Demon Slayer Stage Play Vol. 5 Review

The fifth installment of the stage adaptation of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba shines in the 2.5-dimensional world. What makes it even more powerful is the emotional connection shared by the cast, which adds depth and authenticity to the story.

The popular manga Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotouge is beloved not only in Japan but around the world, across all generations. The highly anticipated first part of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Castle Arc, which marks the climax of the story, is set to premiere on July 18 — and I’m more excited than ever.

In the meantime, Stage Play “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Part 5: Attack on the Swordsmith Village is an absolute must-see. This installment brings to life the intense battle at the Swordsmith Village, which was raided by Upper Rank demons. It highlights not only the struggles of Tanjiro Kamado and his sister Nezuko, but also the compelling stories of the Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji and Muichiro Tokito — both of whom are fan favorites. Even before the show began, I couldn’t wait to see how their fierce fights would be portrayed on stage.

This stage adaptation brilliantly recreates the world of the beloved manga in a 2.5-dimensional theatrical experience.

What I was most looking forward to in the stage adaptation of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba was how the production would capture the passion of the original story. It’s not just the intense battle scenes — it’s the emotional weight behind the characters’ thoughts and the strength of their bonds that truly moves me. Watching Tanjiro and his companions fight with unwavering resolve always makes me want to cheer them on.

With a heart worn down by daily life, I went to see the Tokyo performance at the Tennozu Galaxy Theater, hoping the experience would lift my spirits and cleanse my tired soul. And to be honest, it did far more than that — I left the theater feeling renewed, refreshed, and incredibly positive.

One of the standout traits of Demon Slayer is how clearly Tanjiro expresses what he sees and feels through words. On stage, Shohei Hashimoto — standing in for Shogo Sakamoto — portrayed this beautifully. Tanjiro’s heartfelt lines not only drew the audience in but also sharpened their emotional focus, pulling everyone deeper into the world of the play.

One of the highlights of the stage production is the series of intense and overlapping battle scenes. From the fierce fight where Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Genya Shinazugawa team up to go after the demon’s head, to Mitsuri Kanroji’s graceful yet powerful support, and the desperate struggle to protect the swordsmith aiding Muichiro Tokito — multiple battles unfold simultaneously on stage.

Rather than feeling overwhelming, the parallel action enhances the sense of urgency, immersing the audience in the chaos and emotion of each moment. Each character’s unique fighting style is brought to life: Mitsuri moves with elegance, almost like she’s dancing, while Genya confronts the enemy with raw strength.

What truly strengthens the production is how deeply the characters’ emotions are connected and conveyed from the stage. This emotional resonance makes the experience all the more powerful and unforgettable.

As I watched the stage play, I found myself reflecting once again on why I love Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. I realized it’s because the story speaks to a universal desire — the need to connect. The greatest enemy, Muzan Kibutsuji, creates new demons only for his own gain, without any emotional connection or shared purpose. In contrast, the Demon Slayer Corps fights not just for survival, but to protect the people they care about. Even if one of them falls, they believe that others who share the same will can carry on and ultimately defeat Muzan.

Originally, Shogo Sakamoto was scheduled to play Tanjiro in this production, but due to a mild cervical disc herniation, he is taking a temporary break. Shohei Hashimoto has stepped in as his replacement, and after the first performance, he shared a heartfelt comment:

“I will put all my energy into this production — to carry it forward to the next generation, to protect Shogo’s place, and to honor everyone’s efforts up to this point.”

This message of connecting thoughts and intentions is what defines humanity — and it’s precisely that connection that gives us strength.

Other highlights of the stage play include a video scene featuring Kazuki Kato as Kokushibo, making his debut in the Demon Slayer series, and Kenji Urai as Doma during the Upper Ranks gathering. Following the Tokyo performances, which run through April 20, the show will move to Hyogo for a run at AiiA 2.5 Theater Kobe from April 25 to 27. In addition to live streaming, a special live viewing will also take place in theaters across Japan on April 20.