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Natsuki Hanae Introduces Demon Slayer's New 'Cat Breathing Technique' During Mumbai Comic Con Weekend
posted on by Adriana Hazra
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba voice actor Natsuki Hanae and producer Yūma Takahashi took to the stage in front of a roaring crowd of anime fans at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai on Saturday. On their first trip to India their first stop was Mumbai Comic Con, where they addressed a crowd of hundreds in a panel.
The panel kicked off as Takahashi explained to the fans the role of a producer in an anime and Hanae did his much anticipated line readings as the crowd cheered. Takahashi went on to state that visiting Mumbai Comic Con was Aniplex's idea and expressed his happiness at being at the event.
When asked that, aside from "water breathing" and "Hinokami Kagura," if there were any other techniques he would like to use, Hanae stated that he'd like to do a "cat breathing" technique in honor of his pet cat. He said that "rather than killing the demons with swords, I would kill the demons with the cats' cuteness." He talked about how after five years of playing Tanjiro, he now feels like the character himself, going on to state how he even had a mark on his forehead recently just like the character.
As a special surprise at the end of the panel, Crunchyroll arranged a short livestream with voice actor Takahiro Sakurai (the voice of Giyū Tomioka). He was streaming live from an event in Yokohama and expressed his joy at the popularity of the Demon Slayer franchise in India. The crowd roared as he stated how he hoped to be in Mumbai in person for the next panel. Takahashi added the fun fact that Mumbai and Yokohama are sister cities, making the livestream extra special.
The guests were then rushed to the highlight of the evening, the World Tour screening where fans had gathered in anticipation of getting to see Hanae and Takahashi up close. Maison Inox in Jio World Plaza was all decked out as Demon Slayer videos played on the LCD and several talented cosplayers acted out scenarios from the franchise.
As fans were seated for the screening, Hanae and Takahashi began the interaction with a little introduction in Hindi. Takahashi even introduced himself as the show's "nirmata." They went on to speak a little bit about their experience of their first trip to India, with Hanae emphasizing how much he loved the food in the country.
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Hanae continued his funny streak during his time at the screening. When asked about the contents of the Hashira Training Arc season's first episode, Hanae said he didn't want to give out any spoilers but he can guarantee the season will end with all the Hashira dancing to "Naatu Naatu" from the Indian film RRR. The enthusiasm from the crowd might have been a bit overwhelming, as he quickly clarified he was indeed joking. Takahashi then answered the question a bit more seriously, stating, "there's going to be entertainment, victory, comedy, and everything" in the upcoming season.
When asked what makes Demon Slayer such as special show, Takahashi said that the manga that inspired the anime has everything from comedy to action. It shows family bonds and sibling bonds, and the creators want to show that to people all around the world. Before the screening finally began, Takahashi concluded by thanking Crunchyroll for giving them this platform, thanking voice actors like Natsuki Hanae who made the show a success, and telling the fans that they'll keep working hard in order to deliver the best content to them.
The screenings for the anime opened in Indian theaters on February 23. Indian actress Disha Patani attended the premiere screening for the anime in Mumbai on February 21. Early screenings began in several cities across India on February 22. The film crossed ₹5,19,94,270 in revenue in its first week in India becoming the highest-earning international film in the country so far for 2024.
The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc anime will premiere on May 12.
Mumbai Comic Con is taking place at Jio World Centre, BKC on April 20 and April 21.
Source: Mumbai Comic Con, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training- World Tour screening
