One of the most popular franchises to emerge from Japan, ‘Demon Slayer’ has just concluded its 4th season—and there will be no season 5. Sort of.
Even with almost 150 million manga copies in circulation and 23 manga volumes, Demon Slayer may not be as epic or as long as fan favorites Naruto, Bleach, One Piece or Dragon Ball. But the anime has been a consistent favorite worldwide, topping Netflix’s most watched anime shows. Even more impressive is the 2020 film, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, which still holds the record of being the top-grossing anime of all time making $450 million worldwide.
Demon Slayer has received critical acclaim for its compelling story, beautifully animated fight scenes, and strong character development. It is also praised for its themes of family, loss, perseverance, and the duality of human nature as it combines intense action with emotional storytelling, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the struggle between good and evil.
The series draws heavily on Japanese folklore and mythology, incorporating elements such as demons (oni) and swordsmanship, which are integral to Japanese culture.
Created by manga artist Koyoharu Gotouge, Demon Slayer tells the story of Tanjiro, an ordinary boy residing in the mountains, acting as head of the Kamado family, consisting of his mother and five siblings. He becomes a demon slayer after a demon massacres his family, save for his younger sister Nezuko, who is turned into a demon herself. Tanjiro’s aim is to kill the culprit, Muzan, the strongest demon in existence and the progenitor of all demons, and to find a way to turn Nezuko back into a human again.
In last week’s season 4 finale, the Hashira Training Arc, we finally see Tanjiro along with the Hashiras, the highest ranking members of the Demon Slayer Corps, get transported by Mugen to his infinity castle with the help of his 4th upper rank demon Nakime, a prologue to the final decisive battle and supposedly the start of the final season of Demon Slayer anime, the Infinity Castle Arc.
On the same day, Shueisha, the largest publishing company in Japan and home to Shōnen Jump, and the anime studio Ufotable announced that there will be no final season. Instead, the Castle Infinity Arc will be made into a trilogy of movies set to premiere sometime in 2025.
The two-minute trailer of the Castle Infinity Trilogy films premiered in July, with the tag line “The all-out war begins,” further whetting the anticipation of fans. In less than two days, the trailer amassed five million views.
Well, Filipino fans are in for a treat. The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Total Concentration Exhibition is coming to Manila from July 20 to October 20, 2024. This immersive exhibition will be held at Gateway Mall 2, level 3.
Fans will be able to immerse themselves in the Demon Slayer world in the Taisho era, where the anime is set with unforgettable places like Mt. Fujikasane, Demon Slayer Corps HQ, the Infinity Castle or the Demon House, the Entertainment District, Mugen Train and a lot more.
Fans can enjoy their favorite life-size scenes and battles, interact with characters, and buy exclusive merchandise only sold through the exhibition. Fans will also be given an opportunity to receive a Hashira Training and the limited-edition Demon Slayer Corps certificate. Never seen before artworks like eyecatches drawn by Demon Slayer character designer Akira Matsushima and a collection of Shikishi by the Ufotable anime staff will also be on display.
Tickets to the Demon Slayer exhibit are available at ticketnet.com.ph
