In an ambitious move to captivate audiences worldwide, the creators of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba have partnered with the city of Gyoda in Saitama Prefecture to launch an extraordinary promotional campaign that blends traditional artistry with modern pop culture. Unveiled on June 15, 2025, by the Gyoda Hospitality and Tourism Association, this initiative showcases a breathtaking depiction of Tanjiro Kamado, the beloved protagonist of the series, crafted with meticulous precision across a sprawling 28,000-square-meter rice paddy field. This stunning artwork, visible only from an aerial perspective, marks a bold attempt to surpass a previous Guinness World Record set in 2015, highlighting the franchise's innovative approach to marketing its upcoming cinematic release.
The project, which began with planting in early June, transforms the agricultural landscape into a living canvas. Different varieties of rice, carefully selected for their distinct colors and growth patterns, are strategically planted to bring Tanjiro’s iconic features—his expressive eyes, flowing hair, and checkered haori—to life. As the rice matures over the coming weeks, the artwork is expected to evolve, with the shades of green, brown, and burgundy intensifying to create a dynamic and immersive visual experience. Located near the Ancient Lotus Park, this seasonal masterpiece will be on display from mid-July to mid-October, inviting visitors to witness the "effort's crystal" firsthand from the observation tower of the Ancient Lotus Museum.
The creation of this massive artwork involved a collaborative effort, with planting events held on June 14 and 15, 2025, engaging local volunteers and participants in the intricate process. The design, inspired by Tanjiro’s mid-attack pose and gleaming Nichirin blade, aligns perfectly with the themes of the forthcoming Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle. Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Ufotable alongside Aniplex, the project reflects the city of Gyoda’s longstanding tradition of rice paddy art, a practice that has garnered international acclaim for its scale and ingenuity. This year’s endeavor not only celebrates the region’s heritage but also positions it as a global stage for the Demon Slayer franchise’s next chapter.
What is Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle about?
The foundation of this cinematic spectacle lies in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga, penned by Koyoharu Gotouge and serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2016 to 2020. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered and his sister Nezuko is transformed into a demon. With a global circulation exceeding 150 million copies, the manga has become a cultural phenomenon, setting the stage for its anime adaptations and now this ambitious film trilogy. The "Infinity Castle" arc, the first part of the manga’s climactic Final Battle Arc, brings the series to its thrilling conclusion.
In Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle, the Demon Slayer Corps plunges into the treacherous depths of the Infinity Castle, a shifting labyrinth controlled by the demon progenitor Muzan Kibutsuji. As Tanjiro and the remaining Hashira confront the last of the Twelve Kizuki, the stakes soar with intense battles and emotional stakes. Shinobu engages in a fierce duel with Upper-Rank 2 demon Doma, while Kanao, Iguro, and Kanroji navigate the castle’s disorienting rooms. Elsewhere, Tokito, Sanemi, and Genya face a mysterious foe from Tokito’s past. This first installment sets the tone for an epic showdown, blending breathtaking animation with the series’ signature blend of action and heart.
As the rice grows and the artwork takes fuller shape, anticipation builds for the cinematic continuation of the series. The first installment of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle is scheduled to premiere in Japan on July 18, 2025, marking the beginning of a highly anticipated three-part film series. This adaptation of the Infinity Castle arc promises to deliver high-stakes swordplay and emotional depth, following Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps into the demons’ stronghold. With the movie’s release less than a month away, this unique promotional campaign sets the stage for an unforgettable cinematic journey.
Source: gyoda_kankou - X
