Interview | Natsuki Hanae Talks Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training (Exclusive)
Share the Force:
Phil Roberts 
We sat down with Demon Slayer star Natsuki Hanae to discuss the new season of the hit anime series
With all-new episodes of DEMON SLAYER: TO THE HASHIRA TRAINING heading to Crunchyroll and playing in selected cinemas, anime fans are eating well. After the events of the last season, Tanjiro’s quest to save his beloved sister continues. But aside from his commitment to Hashira training, what else can we expect from the new installment of this beloved saga? Last week, the voice of Tanjiro Kamado, Natsuki Hanae touched down in London on the latest leg of the global press tour – and team Future of the Force had the opportunity to sit down with Natsuki to discuss all things Demon Slayer. Nothing was off the table. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the legacy of Demon Slayer, Tanjiro’s emotional turmoil and intensity, and his endearing legacy.Â
And if that isn’t enough, we explored Tanjiro’s evolution as he begins his training. So strap yourself in, grab your katana, and check out the full interview below. (Edited for length and clarity.)
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Phil (FOTF): Where do you find inspiration for Tanjiro’s emotional turmoil?
Natsuki: So I try and find the most closest experience I have in my life and feelings I’ve had in my life and I try and expand those. Of course, Tanjiro has been through very tough, unimaginably tough times which I’ve never experienced myself. But I try to imagine, try to expand my own experiences, to reflect it onto the character when I play him.
Phil (FOTF):Tanjiro is an intense character, one who never, ever gives up. How will that help him evolve as a character?
Natsuki: So the reason he never gives up is because he’s fighting for his family, and for Nezuko, and that’s where his kindness comes from as well. So everything he does is for his family. That’s why he’s got that strength.
Phil (FOTF): Why do you think Tanjiro is such an endearing character?
Natsuki: He’s obviously a very kind boy, a kind person. But what’s special is that he doesn’t differentiate, oh, he’s a demon, so I treat him like this. He’s a human. He looks at everybody equally and values the right or wrong of the choice of that character, rather than differentiating the fact that they’re a demon or human. So everyone’s kind of equal for him.
RELEASE
The new feature-length Demon Slayer adventure is spectacular. It boasts some of the most visually stunning scenes in the series to date. Yuichi Terao serves as the cinematographer for the new installment, and his flair for dynamic visuals continues here. The action is flawless and the visceral aftermath accompanying every blade strike is mesmerizing. Director Haruo Sotozaki has effortlessly raised the bar here, and long may his success continue.Â
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training starring Natsuki Hanae is playing in selected cinemas across the UK now.  In the meantime, the Future of the Force team would like to thank Natsuki Hanae for taking the time to talk with us. And a special thank you to our friends at Crunchyroll for their amazing hospitality.Â
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
