In a move that firmly cements Singapore’s status as a cultural hub for Japanese pop culture, Crunchyroll, in collaboration with Sony Pictures Releasing International (Singapore), premiered Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba : Infinity Castle.

Credits: Crunchyroll & Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE)

The first-ever international red-carpet premiere was a landmark celebration for anime fans in Singapore. A passionate community was rewarded with an unforgettable evening that brought the magic of the anime to life. Adding to the electric atmosphere was none other than Takahiro Sakurai, the voice behind the stoic and ever-composed Giyu Tomioka (Water Hashira), who made a special appearance to greet fans and the media.

Credits: Crunchyroll & Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE)

A surprise performance inside the cinema hall saw Sakurai passionately reenact one of Giyu’s scenes, delivering every line with the precision, emotion, and gravitas that fans have come to revere. It was so spot-on that it felt as if Giyu himself had stepped off the screen and into the room. For many, it was a rare glimpse into the art of voice acting and a powerful reminder of why this series holds such a special place in fans’ hearts.

Credits: Crunchyroll & Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE)

The Story So Far: Into the Heart of the Infinity Castle

Tanjiro Kamado joins the Demon Slayer Corps with a deeply personal mission after his younger sister, Nezuko, is transformed into a demon. He vows to find a way to restore her humanity. Through relentless training and fierce determination, he grows stronger, forming powerful bonds with his fellow slayers, including the thunder-struck Zenitsu Agatsuma and the wild boar-headed warrior Inosuke Hashibira. The stakes are higher than ever as the Demon Slayer Corps enters the demons’ stronghold, the surreal and sinister Infinity Castle. Within its shifting walls, chaos erupts as the final battle between humanity and the demon elite ignites.

Tears were shed and laughter echoed throughout the screening, making it a truly emotional ride. As someone new to the series, I did not feel left out; the story’s continuity and stunning animation made it easy to follow. The characters, especially the hilarious Inosuke Hashibira, were instantly engaging, although I wish he had more action scenes. Overall, it was an enjoyable watch, though the deep character backstories might be a little overwhelming for newcomers. A few more demon battles would have provided a perfect balance.

New to the franchise? Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, originally published in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump. The anime, produced by the acclaimed studio Ufotable, first premiered in April 2019 and is available to stream on Crunchyroll here.

Catch Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle at the cinemas now!

The Fifth Parlour would like to thank Eastwest PR for the invitation.