The highly anticipated first film in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle trilogy has unveiled its new trailer, revealing that renowned Japanese artists Aimer and LiSA will contribute theme songs to the cinematic event. This announcement further solidifies the franchise’s tradition of collaborating with top-tier musical talent to enhance its immersive world and intense narrative. The film, officially titled Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns, is set to premiere in Japan on July 18, 2025, with international releases beginning in August and September 2025.
The Legacy of Demon Slayer’s Soundscape
Since its inception, the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba anime series, produced by the acclaimed Ufotable studio, has been celebrated not only for its breathtaking animation and compelling storytelling but also for its impactful musical scores. The series’ theme songs have consistently transcended the typical anime opening and ending tracks, becoming cultural phenomena in their own right and significantly contributing to the franchise’s global appeal.
Ufotable, founded in October 2000, has earned a reputation for its meticulous attention to detail in animation, stunning background art, and seamless integration of 2D and 3D elements, which brings a dynamic quality to fight scenes. Their dedication to quality, often focusing on fewer projects with in-house staff, ensures a cohesive and high-caliber visual experience. This commitment extends to the audio, where the chosen artists and compositions become integral to the emotional resonance of each arc.
The original anime series, based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, premiered in April 2019, introducing audiences to Tanjiro Kamado’s journey to avenge his family and cure his demon-turned sister, Nezuko. The first season’s opening theme, “Gurenge” by LiSA, became an instant hit. Its powerful lyrics, reflecting themes of resilience and hope, resonated deeply with fans worldwide, solidifying LiSA’s inseparable connection to the franchise. “Gurenge” achieved significant commercial success, topping various music charts and earning awards.
Following the television series, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train (2020) shattered box office records, becoming Japan’s highest-grossing film of all time. LiSA once again contributed to its success with the award-winning theme song “Homura.” This film and its subsequent television adaptation further cemented the role of music in amplifying the series’ dramatic peaks and emotional depth.
The Return of Iconic Voices: Aimer and LiSA
The announcement of Aimer and LiSA’s involvement in the Infinity Castle film trilogy underscores the pivotal role these artists play in the Demon Slayer universe. For Infinity Castle Movie 1, Aimer will perform “A World Where the Sun Never Rises,” while LiSA will perform “Shine in the Cruel Night.” Both songs are expected to be available on global streaming platforms starting July 18, 2025.
LiSA (Risa Oribe), known professionally as LiSA, has been a cornerstone of the Demon Slayer musical experience since its inception. Beyond “Gurenge” and “Homura,” she also performed “From the Edge,” the ending theme for Season 1, and for the Mugen Train Arc TV adaptation, she delivered both the opening theme “Akeboshi” and ending theme “Shirogane.” Her raw, emotive vocals and ability to craft songs that perfectly capture the series’ blend of fierce action and profound emotion have made her a fan favorite. Her extensive career includes theme songs for other popular anime like Fate/Zero and Sword Art Online.
Aimer, known for her distinctive husky voice and versatile musical style, made her debut in the Demon Slayer franchise with the Entertainment District Arc, performing the opening theme “Zankyou Sanka” and ending theme “Asa ga Kuru.” “Zankyou Sanka” quickly became a global hit, reaching the top of Japan’s music charts and appearing on the Billboard Global 200. Aimer’s contributions to anime soundtracks are vast, spanning series such as Fate/stay night, Vinland Saga, and Chainsaw Man. Her compositions often evoke a sense of grandeur and introspection, fitting perfectly with the dramatic scope of Demon Slayer.
The collaboration of these two powerhouses for the Infinity Castle trilogy suggests a deliberate effort to deliver a musical experience that matches the climactic nature of the final arc. Their previous works for the franchise have demonstrated a profound understanding of its narrative and emotional core, making them ideal choices to guide viewers through the intensity of the upcoming battles.
The Infinity Castle Arc: A Climactic Conclusion
The Infinity Castle arc marks the beginning of the “Final Battle” in Koyoharu Gotouge’s original manga. It is a direct continuation from the Hashira Training Arc and will be adapted into a three-part film series, signifying its immense narrative importance and the scale of its events. Unlike previous compilation films, the Infinity Castle saga is presented as feature-length adaptations, akin to Mugen Train, to preserve the arc’s content and dramatic pacing.
The story plunges Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps into the treacherous, reality-bending Infinity Castle, the stronghold of Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King. This arc is renowned for its explosive battles, revealing tragic backstories of antagonists, and featuring the ultimate confrontation between the Demon Slayers and Muzan’s Upper Rank demons. Key confrontations, including those involving Akaza, Doma, and Kokushibo, are set to be among the most intense in the series. The first film, “Akaza’s Return,” specifically teases a renewed focus on Tanjiro’s impending showdown with Akaza, the demon responsible for the death of Flame Hashira Rengoku in Mugen Train.
The shift to a film trilogy for the final arc emphasizes the creators’ commitment to providing a faithful and expansive retelling of the manga’s emotionally charged conclusion. Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment have announced that the first film will receive an “unprecedented scale” worldwide release, starting August 12 in Southeast Asia and expanding to over 70 countries, including the United States and Canada on September 12, 2025. It will be available in both Japanese with English subtitles and an English dub. Furthermore, the film will open in the largest number of Japanese theaters in the franchise’s history, with 452 screens, including IMAX.
The Cultural Impact of Anime Music
The phenomenon of anime theme songs becoming mainstream hits is not new but has intensified in recent years, largely due to global streaming platforms and social media. Anime songs, or “anison,” have evolved from niche musical categories to a driving force in J-pop, with many tracks dominating music charts and gaining international recognition.
The songs chosen for anime serve multiple purposes beyond mere entertainment; they introduce characters, set the tone, reflect plot developments, and deepen the audience’s emotional connection to the narrative. Artists like LiSA and Aimer have become cultural ambassadors, introducing Japanese music to a global audience and demonstrating the profound impact of well-crafted soundtracks on a series’ overall success. Their ability to convey the intricate emotions and high-stakes drama of Demon Slayer through their music has undoubtedly played a significant role in its widespread popularity.
The collaboration of Aimer and LiSA for the Infinity Castle films is more than just a musical announcement; it is a reaffirmation of the artistic synergy that has defined Demon Slayer‘s success. As fans brace themselves for the final, epic confrontations within Muzan’s fortress, the powerful voices of these artists will undoubtedly provide the poignant and electrifying soundtrack to one of anime’s most anticipated conclusions.
