Alright, everyone, let’s talk about Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba first. This is the anime/manga that brought me back after a few years away. Its compelling narrative refuses to let you sit still, pushing and pulling you in unexpected emotional directions. What sets it apart from many heroic narratives today is its ability to help you understand the villain without ever justifying their actions. Tanjiro’s compassion has real weight, and Nezuko consistently amazes us with her depth. Thus, after the ruins that both The Entertainment District Arc and The Swordsmith Village Arc left me in, I was more than ready for the inauguration of the Hashira Training Arc.
Now, let’s dive into Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training. This isn’t your usual anime movie experience; it’s an unconventional theatrical event that bridges the gap between the finale of the Swordsmith Village Arc and the “how many times can this series break me” Hashira Training Arc.
The To the Hashira Training event starts with “A Connected Bond: Daybreak and First Light”, the last episode of the Swordsmith Village Arc. We bear witness to Tanjiro’s fierce battle against the formidable Upper Four demon Hantengu. The tension is thick as Tanjiro navigates his dual roles—Demon Slayer and loving brother to Nezuko. Blood, tears, and indecision run amok, resulting in Nezuko’s triumphant defiance of the sun. A moment that is not just a victory, but a promise of the trials to come.
Next up is the never-before-seen first episode of the Hashira Training Arc, a spectacle that sets the stage for the ultimate face-off with the villain of the series, Muzan Kibutsuji—the smooth criminal. This episode gives us a glimpse into the meticulous planning and preparation of the Hashira. It’s a testament to their amazing abilities and a teaser of the epic battles that lie ahead.
The event is art in motion, with Ufotable’s animation skills on full display. The studio’s dedication to quality is unmistakable in every frame, making the epic battles feel like you could step inside. One of my favorite things about the design of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is the way the animators play with line weights; the compositions are so precise, and the displays of power feel like they were animated from classical Japanese paintings.
Yet, To the Hashira Training has its quirks. It straddles the line between a traditional film and a double-feature episode screening. There are no bonus scenes or extended cuts, just the raw, unfiltered emotion and harshness that makes this series so good. The event also serves as a narrative link, wrapping up significant story arcs while simultaneously starting new ones. It’s a slow build that promises character development, surprises, and an exploration of deeper themes like resilience, camaraderie, and personal growth. Also, there’s a famous sword hilt and lots of Inosuke x Zenitsu shenanigans too.
For fans like me, who have read and watched the Swordsmith Village Arc, this hits a little harder because we know what’s to come. I ended up screaming at the screen so loudly my neighbors thought I needed assistance. Woman down! Send help!
To wrap it up, go see this movie on the biggest screen possible, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training is art in motion, filled with blood, tears, and indecision, because it’s the raw humanity, humor, and harshness that make this series so good.
RIOTUS 