Demon Slayer Movie — Mugen Train is the movie version of the anime that was first screened in Japan on October 16, 2020. Its original story was by Koyoha- ru GOTOUGE, and it was produced by the famous anime production company Ufotable. When the movie version was screened, it broke a lot of records. 73 days after its release, it surpassed the sales record of Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 film Spirited Away, becoming the best-selling movie in Japanese movie history.
In a Japanese society ravaged by COVID-19, the social meanings of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba go beyond the mere business phenomena such as best-sell- ing manga or best-selling movie; it has had various influences on Japanese society, generating positive energy, and some might even say it can be called a “miracle.” Under this theme, this essay has three points: First of all, the author would like to clarify the meaning of the enemy, “Oni/demon,” in Japanese history and culture in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and describes how the creator uses the imagination of literature to reveal the battle between humans and demons. Secondly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, people have become more distant; the depictions of fami- ly love, friendship, class ethics, etc., narrated in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, has helped many fans remember precious feelings they had forgotten. Thirdly, the essay investigates the meanings of the most important advertising slogans attached to the work: “This is the best, kindest demon-slaying in Japan” and “The dawn is coming.
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The minds are eternal.” The author clarifies the messages that this movie wants to convey. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the miracle of “Kimetsu” during the COVID-19 pandemic through these three points.
