The theatrical release of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen Train Arc” continues to surpass the all-time box office records of Japanese cinema one after another.
What makes it such a massive hit and tearjerker?
Undoubtedly, it’s the overwhelming quality of the production. The effects of each member of the Demon Slayer Corps’ deadly techniques and the sheer intensity of the battle scenes are breathtaking.
The stunning visuals of Tanjiro’s dream sequence in the vast sky are exceptionally beautiful.
Moreover, there are numerous scenes that evoke tears. Such as the scene where Tanjiro returns to the present to slay demons within his dream using his Breathing Technique.
The poignant final moments of the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, as he cries out his true strength to Upper Rank demons. And the scene where Tanjiro laments his own inadequacy.
Even while scolding Tanjiro for his mercy, Inosuke is unable to contain his tears.
These scenes never fail to tug at the heartstrings.
The movie version of the television anime does not directly correspond to the TV content but presents an original story.
While many anime films are compilations of the TV series, “Mugen Train Arc” serves as a direct sequel to the TV series’ “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Beginning Arc.
” Fans who have been following the anime eagerly anticipate what comes next, as they are unfamiliar with the continuation of the story.
The daily reports of its tremendous success keep coming.
“Mugen Train Arc” continues to break records for Japanese film box office revenue.
News related to “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” is covered daily in television, magazines, and various media outlets.
With each report, more people become aware of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” and develop an interest.
Subsequently, they purchase the manga, watch reruns of the anime, or stream the movie.
Some individuals go to see the film multiple times. I myself watched it twice (laughs).
I don’t recall ever watching the same movie twice in theaters before.
That’s how much I wanted to see it.
Over 20 million people have watched this film.
Considering Japan’s population of about 120 million, it’s unlikely that every age group has seen it.
It’s more probable that the same individuals watch it repeatedly, either because they were moved and want to experience it again or because they missed something and want to confirm it.
I didn’t realize during the first viewing because my tear ducts were overwhelmed, but during the second viewing, I noticed that Kyojuro Rengoku’s attendant, Senjuro Rengoku, was also holding back tears as he witnessed his master’s final moments. Similarly, I didn’t notice that Inosuke Hashibira was crying in frustration and sadness like a spoiled child.
A good work can move and inspire you no matter how many times you watch it.
Celebrities spreading the word through word-of-mouth and cosplay
This is more of a bonus (laughs). Celebrities posting Demon Slayer cosplay on social media. Wrestlers entering the ring dressed as characters from Demon Slayer, creating a buzz.
In this environment, asking someone who hasn’t heard of Demon Slayer is like looking for a needle in a haystack (laughs).
The reason it became such a big hit is that people resonated with the work and continued to watch it. It was because it became a big hit that I encountered “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.”
With 23 volumes of the original manga and the movie’s story covering around volumes 7-8, there is still plenty of source material. Demon Slayer teaches us to keep fighting and living, no matter how difficult it may be.