Revisiting Akaza’s Scene Through Piano: Transcription by Ru’s Piano
- Yeoul Choi
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Would you believe it if someone said the music in an anime alone could make your heart ache? That’s exactly what’s happening—legions of fans who watched Demon Slayer have been wiping away tears while listening to the theme used in Akaza’s scene. Today, let’s take a closer look at piano arrangement of Akaza’s theme from the latest Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity CastlePart 1, which premiered this past July.
Demon Slayer is a Japanese animation series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotouge. It follows Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who joins the Demon Slayer Corps after demons destroy his family and transform his sister Nezuko. Guided by courage and compassion, he battles powerful demons alongside his friends. In Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1: Akaza Returns (released July 18, 2025), the story reaches its climax as Tanjiro and the Corps enter Muzan’s shifting fortress, facing the Upper Rank demons in intense battles that test their strength, resilience, and humanity, blending breathtaking action with moments of sacrifice and redemption. The Infinity Castle series has received widespread acclaim from Demon Slayer fans and has so far been screened across Asia, with screenings scheduled in North America and Europe in mid-September. In just 34 days, it earned $203.69 million worldwide.
In Infinity Castle, Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina composed a deeply moving soundtrack that highlights the tragic arc of Akaza—once known as Hakuji. Among the emotionally charged pieces is the “Akaza’s Theme”, a sweeping orchestral track that plays during the flashback of his past life and final atonement. This cinematic theme underscores Akaza’s dramatic transformation and redemption, offering a poignant musical reflection of his inner conflict and ultimate peace.
Drone Bass
The introduction begins with a “drone bass” that resonates grandly, over which the theme in E minor unfolds. Although the original version of the piece has not been officially released, listening to Go Shiina’s original Akaza Shutugen reveals that the melody, performed on electric guitar, is used here as well. Let’s compare them. In the original version, the epic sound is also dominated by drone bass, and Ru seems to be inspired by this bass part in her arrangement.
Let’s return to Ru’s piano arrangement. After the opening in E minor, the piece modulates to D minor. However, just four measures later, the melody shifts to yet another key.. In Ru’s version, the structure alternates between two melodies. One melody is in D minor, followed by the next in F major. For example, from measure 15 to the first beat of measure 18, the music is in D minor; then, through the C–Bb–G melody in measure 18, the music shifts to F major in measure 19. This back-and-forth movement between major and minor keys seems to richly express feelings of longing and sorrow.
Harmonic Variation
With the alternating minor and major themes, Ru adds variety through harmonic changes. Each time the melody repeats, the accompaniment evolves, and the harmony shifts as well. This allows performers to enjoy a more nuanced sense of the melody throughout the piece. For example, when the main melody, previously supported solely by the drone bass, appears in measure 15, it is accompanied by arpeggios, adding harmonies and creating a sense of variation. Additionally, in measure 25, the melody that was arranged over a D minor chord in the earlier section is now harmonized with a substitute Bb major chord, providing further harmonic variation.
Virtuoso Section
In the second half of Ru’s Piano version, there are fast, technically demanding runs with large leaps and rapid arpeggios in the left hand. This challenging left-hand accompaniment immediately grabs attention and conveys tension and emotional intensity, reflecting Akaza’s final moments.
Last Section
The theme is described as beginning quietly after a "virtuoso" section that "sweeps through," suggesting a contrast between the initial intense, technically demanding passage and a calmer, more subdued start to the main theme. The main melody is played an octave higher, while the left-hand movement diminishes. In the final measure, only the right hand remains, bringing the piece to a close. This evokes the solitude of Akaza’s last moments.
If you’re a longtime Demon Slayer fan, or if Akaza’s final moments in the recently released film moved you, wouldn’t you want to play this piece yourself? Click the link to access the sheet music along with Ru’s Piano’s performance and experience Akaza’s reflective theme at your fingertips. The piece features a deeply emotional melody and delicate expression, offering a profound experience for anyone who plays it.
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