"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1" Premieres on 7/18! Three Must-See Highlights for International Fans

On July 18, 2025, the long-awaited "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc Chapter One - Akaza's Reattack" will be released in theaters across Japan. This is the first installment of a three-part theatrical series following the previous "Hashira Training Arc," elevating iconic scenes from volumes 16 to 18 (chapters 140 to 156) of the original manga onto the big screen.

In English-speaking regions, it is scheduled for release starting September 12 through Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures, positioning it as the latest eagerly anticipated work for fans (Gomechan).

This chapter focuses on three key battles.

1. Tanjiro & Giyu vs Upper Rank Three: Akaza

2. Shinobu Kocho vs Upper Rank Two: Doma (including Shinobu's final moments)

3. Zenitsu Agatsuma vs Upper Rank Six: Kaigaku
   
   
   

Among these, the scene where the mentor-student duo of Tanjiro and Giyu fight together using "Water Breathing" is drawing attention as an emotionally profound iconic moment, as depicted in posters and trailers (Wikipedia, Gomechan, KATAKO BLOG).

In the key visual, fireworks are reflected in Akaza's eyes, symbolizing memories he shared with a frail girl named Koyuki when he was human. This suggests that the film will carefully depict Akaza's deep backstory, specifically "the past of the human Hakuji" (Gomechan).

Highlight ① | Akaza's Past Explored for the First Time

In the original, Akaza's story as the former human Hakuji is told through flashbacks, but in this film, it is likely to be vividly expressed on screen through symbolic fireworks visuals. The bittersweet and poignant tale of friendship and loss illustrated by ufotable is sure to strongly resonate with anime fans.

Highlight ② | Fierce Battles of the Hashira: Shinobu & Zenitsu's Awakening

The film also depicts the intense final battle of the "Insect Hashira" Shinobu and Zenitsu unleashing his inner power to challenge Kaigaku (fountmedia.io). The theatrical quality will boldly expand the restrained TV version's presentation, highlighting the characters' dramatic arcs.

Highlight ③ | Powerful Music by LiSA & Aimer

The theme songs for this installment are LiSA's "Shine in the Cruel Night" and Aimer's "A World Where the Sun Doesn't Rise," set for digital release on July 19 and CD release on the 23rd (fountmedia.io). LiSA has previously charted high with "Gurenge" and "Homura," while Aimer has done so with "Zankyo Sanka," and both are expected to make an impact on domestic and international charts again (imaoto.com).

📚 Reference Article Links

• Theatrical Release Date Announcement for "Infinity Castle Arc Chapter One - Akaza's Reattack" (Official) (Wikipedia)

• Key Visual & Trailer Analysis: Akaza's Fireworks Motif (Gomechan)

• Screening Schedule in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Other Asian Countries

• LiSA & Aimer Theme Songs & Chart Strategy (imaoto.com)

• Overseas Release Dates (North America 9/12, Other Countries 9/11~) (animemojo.com)