The next chapter in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba‘s anime saga has arrived with Infinity Castle Part 1: Akaza Sairai, igniting theaters in Japan and setting the stage for a trilogy that will bring the series to a dramatic close. From emotional fan reactions to box office milestones, here’s a full breakdown of everything we know so far about the movie, its story coverage, and what’s coming next
Premiere Highlights: A Midnight Frenzy in Japan
Infinity Castle Part 1 premiered in Japan on July 18, 2025, kicking off with exclusive “fastest screenings” at midnight in 24 theaters across 11 prefectures. Every seat was reserved well in advance, underscoring the sheer anticipation among fans.
What followed was nothing short of a pop culture phenomenon:
- Major cinema chains like TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku scheduled up to 40 screenings in one day, starting as early as 7:00 AM.
- Fans traveled long distances, stood in queues overnight, and even used paid leave to attend.
- Theaters were flooded with attendees in Demon Slayer cosplay and merchandise, giving the event a mini-convention atmosphere.
- X (formerly Twitter) trended with tags like “fastest screening,” while posts filled with reactions such as “I cried…” or “Absolutely amazing.” showed the emotional impact of the film.
- Photos of packed lobbies, queues stretching down streets, and fans holding limited-edition merchandise were shared widely, giving the screenings the feel of a nationwide celebration.
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Global Release Dates
Following the Japanese release, the movie will roll out globally:
| Region | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Japan | July 18, 2025 |
| USA & Canada | September 12, 2025 |
| India | September 12, 2025 |
| Other Regions | August–September 2025 (varies) |
Manga Coverage: Where the Movie Ends
One of the biggest questions fans had was: How much of the manga does this movie adapt?
The answer: Infinity Castle Part 1 ends with the death of Akaza, adapting up to Chapter 157 of the manga.
- This installment only covers 17 chapters, which allows the film to dive deeply into Akaza’s backstory, motivations, and ultimate fate.
- The Akaza fight is one of the most emotional turning points in the manga, and the movie gives it expanded runtime and breathtaking visuals to fully capture its weight.
- Key Upper Moon demons Doma, Kokushibo, and Muzan Kibutsuji remain undefeated, setting up massive confrontations in the upcoming films.
Trilogy Format: What Comes Next?
The Infinity Castle storyline is being told over 3 movies, forming the final act of the Demon Slayer anime adaptation.
| Movie | Content Focus | Manga Coverage Estimate | Release Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Akaza Sairai | Akaza’s battle and backstory | Ch. 141–157 | July 2025 |
| Part 2 | Likely Doma vs. Shinobu & Upper Moons’ rise | Ch. 158–174 (est.) | 2027 |
| Part 3 | Kokushibo showdown, Muzan final battle | Ch. 175–205 (est.) | 2029 |
The extended release timeline reflects Ufotable’s commitment to high-quality animation and detail, with each movie aiming to feel like a cinematic experience rather than just an anime arc continuation.
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Foreshadowing Tragedy: A Fan-Favorite in Danger?
The film not only delivered on visuals and action but also planted the seeds of sorrow. One beloved Hashira is hinted to face a tragic fate—something manga readers already know is inevitable. The film sets the tone for even darker moments ahead, reinforcing the emotional stakes of the final arc.
This narrative choice hints at upcoming key events involving characters like Shinobu Kocho, whose fate is closely tied to Doma’s appearance in Part 2.
Fan Response: From Celebration to Tears
Across social media, fans described the movie experience as “overwhelming,” “emotional,” and even “better than Mugen Train.”
- Cosplay, live photos, and merchandise shots filled timelines.
- Some fans committed to multiple viewings in the same day.
- Others shared nostalgic messages about following the series since the manga days, making this theatrical release a deeply personal moment.
- Several fans posted messages like “Let the feast begin” before the screenings, while others simply shared, “I’ve been waiting for this day for years.”
Where to Watch and Read Demon Slayer
If you’re new or catching up:
- Anime: Seasons 1 to 4 are available on Crunchyroll.
- Manga: The full series (205 chapters) is available on Manga Plus.
The remaining story—Infinity Castle Parts 2 and 3—will be available only via theatrical releases over the next several years.
Crunchyroll holds streaming rights for the anime globally, making it the go-to platform for all Demon Slayer episodes and films once their theatrical windows end.
Box Office: Breaking Records
Infinity Castle Part 1 didn’t just impress fans—it made headlines:
- Surpassed the Mugen Train opening at the Japanese box office.
- Confirmed its place as one of the most successful anime film debuts of all time.
- Reaffirmed Demon Slayer‘s global status with over 220 million manga copies sold to date.
- TOHO Cinemas reported multiple sold-out days following launch, matching the performance trends of earlier milestones like Mugen Train’s record-setting debut.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 delivers everything fans hoped for: explosive battles, stunning animation, emotional storytelling, and a respectful adaptation of a pivotal manga section. It sets the tone for the epic endgame, building anticipation for 2027 and 2029, when Parts 2 and 3 will finally close Tanjiro’s journey.
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Whether you’re watching for the first time or have followed since chapter one, this movie transforms a climactic manga arc into a historic anime moment.
As the curtain rises on the final act, one thing is certain—this is not just a movie; it’s a generational event.
