Akaza’s voice actor, Akira Ishida, recently sat down with Japan Wire by Kyodo News to discuss how his character poses as a “formidable obstacle” in Tanjiro’s path to getting stronger. As the protagonist of Demon Slayer, he would naturally develop his strength, but there had to be a strong motive for it.
Who served as Tanjiro’s motive then? Akaza’s actions in Demon Slayer: Mugen Train certainly gave him plenty. He forced Tanjiro to realize that he needs to grow. When asked if his character’s role carries his development, Ishida stated:
Indeed. Akaza, through his relentless pursuit of ultimate strength, has become an incredibly powerful adversary. This paradoxically highlights why Tanjiro needed to grow.
So, how has Koyoharu Gotouge portrayed Tanjiro’s development and Akaza’s role in it in Demon Slayer? Let’s dive in.
Akaza’s Continuous Growth Meant Tanjiro Couldn’t Stay the Same in Demon Slayer
The Upper Moon Rank 3 demon is one of the most powerful in Demon Slayer, with his Destructive Death abilities being as lethal as they sound. He was a major antagonist in Demon Slayer: Mugen Train,
Akaza was already incredibly strong back then, and an impossible enemy for Tanjiro to defeat, when even a Hashira couldn’t face him without dying. During the short time the protagonist got attached to Rengoku, he vowed to get stronger so he could assist other Hashira more effectively.
Tanjiro felt helpless during his fight against Akaza in Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, but in Infinity Castle, he developed his skills significantly. Naturally, both movies would be pitted against one another.
He had Sun Breathing, gained his Demon Slayer mark, and had more experience against the Upper Moons. Akaza, however, was still a massive obstacle in his path. He had to get justice for Rengoku and also defeat as many demons.
In Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, the Upper Moon 3 was ruthless against Giyuu and Tanjiro. The latter had to figure out a loophole against Destructive Death: Compass Needle, but still exhausted himself and collapsed. If it weren’t for Akaza remembering his past, he wouldn’t have won.
Akira Ishida Gave His All in Portraying Demon Slayer’s Best Villain
Akaza is arguably the best villain in Demon Slayer. Fans admire him for never harming women, find his attitude when fighting quite different and curious, and after we find out his human past, we realize how deeply compassionate and honorable he was. All he wanted to do was protect the ones he loved.
His voice actor, Akira Ishida, brings out each nuance while performing as Akaza. You might know him as Gaara in Naruto, Fyodor Dostoyevsky in Bungo Stray Dogs, Cavendish in One Piece, and many more. However, with Akaza, he got a chance to bring out the rage and intensity of his voice.
Ishida does an excellent job with Akaza, despite his previous roles being more gentle. So, if anyone knows the Demon Slayer villain more than Gotouge, it’s him. What’s even better about his character is that he might serve as an obstacle for Tanjiro, but he shines on his own, thanks to his story and Ishida’s take on him.
Did Akaza motivate Tanjiro to get stronger? Let us know your thoughts on their dynamic in the comments below!
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train can currently be streamed on Crunchyroll, and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is in theatres worldwide.
