoneda Kaori］

Akaza the ‘Oni’: “His unique dramatic flair lies in the catalyst that made him a demon”

――It’s been five years since the shocking battle in Mugen Ressha-hen, released in October 2020. Please tell us how you feel about reprising the role of Akaza in a movie once again.

As the actor, I’m truly delighted that such a significant episode for Akaza is being produced as a theatrical film again. While it certainly brings a sense of tension, I recall the tension being particularly high during the previous film, Mugen Ressha-hen, as it was Akaza’s first appearance in the story. Since then, he has appeared in the TV series, and now, returning after that experience, I felt a bit more relaxed than before.

――Was there any pressure in portraying a character central to Mugenjou Hen, which depicts the final battle, especially with the subtitle “Akaza Sairai” (Akaza Returns)?

In a good way, not particularly. I’m not in a producer’s position, after all. When I saw the completed work, I personally felt it was a film that deserved high praise, but how it’s received is entirely up to the sensibilities of each viewer.

――Despite being an antagonist in Mugen Ressha-hen, Akaza became incredibly popular. What do you think contributed to his popularity?

Undoubtedly, it’s his overwhelming strength. He was powerful enough to defeat Rengoku Kyoujurou. I believe that immense power, his defining characteristic, made a strong impression on everyone.

――In this film, Akaza confronts Tanjirou and Tomioka Giyuu once more. What do you consistently keep in mind when performing the role?

Since he appears as an antagonist to the protagonist, the enemy must be strong. I recognized that this was essential for the story to be more engaging, and indeed, Akaza is depicted as an incredibly powerful character. I always keep in mind that I must express that strength with firm conviction and make it believable.

――As Akaza reappears in Mugenjou Hen, were there any specific feelings or emotions you focused on to portray his inner state in this work?

Due to the story’s structure, there are “Akaza parts” and “Hakuji parts.” So, in scenes where Hakuji is depicted, I believe the audience’s understanding of Akaza deepens. However, my approach to Akaza doesn’t change. By fully committing to Hakuji’s portrayal, I believe a contrast is created within a single character. I felt it was important to ensure that this contrast was clearly conveyed to the audience.

Tomioka Giyuu is “someone who can judge himself fairly”

――What are your impressions of Tanjirou, whom Akaza confronts again in this film, and have you noticed any changes since the previous work?

Regarding Tanjirou, I found the progression of Akaza’s evolving evaluation of him to be very interesting. It’s natural for a protagonist to grow, but I consider myself fortunate to have played Akaza, a character who witnesses Tanjirou’s growth in such clear and impactful moments.

――This time, Akaza also confronts the Water Hashira, Tomioka Giyuu. What are your impressions of him?

Giyuu-san is also an incredibly strong character, isn’t he? However, I believe Giyuu-san is someone who can judge himself fairly. He’s a calm character, and in that regard, I think he’s admirably straightforward.

Tanjirou is the type to push forward with sheer passion, thinking, “I might lose, but I have to do it!” But Giyuu-san, I believe, is too dry and strict with himself to be fooled or spurred on by passion alone.

――The intense battle between these three characters is a major highlight of this film. How did you feel after seeing the completed footage?

I felt that they truly created an astonishing visual sequence, with one intense action scene after another. The animation made it clear “why” Tanjirou, Giyuu, and Akaza are all incredible, and even the “reasons why we find them incredible” are deeply felt. I imagine the viewers will be highly satisfied.

――I heard that characters with exchanges were able to record together. What was the atmosphere like in the recording studio?

It was a very serious recording session, and I believe the studio maintained a good kind of tension.

――Speaking of highlights, the scenes with the Master and Koyuki are indispensable. Please share your impressions of the two characters and your thoughts on their interactions.

There were many scenes where I had to carefully gauge and adjust my performance. Looking at the completed footage objectively, I feel that the nuanced portrayal fit perfectly, bringing out Koyuki’s ephemeral nature to the fullest, and creating a convincing sense that she was “someone who needed to be protected.”

――Finally, please give a message to the fans of the series.

Chapter One is subtitled “Akaza Sairai,” and as you might already know, it once again depicts the fierce battle between Tanjirou and Akaza. However, the film contains much more than just that story. It’s a truly spectacular movie, so please do make your way to the theater and immerse yourselves in the grand narrative of Kimetsu no Yaiba as it continues into Chapter Two and Chapter Three. We sincerely hope you enjoy it!

Gekijouban “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Mugenjou Hen Dai Isshou Akaza Sairai
Currently showing in theaters nationwide

Staff

Cast

(C)Gotouge Koyoharu／Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

《Yoneda Kaori》