Fan Screening of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training is a Must-Catch

Hi Huneybees,

I just came back from Marina Bay Sands for the Fans' Screening of  Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training. I've been following this anime since its debut, and it's thrilling to witness the ongoing developments in the series as tensions rise.

For those who have not watched Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (why not?!), it is a manga series created by Koyoharu Gotoge and published under SHUEISHA's JUMP COMICS, consisting of 23 volumes and over 150 million copies in publication. The animation production is by Ufotable. 

Since its debut in Volume 11 of Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 2016, Demon Slayer has entranced fans worldwide with its poignant narrative of humans pitted against demons, its gripping swordplay, and occasional comedic portrayals of characters. Beyond being merely a manga series, it has evolved into a cultural sensation, boasting sales of over 80 million copies. With its masterful storytelling, Demon Slayer has crafted a sprawling universe, solidifying its position as a contemporary classic within the shonen manga genre.

The story begins with Tanjiro Kamado, a boy whose family falls victim to a demon attack. Determined to restore his younger sister Nezuko to her human form after she's turned into a demon, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps. In April 2019, the television anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba debuted with the Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc. This was followed by the release of the feature film Mugen Train in October 2020, and subsequent television arcs including the Mugen Train Arc and Entertainment District Arc starting in October 2021, and the Swordsmith Village Arc beginning in April 2023. Anticipated by fans, the new television series Hashira Training Arc is set to premiere in Spring 2024.

This world tour premiere, "To the Hashira Training" showed Episode 11 from the Swordsmith Village Arc, featuring the conclusion to the fierce battle between Tanjiro and Upper Four, Hantengu, and Nezuko's triumph over the sun in theatres for the first time. It's followed by Episode 1 of the Hashira Training Arc, featuring the beginning of the training conducted by the Hashira in preparation for the forthcoming final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji. 

Gathering in the convention hall with fellow fans to re-watch the season four finale heightened the experience far beyond watching it alone at home. The finale is rich with foreshadowing and cleverly integrated recaps of key events, which aids newcomers in grasping the entire series.

Looking ahead, the Training Arc promises even more thrilling developments, especially with Muzan's gathering of demons underway and tensions escalating among the existing Hashira members. I'm eagerly anticipating whether Tanjiro will acquire any new skills as the story progresses.

Within a brief period, one can grasp the emotions and dynamics between each character. The narrative is gripping, although I personally find some of the violent scenes a bit too graphic. However, aside from that aspect, I believe it's a series worth catching, especially when it comes with perks for the collector fans.

During the event, both Seiyuu Natsuki Hanae, known for voicing Tanjiro Kamado, and Seiyuu Akari Kito, recognized as the voice behind Nezuko Kamado, captivated the audience when they introduced themselves using the characters' voices. The enthusiasm from the crowd was palpable as they witnessed the voice actors channeling the essence of Tanjiro and Nezuko, making the event an electrifying experience for all attendees.

In addition to this segment, all fans, depending on their ticket category, receive three different sets of novelty items. These include a Seiyuu Acrylic Signature Card Set, a T-Shirt, an A2 Poster, a Japan Import Movie Booklet, and a Sticker Set.

If you're eager to see the movie and snag some goodies, Shaw Theatre is hosting a Fan Screening on February 24, 2024, at 1:50 pm and 2:00 pm. Even without special guest appearances by the Seiyuu-s, you can still acquire fan collectibles. Package A is available for $60, while Package B costs $50, each offering a distinct set of collectibles. For more information and ticket booking, you can go to https://shaw.sg/promo-details/SH-SH-DSFANS.

Special Guest: Natsuki Hanae

Natsuki Hanae is a voice actor affiliated with ACROSS ENTERTAINMENT, inc. Besides Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer, some of his other notable roles include: Ken Kaneki in Tokyo Ghoul, Inaho Kaizuka in Aldnoah.Zero, Takumi Aldini in Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma, and Gremmy Thoumeaux in Bleach. In 2020, he won the Most Popular Voice Actor of the Year at the 42nd Anime Grand Prix.

Special Guest: Akari Kito

Akari Kito is a Japanese voice actress and singer affiliated with Raccoon Dog. She is best known for her work as Tsukasa Yuzaki in TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You, Ashley Graham in Resident Evil 4 (video game), Toko Usagihara in Akebi's Sailor Uniform and Nene Yashiro in Toilet-bound Hanako-kun.

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