The Demon slayer franchise continues to show itself as an absolute powerhouse for followers all over the world. The favored manga of Koyoharu Gotouge has been tailored for a number of media, together with anime, mild novels, video video games, and a stage play that has been working since 2020. Forged members from the play appeared in New York on Might 11 as a part of Japan Parade NYC. Bystanders may see them driving on the Demon slayertheme float. Though the whole solid of the play couldn’t attend, some members made a quick efficiency as a part of the parade Shogo Sakamoto as Tanjiro, Yusuke Satō as Inosuke, Yoko Kadoyama as Shinobu, and Hiroshi Yazaki as Rengoku. Anime Information Community spoke with the solid about what it was like enjoying iconic characters and dealing on the present.
Did you want any martial arts or dance choreography coaching to qualify for the position?
Hiroshi Yazaki: Sure, but it surely was nonetheless very tough and difficult. Nonetheless, we have been capable of overcome it with observe.
What was the preliminary response out of your friends whenever you have been requested to play such an iconic character?
Yoko Kadoyama: They have been so stunned and excited after they heard the information!
Hiroshi Yazaki: My character Rengoku may be very common, so followers of the manga have been very encouraging and supportive. However many overseas followers additionally supported me, which made me completely satisfied.
Yusuke Satō: Since my face will not be seen, everybody was skeptical about my pleasure!
Shogo Sakamoto: Tanjiro is a extremely popular character, so lots of my actor mates have been very completely satisfied and supported me.
Had been there any particular bodily obstacles you may share? Possibly simply humorous behind-the-scenes moments among the many solid?
Yoko Kadoyama: Because it was my first time utilizing the sword, all the opposite actors helped and taught me. These reminiscences actually made me really feel supported!
Shogo Sakamoto: To carry out on stage final 12 months I needed to acquire weight, however as quickly because the present was over I felt my physique shrinking. I simply assume the way in which the physique adjustments may be actually humorous.
Many individuals who got here to at this time’s present are in all probability followers of the unique manga or anime adaptation, myself included. What do you hope would be the largest lesson we’ll take away out of your performances?
Hiroshi Yazaki: This style of two.5 musicals may be very common in Japan, however not so common right here, so we hope that performing right here will assist develop that style’s viewers. Not solely that, however I would like it Demon slayer to realize extra fame as a musical all over the world.
What does Demon slayer imply to you?
Shogo Sakamoto: I feel so Demon slayer is one thing that lots of people can relate to, particularly my character. Tanjiro’s background may be very unlucky as he has to beat horrors and struggles. That type of message is highly effective and can, I feel, emphasize empathy for different individuals.
Hiroshi Yazaki: Rengoku’s character is sort of a treasure to me, so I really feel a robust attachment to him, however I additionally need him to really feel necessary to the viewers.
Yoko Kadoyama: So enjoying the character Shinobu can also be like a treasure. Despite the fact that she will not be a powerful woman, I discover encouragement and core power in her. I feel she may be very inspiring, and her never-give-up perspective may be very rewarding.
Yusuke Satō: I might be right here with anybody due to Demon slayerso I am very grateful for that.
The primary play adaptation was set in Tokyo in January 2020 and in Kobe in January and February 2020. The second play was set in Tokyo and Osaka in August 2021. The third play was set in Tokyo and Kyoto in October 2022. The manga additionally impressed a standard Noh-Kyōgen play that performed in Tokyo and Osaka in 2022.
The most recent stage adaptation of Gotouge’s manga spanned the “Leisure District Arc” and ran from November to December in Tokyo and Osaka.
