Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc Guide

Revival screenings of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train began today, May 9, at 423 theaters across Japan. This marks the first revival since the film’s original 2020 release. The movie will be shown in various premium formats, including IMAX, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and MX4D. For this special screening, the entire film has been upconverted to 4K, with audio remixed specifically for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Cinema presentations.

“Rengoku Kyojuro Birthday Card”

The revival screening will run for a limited five-week period, with “Rengoku Kyojuro Birthday Cards” being given out as the first admission bonus starting May 9 (while supplies last). At the end of the film, a theater-exclusive trailer featuring new footage from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Castle Arc will also be shown.

Originally released in 2020, the film became a massive hit, earning 40.43 billion yen and holding the record as the highest-grossing film in Japanese history. In this article, we’ll introduce the key characters, voice actors, must-know terms, and the film’s incredible box office performance—so both longtime fans and newcomers can enjoy the Mugen Train Arc revival to the fullest.

[Synopsis of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train”]

Set in Japan during the Taisho era, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy whose family is slaughtered by demons. His sister Nezuko, the sole survivor, is turned into a demon herself. To save her and avenge his family, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps. After completing his training at the Butterfly Mansion, Tanjiro boards the Mugen Train, where over 40 passengers have mysteriously gone missing. Alongside his sister Nezuko and comrades Zenitsu and Inosuke, he teams up with Kyojuro Rengoku, one of the most powerful swordsmen in the Corps, to confront the demonic threat aboard the train.

[Main Characters to Know]

Even if this is your first time watching the Mugen Train Arc, you’ll be able to enjoy it by knowing these five key characters:

Tanjiro Kamado – the compassionate protagonist.
Nezuko Kamado – Tanjiro’s sister, now a demon.
Zenitsu Agatsuma – a nervous but powerful swordsman.
Inosuke Hashibira – a wild fighter who wears a boar mask.
Kyojuro Rengoku – the Flame Hashira, a heroic figure central to this arc.

The main character of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Tanjiro Kamado once lived a peaceful life with his family, who ran a charcoal business. One day, however, his entire family was slaughtered by demons—except for his younger sister Nezuko, who was turned into a demon. To find a way to restore Nezuko’s humanity, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps. Through rigorous training, he masters the “Water Breathing” sword technique.

Nezuko Kamado is Tanjiro’s younger sister who was turned into a demon. She usually travels in a wooden box carried on Tanjiro’s back to avoid sunlight. Unlike ordinary demons, Nezuko does not harm humans—instead, she often protects Tanjiro and assists him during battles.

Zenitsu Agatsuma (CV: Hiro Shimono)

Zenitsu Agatsuma is a fellow Demon Slayer who joined the Corps alongside Tanjiro. He uses the “Thunder Breathing” technique in combat. Though often cowardly, he has strong feelings for Nezuko and shows remarkable strength when it matters most.

Inosuke Hashibira is a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, like Tanjiro and Zenitsu. He wields the “Beast Breathing” technique and is easily recognized by the boar mask he always wears. Known for his brash and impulsive nature, Inosuke often charges into battle headfirst.

<Kyōjūrō Rengoku (CV: Hino Satoshi)>

Kyojuro Rengoku is one of the Hashira—the elite swordsmen of the Demon Slayer Corps—and a master of the Flame Breathing technique. Known for his straightforward and honest personality, he leads Tanjiro and the others during the investigation of the Mugen Train as a senior member of the Corps.

[Key Terminology for Enjoying Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba]

Even if you’re not familiar with the series, you may have heard the phrase “Total Concentration.” Here are four essential terms that will help you better enjoy the Mugen Train Arc:

Demons are human-eating creatures and the main enemies in the series. When a human is injected with the blood of the original demon, Muzan Kibutsuji, they transform into a demon. Demons are immortal and gain supernatural abilities, but most lose their humanity in the process.

<Demon Slayer Corps / Hashira>

An unofficial government organization tasked with hunting demons. The organization has a ranking system, and its nine highest-ranking swordsmen are known as the “Hashira” (Pillars).

Special breathing techniques used by Demon Slayers to enhance their physical abilities and combat demons. Each technique is based on an elemental style—such as Water, Flame, or Thunder—and utilizes “Total Concentration Breathing” to maximize oxygen intake and strength.

The Twelve Kizuki, also known as the Twelve Demon Moons, are an elite group of demons under the command of Muzan Kibutsuji. They are divided into two tiers: the six Upper Ranks, who are the most powerful, and the six Lower Ranks, who are weaker in comparison. Each member is assigned a number, such as “Upper Rank One.” Enmu, who appears in the Mugen Train Arc, is Lower Rank One—making him the strongest among the Lower Ranks and the seventh overall member of the Twelve Kizuki.

Released on October 16, 2020, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train became a record-breaking blockbuster, earning ¥40.43 billion and becoming the highest-grossing film in Japanese history. Since the TV anime was first announced in 2018, Anime Hack has closely followed the series—covering major events and interviewing the main cast, including Natsuki Hanae. After watching the film, trace the journey that led to the phenomenal success of the Mugen Train Arc.

[Two “Mugen Train Arcs”]

There are two versions of the Mugen Train Arc in the Demon Slayer anime. After the movie’s release, a 7-episode TV version aired in 2021, featuring a re-edited version of the arc. Episode 1, titled “Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku,” is an original story created for the anime, showing the day before Rengoku boards the Mugen Train. Episodes 2 through 7 include around 70 new cuts and additional background music. It’s worth comparing both versions to see the differences.

Many viewers who saw the movie may not have watched the first episode of the TV version. However, this episode adds depth to Rengoku’s character and enriches the emotional impact of the movie’s ending, with story elements subtly connected to the film.

[What to Watch After the Mugen Train Arc]

To fully enjoy the series, it’s recommended to watch Season 1 of the TV anime, Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc (26 episodes total), which follows Tanjiro and his friends from the beginning of the story up to the events right before the Mugen Train Arc. Kyojuro Rengoku also makes an appearance in Episode 23, “Hashira Meeting.”