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Animated thriller

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 (2025): Cast & Ratings

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 (2025) movie poster

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 is a 2025 animated thriller directed by Haruo Sotozaki, starring Natsuki Hanae as Tanjiro Kamado (voice) and Akari Kito. It runs 1 hour 45 minutes. Critics gave it 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Rotten Tomatoes
88%
Echo Score
66
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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 45m (105 min)
Director
Haruo Sotozaki
Original language
Japanese
Studio
Aniplex
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 About?

The premise of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 without spoilers.

As preparation for the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji, Tanjiro and his fellow Demon Slayers begin a rigorous training arc led by the Hashira, the Corps' highest-ranking swordsmen. This special edition provides a recap of episodes 56 through 59, showcasing the individual strengths and resolve of each character as they prepare for the ultimate confrontation. Faith and determination guide them as they embark on this new chapter in their journey.

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Cast & crew

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 Cast & Characters

Natsuki Hanae leads the cast as Tanjiro Kamado (voice), with Akari Kito as Nezuko Kamado (voice). Directed by Haruo Sotozaki.

From the director

More from Haruo Sotozaki

More films directed by Haruo Sotozaki, best-rated first: Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Infinity Castle, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba - To the Hashira Training and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Swordsmith Village-.

Full filmography
Ratings

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. Our Echo Score gives it 66/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in story & flow (50).

66 /100

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 Echo Score Breakdown

The special edition delivers high‑quality animation and visual flair, which satisfy existing fans, but its reliance on previously seen material and thin narrative limit broader appeal. While the action sequences and character interactions retain the series’ energy, the lack of new plot development renders the experience more of a recap than a standalone film. Consequently, the entry offers moderate enjoyment, especially for dedicated viewers.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of direction and production design, the film showcases polished animation and dynamic cinematography that highlight the series’ signature style. The fight choreography is choreographed with clarity, and the editing maintains rhythm during action set‑pieces. However, the limited new content means the visual achievements are largely repackaged from prior episodes. Overall, the craft remains strong.

  • Character & Emotion 65

    When assessing character depth, the piece retains established relationships and moments of emotional resonance, particularly in brief interactions between the Hashira. Performances convey the series’ underlying humanity, yet the condensed format leaves little room for further development. Consequently, characters feel familiar but under‑explored, providing modest engagement for fans while offering limited new insight.

  • Story & Flow 50

    Regarding plot coherence, the arc functions primarily as a training recap, offering limited originality and pacing that leans toward filler. While the segment raises anticipation for upcoming movies, its narrative thrust is minimal, and the lack of new stakes reduces overall engagement. The story thus serves more as a bridge than a self‑contained narrative.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    In terms of sensory experience, the film delivers striking visuals and a vibrant soundtrack that enhance the action sequences. Sound design underscores the intensity of battles, and color palettes remain true to the series’ aesthetic. Though the audiovisual elements are impressive, they are largely recycled from earlier episodes, limiting novelty. Overall, the sensory impact remains high for viewers.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    When evaluating rewatch factor, the edition offers high visual appeal and familiar character moments that reward fans on subsequent viewings. However, the predominance of recapped content and limited new narrative reduce incentive for repeat engagement beyond dedicated enthusiasts. Consequently, the film provides moderate replay value, primarily for those already invested in the series.

Details

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “귀멸의 칼날: 합동 강화 훈련 개막편” and “鬼灭之刃剧场版:柱训练 开幕篇”.

Also known as
  • 귀멸의 칼날: 합동 강화 훈련 개막편
  • 鬼灭之刃剧场版:柱训练 开幕篇
  • 鬼滅之刃劇場版:柱訓練 開幕篇

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FAQ

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 FAQ: Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1?

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 runs 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).

When was Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 released?

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 was released on June 20, 2025.

Who directed Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1?

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 was directed by Haruo Sotozaki.

More films by Haruo Sotozaki

Who is in the cast of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1?

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 stars Natsuki Hanae as Tanjiro Kamado (voice) and Akari Kito as Nezuko Kamado (voice).

How is Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 rated?

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 has 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72% on TMDB and 3.6/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 have a post-credit scene?

No. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 in?

The original language of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Special Edition Hashira Training Arc Part 1 is Japanese.

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