San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is set to host a landmark panel for the global phenomenon Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, bringing together key figures behind its unparalleled success. Scheduled for Saturday, July 26, at 5:45 p.m. PDT in the prestigious Hall H, the “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle” panel promises an unforgettable experience for fans, featuring theme song artist LiSA, Tanjiro Kamado’s Japanese voice actor Natsuki Hanae, and representatives from the acclaimed animation studio ufotable, including Director Haruo Sotozaki and Director of Photography Yuichi Terao. This event marks a significant occasion, as it will be the first time ufotable representatives have visited the U.S. since the anime’s debut in 2019.
The Significance of the ‘Infinity Castle’ Revelation
The panel is specifically centered around the highly anticipated Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle film, the first installment in a three-part cinematic trilogy that will delve into the climactic final battle of the series. This trilogy is poised to bring to life one of the manga’s most complex and visually demanding storylines, showcasing the all-out conflict that has captivated millions worldwide. The first film is slated for a July 18 premiere in Japan, with North American releases in the United States and Canada beginning on September 12.
Fans attending the Hall H panel can expect in-depth discussions about the upcoming movie, alongside an exclusive footage presentation, offering a sneak peek at content not yet seen by international audiences outside of Japan. Crunchyroll, a major partner in bringing Demon Slayer to global audiences, will also host interactive activities inspired by the new film at their booth (#4135) throughout the convention.
Spotlight on the Illustrious Guests
The lineup of guests underscores the panel’s importance, featuring artists and creators who have been instrumental in Demon Slayer‘s ascent to pop culture icon status.
LiSA: The Voice of Demon Slayer’s Soul
LiSA, whose real name is Risa Oribe, is a Japanese pop singer widely recognized for her powerful and emotionally resonant contributions to Demon Slayer‘s soundtrack. Her presence at the panel is highly anticipated, given her integral role in defining the anime’s sonic landscape. She famously performed “Gurenge” (Red Lotus), the electrifying first opening theme song for the anime’s initial season, which became a commercial success and received numerous accolades. LiSA also contributed “Akeboshi” (Morning Star) as the opening theme for the “Mugen Train Arc” of the second season, further solidifying her connection to the franchise’s musical identity. Her songs are praised for encapsulating the courage and hope that define the series’ protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado. This appearance also follows her recent performance at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 as part of Crunchyroll’s free concert series, marking her first U.S. performance in nearly a decade at that time.
Natsuki Hanae: Embodying Tanjiro’s Spirit
Natsuki Hanae is the celebrated Japanese voice actor who brings to life the series’ kind-hearted yet determined protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado. Hanae’s nuanced performance has been critical in conveying Tanjiro’s emotional depth, his unwavering resolve to protect his sister Nezuko, and his journey to become a powerful Demon Slayer. His portrayal has garnered significant acclaim, winning him the Best Leading Actor award at the 14th Seiyuu Awards. Beyond Demon Slayer, Hanae boasts an impressive resume, having voiced iconic characters such as Ken Kaneki in Tokyo Ghoul and 9S in Nier: Automata Ver1.1a. His insights into Tanjiro’s character development and the emotional challenges of voicing such a demanding role are sure to be a highlight for fans.
ufotable: The Architects of Visual Grandeur
The renowned animation studio ufotable is a cornerstone of Demon Slayer‘s global appeal, widely celebrated for its breathtaking animation quality, dynamic fight sequences, and meticulous attention to detail. Founded in October 2000, ufotable gained significant recognition for their work on the Fate series and The Garden of Sinners before Demon Slayer propelled them to mainstream stardom.
Director Haruo Sotozaki, who has helmed the Demon Slayer anime series, and Director of Photography Yuichi Terao, are confirmed to represent the studio at the panel. Their presence offers a unique opportunity for fans to gain behind-the-scenes insights into the creative process that has made Demon Slayer‘s animation a benchmark in the industry. ufotable’s distinctive blend of traditional 2D animation with cutting-edge 3D effects has been praised for elevating the manga’s source material, creating an immersive visual experience that few other studios could achieve, especially in complex arcs like the upcoming Infinity Castle. Their return to a U.S. convention for Demon Slayer since 2019 signifies the monumental importance of the upcoming Infinity Castle films.
Demon Slayer’s Enduring Legacy
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, originally a manga series by Koyoharu Gotouge, has evolved into one of the most successful entertainment franchises globally. Since its anime debut in 2019, it has captivated millions with its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and stunning animation. The series has broken numerous records, with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train becoming the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time. The upcoming “Infinity Castle” trilogy represents a pivotal moment for the franchise, promising an epic conclusion to Tanjiro’s journey. This San Diego Comic-Con panel will not only celebrate the series’ immense popularity but also provide a crucial look into the future of its animated saga, cementing its place as a cultural phenomenon.
