Demon Slayer Season 2: Everything We Know About So Far

The beautifully rendered and emotionally impactful anime adaptation of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" first graced our screens in 2019, and in the relatively short time since then, it has become one of the most successful anime franchises of all time. In fact, the "Mugen Train" movie was the highest-grossing film of 2020, earning over $500 million to date. Following the release of "Mugen Train," "Demon Slayer" fans eagerly awaited the premiere of season 2, and we're here to offer up everything we know about the upcoming return of Tanjiro and the gang.

Technically, season 2 of "Demon Slayer" began streaming with the seven-episode "Mugen Train Arc" on October 10. Fans who have already seen the "Mugen Train" movie have likely noticed that the episodes are mostly a recap of the events that took place in the film, with the added bonus of some additional scenes. 

Even for those of us who have already had the pleasure of watching (and crying over) "Demon Slayer: Mugen Train" in theatres, episode 1 of the "Mugen Train Arc" is well worth the watch as it features the delightfully earnest Flame Hashira Rengoku on a previously unseen adventure that takes place right before the events of the film. Still, some fans may be justifiably disappointed in the overall lack of completely new content. 

Luckily, these recap episodes are not all we're getting for season 2 of "Demon Slayer." Instead, they simply offer continuity for the events between seasons 1 and 2, and accessibility for those who may not have seen the movie. With all that said, when do we get to see completely new episodes?

The latter half of "Demon Slayer" season 2 will be hacking and slashing its way back to our screens on December 5, with an hour-long premiere episode. 

According to the official "Demon Slayer" website, the upcoming episodes will take place directly after the events of the "Mugen Train Arc," and will cover the "Entertainment District Arc" in which, "Tanjiro and his comrades embark on a new mission within the Yoshiwara Entertainment District to face the demon Daki (Upper Six), voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro." 

In addition to familiar fan favorites like Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu, the "Entertainment District Arc" will also feature the Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, who will be sending our favorite demon-slaying trio on their mission. The subbed "Entertainment District Arc" episodes of "Demon Slayer" will be available for streaming in English-speaking territories on Funimation, Crunchyroll, and Hulu, coinciding with the December 5 release date.

Speaking of their mission, it's worth noting that while the second arc for season 2 of "Demon Slayer" is known as the "Entertainment District Arc" in the US, the literal English translation of the Japanese title (Yūkaku-hen) is actually "Red Light District Arc," and it means exactly what it sounds like: Tanjiro and friends will be slaying demons in an area populated by brothels and other forms of adult entertainment. 

Personally, I'm interested in seeing how the excessively-horny Zenitsu will behave in such a setting. I can only imagine how being surrounded by beautiful, sexually-available women in an entire district dedicated to physical pleasure will impact him, especially considering that his cowardice alone is already a major hindrance where his usefulness is concerned.

Regarding concerns over potential changes or censorship for this arc — which has already been depicted in the "Demon Slayer" manga — Yuriko Nakamura, head of programming at Fuji TV (where "Demon Slayer" is broadcast in Japan) has stated that "it was subject to the usual examination, but we intend to broadcast it without making any changes." Because the anime will air simultaneously in Japan and the US on their respective streaming platforms and networks, it's safe to assume that the on-screen adaptation of this arc will remain unaltered for US audiences, as well. 

 If you're anxiously anticipating the debut of (the rest of) "Demon Slayer" season 2, you can satisfy your excitement by checking out the "Entertainment District Arc" trailer.