No anime fan can deny thatDemon Slayer,Kimetsu No Yaiba, has made a ninth-form splash in the anime industry, gaining enough popularity to be considered by some as one of the “big three” of the next generation of shonen. The influence has even spread outside of anime fandom and intoeveryday facets of modern life, although Demon Slayerisn’t the only series to do so.
The most recent example ofDemon Slayer’s real-world influence comes in the form of a new airline with only the best accommodations for anime fans. Starting on October 3rd later this year, All Nippon Airways will fly domestic flights with special demon slayer exclusives. The planes themselves will be decorated with prints of several characters, includingthe Flame Hashira Rengoku, but it doesn’t stop there.
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Characters will be seen on headrest covers, the cabin attendants will wear demon slayer themed uniforms, ANA will offer exclusive themed merchandise through in-flight shopping service and passengers will be able to watchDemon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba–The Movie: Mugen Trainor the entertainment district arc of the series via in-flight entertainment.
TheDemon SlayerJet 3, as it’s been named, will shepherd the demon slayers into the air for their first flight on October 2nd. For now, many fans will not be able to partake in this unique opportunity since the first flight will use Tokyo’s Haneda Airport as both the departure and arrival location before the subsequent flights starting from the 3rd will only serve domestic flights. The locations will include Haneka, Fukuoka, Itami, and New Chitose, but the schedule will include other domestic routes starting from the 16th onwards.
Demon Slayerhas maintained popularity in Japan since it was first released, so it’s no surprise that it’s gained enough respect to be plastered onto planes there. The real question is how long will it take for this large-scale real-world representation to make its way to America in some form. America has already seen examples of numerous industries giving way to anime influence, from American clothing companies selling anime-themed options tomarching bands performing anime-theme songsat football games.
Of course, it’s all a matter of perspective and some could say that anime doesn’t stand a chance of reaching that same level of ubiquitous popularity in America, even withDemon Slayerin the mix. It could be argued that industries based around pop culture really only follow the latest fad, which wouldn’t suggest the most positive future for anime culture in America.
