The excitement surrounding the upcoming Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle trilogy has reached a new high. Recently, the official promotional video featuring the long-awaited battle between Akaza and the series’ protagonists was released on YouTube, and it has already achieved an incredible milestone.
Within just under 16 hours of its release, the video surpassed one million views, proving once again how strong the global fanbase for the series has become. The scene shown in the footage captures the intense atmosphere of the final battles, drawing both long-time fans and casual viewers into the hype.
The promotional video was released at 2 AM UTC on August 9, 2025, and immediately began spreading across social media. Fans from all over the world tuned in to watch Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka face off against Akaza, one of the most feared Upper Rank demons in the Twelve Kizuki.
The scene is part of the Infinity Castle arc, which is one of the most anticipated storylines in the manga. The anime adaptation is set to bring these moments to life with breathtaking animation and high emotional stakes, and this preview gave audiences just enough to keep them talking.
Akaza is one of the most popular and complex villains in Demon Slayer. Known for his unmatched martial arts skills, regeneration abilities, and tragic past, his fight against Tanjiro and Giyu promises to be one of the emotional high points of the arc.
In the manga, this battle is not only physically intense but also layered with themes of regret, determination, and the clash between humanity and demonic nature. The short preview manages to capture the ferocity of the fight while also showing glimpses of the characters’ determination.
Demon Slayer Franchise (Credits: Koyoharu Gotouge)
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Akaza Showdown Clip Hits 1 Million Views in 16 Hours
The rapid growth in views is a clear sign of the massive anticipation for the Infinity Castle films. Earlier this year, the main trailer for the trilogy broke records by earning over 40 million views across different platforms in less than a day.
This new video’s success continues that momentum, suggesting that the theatrical release will draw huge audiences worldwide. Many fans are already calling the animation some of Ufotable’s best work, with fluid motion, intense lighting, and vivid colors bringing the battle to life.
Demon Slayer has consistently been one of the biggest anime franchises of the past few years. Since its debut, it has captured the hearts of viewers with its mix of action, heartfelt storytelling, and emotional character arcs.
The series’ ability to balance explosive fight scenes with deeply personal moments has set it apart in the anime industry. Each new release (whether it be an episode, a movie, or even a promotional clip) tends to create a wave of excitement online, often trending on multiple platforms.
The Infinity Castle arc holds special importance for fans because it is the beginning of the final showdown between the Demon Slayer Corps and Muzan Kibutsuji’s most powerful demons. The battles in this arc are among the most intense and emotional in the entire series.
Akaza’s clash against Tanjiro and Giyu being one of the first major confrontations in the castle, it sets the tone for everything that follows. The stakes are higher than ever, and the animation team has the task of delivering these moments in a way that meets the expectations of millions of viewers.
Fans Hail Stunning Animation in Akaza Battle Preview from Demon Slayer Infinity Castle
Social media has been buzzing with reactions since the video’s release. Many fans expressed their excitement over finally seeing Akaza animated in the Infinity Castle setting. Others praised the choreography of the fight, noting that even in the short preview, the combat felt fast, dynamic, and true to the manga. The emotional expressions of the characters also stood out, hinting at the deeper themes the full scene will explore.
This kind of fan engagement is part of why Demon Slayer continues to dominate the anime scene. Every piece of promotional content becomes a talking point, and every new detail fuels more speculation and excitement.
Demon Slayer Franchise (Credits: Koyoharu Gotouge)
The fact that the Akaza showdown footage reached one million views in less than a day is not just a reflection of the fanbase’s size, but also of its passion. It shows how much the story and its characters resonate with audiences, even years after the series first premiered.
As the release date for the Infinity Castle trilogy approaches, anticipation will only continue to build. If the promotional video is anything to go by, fans can expect a visually stunning and emotionally gripping conclusion to one of the most beloved anime series of the decade.
With each preview, the final chapters of Demon Slayer ’s story come closer to life, and the Akaza showdown is shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable moments in anime history.
Set during Japan’s Taishō era, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is killed by demons and whose sister Nezuko becomes one. To avenge his family and find a cure, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps alongside allies Zenitsu and Inosuke, battling demons with unique “Breathing”-based swordsmanship. The series intensifies through televised seasons and films like Mugen Train, adapting arcs through Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training, leading up to the final Infinity Castle arc.
In July 2025, the second annual Collision Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in animation and motion design from creators around the world. One of the biggest highlights of the event was the success of Haikyu!!
The Dumpster Battle, which took home two prestigious Gold Awards. The film was honored in the category of Film, Sports as well as Film, Anime, making it a double winner and proving its strength both as a sports story and as a work of animated art.
The Collision Awards began in 2024 and are organized by the same team behind The Telly Awards. They were created to shine a spotlight on excellence in animation and motion design across different forms of media. These include films, television shows, commercials, digital and social media content, experiential projects, and even game and XR design.
The goal of the awards is to recognize not just creativity, but also technical skill, innovation, and the ability to connect with audiences through visual storytelling. The 2025 awards marked only the second year of the event, but they have already become a respected name in the animation and motion design community.
Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle’s double win is especially significant because it stands out in two very different ways. The Film, Sports award recognizes how well the movie captures the thrill, intensity, and strategy of athletic competition, in this case volleyball.
The Film, Anime award celebrates the quality of its animation, design, and storytelling in the context of Japanese animated works. Winning in both areas shows that the movie excels in blending sports action with strong emotional narratives and visually impressive animation.
Haikyu!! Franchise (Credits: Haruichi Furudate)
Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle Scores Double Gold at 2025 Collision Awards
The film was released in Japan in February 2024 and was produced by Production I.G, the studio behind the Haikyu!! anime series. It tells the story of the long-awaited showdown between Karasuno High School and Nekoma High School, two rival volleyball teams.
Their match, famously called the “Dumpster Battle,” has been anticipated by fans since the early days of the series. The movie delivers on that excitement, portraying not only the fast-paced action of the game but also the emotional connections between the players, the struggles they face, and the bonds they share.
In Japan, the film became a massive success, earning over ten billion yen at the box office and becoming the second highest-grossing Japanese film of 2024. Audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with the vast majority of viewers praising its combination of thrilling sports sequences, heartfelt character moments, and top-tier animation.
Many fans also appreciated how the film gave a satisfying and emotional payoff to a rivalry that had been building for years in the series.
The recognition from the Collision Awards is another layer of success for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle. It shows that the film’s quality is being acknowledged not just by anime fans but also by the broader animation and motion design industry.
These awards highlight the craftsmanship involved, from the precision of the character movements to the dynamic camera work, lighting, and color design that bring the volleyball matches to life.
Anime as a whole had a strong showing at this year’s Collision Awards. Several other major titles received honors, including films and series that span different genres, from action and fantasy to drama and comedy.
This wave of wins reflects the growing global influence of anime and the increasing recognition of its artistry in mainstream awards. Over the past decade, anime has gone from being a niche interest outside of Japan to a dominant force in entertainment worldwide, with streaming platforms and theatrical releases bringing these works to audiences everywhere.
Hit Volleyball Anime Film Wins Top Honors in Sports and Anime Categories
Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle’s success also speaks to the enduring appeal of sports anime. While fantasy, science fiction, and action series often dominate discussions, sports stories offer a unique blend of competition, teamwork, and personal growth that resonates deeply with viewers.
The series has always been praised for its realistic depiction of volleyball and its ability to make every player, whether on the main team or the opponent’s side, feel like a fully developed character. The film builds on this strength, turning a single match into an intense and emotional experience that leaves a lasting impact.
In the end, the two Gold Awards from the Collision Awards serve as both a celebration of the film’s achievements and a recognition of the skill and dedication of the team behind it.
Haikyu!! Franchise (Credits: Haruichi Furudate)
From the animators and directors to the voice actors and production staff, everyone involved contributed to creating a movie that not only lived up to fan expectations but also impressed industry experts. For fans of Haikyu!! , this win is another reason to take pride in a series that continues to deliver excellence on and off the court.
With this victory, Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle has cemented its place as one of the most celebrated anime films of recent years. Its blend of thrilling sports action, heartfelt storytelling, and stunning animation has earned it a spot among the best works of 2025, and its success at the Collision Awards will likely inspire other creators to push the boundaries of what sports anime can achieve.
