《鬼滅之刃 遊郭篇》是《鬼滅之刃》系列動畫於2021年推出的全新篇章，劇情直接承接《無限列車篇》之後，改編自漫畫第九卷（第67話起）的內容。這個篇章的故事核心，是在“炎柱”煉獄杏壽郎於列車之戰中壯烈犧牲之後，鬼殺隊成員們如何面對失去柱級戰力的沉重壓力，同時迎來與上弦惡鬼的正面交鋒。動畫全篇長達約兩小時兩分鐘，以戲劇化的節奏和張力，把觀眾帶入新的冒險舞台——吉原遊郭。

故事開端設定在無限列車事件結束後的四個月。竈門炭治郎和妹妹禰豆子在完成任務後回到蝴蝶屋休養，卻意外遇上“音柱”宇髓天元。當時的天元正打算強行帶走神崎葵協助潛入調查，但炭治郎主動請纓，請求放過葵，並提出由自己、我妻善逸和嘴平伊之助代替出任任務。天元見三人決心堅定，最終同意這個安排。於是，這三名年輕的鬼殺隊劍士化身為“潛入者”，前往繁華的吉原遊郭。任務的核心，是追查天元的三名妻子——雛鶴、牧緒與須磨，她們在暗中調查惡鬼活動時失去聯絡，生死未卜。

在吉原遊郭這個紙醉金迷卻暗藏危機的場所，炭治郎一行人需要化妝潛伏，偽裝成藝伎或打雜學徒，以便分頭搜索。這樣的設定不僅充滿戲劇張力，也與過往戰鬥篇章有所不同，因為它更凸顯潛入、偵查與隱蔽的緊張氛圍。隨著劇情推進，觀眾逐步揭開遊郭深處潛藏的巨大危機：強大的上弦之陸“堕姬”，正是此地長年惡鬼作祟的源頭。這位上弦鬼以絕美姿容和殘酷手段掩藏在花街世界，對人類肆意殘殺。她的登場，為這個篇章注入極大的壓迫感與戲劇衝突。

在戰鬥場面上，《遊郭篇》可說是系列動畫的另一高峰。宇髓天元作為音柱，展現截然不同於煉獄的華麗戰鬥風格。他以聲音和節奏為核心的呼吸之法，搭配雙刀與爆裂的戰鬥技巧，將戰鬥的視覺表現推至巔峰。炭治郎、善逸與伊之助三人，也在這一篇章中迎來各自的成長與突破。尤其炭治郎，開始逐漸掌握“日之呼吸”的潛在力量，並在壓力與痛苦中展現驚人的毅力。與此同時，惡鬼堕姬的兄長——同樣屬於上弦的妓夫太郎的現身，讓戰局徹底升級，從單一對決變為雙重威脅，將鬼殺隊推向前所未有的險境。

市場評價方面，自播出以來，便獲得全球觀眾極高的關注與讚譽。繼承《無限列車篇》的成功，不僅延續高品質的製作水準，更進一步在美術、音樂與戰鬥演出上達到新層次。Ufotable依舊以精緻細膩的作畫和流暢的戰鬥分鏡聞名，尤其是在堕姬與妓夫太郎兄妹聯手戰鬥時，動畫運用絢爛的光效與快節奏分鏡，營造出如同電影般的視覺震撼。配樂方面則延續系列一貫的高水準，以緊湊、磅礴的樂曲襯托戰鬥氛圍，將觀眾的情緒推至高潮。

值得一提的是，《遊郭篇》也在角色刻畫上獲得廣泛好評。天元這個性格鮮明、張揚卻不失責任感的柱級劍士，迅速成為人氣角色。而炭治郎等年輕一輩的成長曲線，也讓觀眾對未來劇情更為期待。雖然作品仍保留殘酷、血腥的戰鬥場面，但與之對比的，卻是對羈絆、責任與犧牲的深刻描繪，這種強烈的情感共鳴，也是《鬼滅之刃》能夠吸引廣泛觀眾群的重要原因之一。

整體而言，《鬼滅之刃 遊郭篇》是在劇情、製作和情感層面都表現出色的篇章。它不僅是單純的戰鬥故事，更透過華麗的動畫技術與細膩的情感描繪，展示少年劍士們如何在失去依靠後仍堅定前行。對市場來說，延續《鬼滅之刃》IP的全球熱潮，進一步鞏固其作為近年來最受矚目動漫之一的地位。

Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc is a brand-new chapter in the Demon Slayer anime series released in 2021. The storyline directly follows the events of the Mugen Train Arc and is adapted from volume nine of the original manga (beginning with chapter 67). At its core, this arc explores how the Demon Slayer Corps faces the heavy pressure of losing a Hashira-level fighter after the heroic death of the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, while simultaneously confronting the terrifying threat of an Upper Rank demon. With a runtime of approximately two hours and two minutes, the arc uses dramatic pacing and tension to immerse viewers into a new battleground: the Yoshiwara Entertainment District.

The story begins four months after the Mugen Train incident. After completing a mission, Tanjiro Kamado and his sister Nezuko return to the Butterfly Mansion to recuperate, where they unexpectedly encounter Tengen Uzui, the flamboyant Sound Hashira. At that time, Tengen intends to forcibly take Aoi Kanzaki for an infiltration mission. However, Tanjiro volunteers himself, requesting Tengen to spare Aoi and offering that he, along with Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira, take on the task instead. Seeing their determination, Tengen agrees. The three young Demon Slayer swordsmen then disguise themselves and infiltrate the bustling Yoshiwara Entertainment District. Their mission is to search for Tengen’s three wives—Hinatsuru, Makio, and Suma—who had gone missing while secretly investigating demonic activity.

Within the glittering yet perilous setting of the Entertainment District, Tanjiro and his companions must disguise themselves as attendants or courtesans to conduct their search separately. This narrative choice brings a distinct flavor compared to past arcs, highlighting elements of infiltration, investigation, and hidden tension. As the plot unfolds, the lurking menace within Yoshiwara is revealed: the Upper Rank Six demon, Daki. Beautiful yet merciless, Daki has long concealed herself within the district, preying on humans without restraint. Her presence injects overwhelming pressure and dramatic conflict into the storyline.

In terms of combat, the Entertainment District Arc marks another pinnacle for the series. Tengen Uzui, as the Sound Hashira, displays a battle style that is flamboyant and spectacular, standing in sharp contrast to Rengoku’s fiery discipline. His unique Breath of Sound, combined with dual blades and explosive techniques, pushes the visual representation of battle to new heights. Meanwhile, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke each undergo significant growth and breakthroughs. Tanjiro, in particular, begins to unlock the latent potential of the Sun Breathing technique, demonstrating unwavering resolve despite immense pain and pressure. The arrival of Daki’s elder brother, Gyutaro—also an Upper Rank demon—escalates the battle into an even deadlier conflict, transforming a single duel into a double threat and forcing the Demon Slayer Corps into their most perilous fight yet.

From a reception standpoint, the Entertainment District Arc has been met with widespread acclaim from audiences worldwide. Building upon the success of the Mugen Train Arc, this chapter not only sustains the series’ high production values but also elevates its artistry in animation, music, and battle choreography. Renowned studio Ufotable continues to impress with its meticulous, fluid animation and dynamic battle sequences. The fight against Daki and Gyutaro, enhanced by dazzling effects and fast-paced cinematography, achieves a cinematic spectacle. The soundtrack also upholds the franchise’s high standards, with intense and soaring compositions amplifying the emotional and action-driven peaks.

Notably, the arc’s character portrayal has garnered significant praise. Tengen Uzui, with his flamboyant personality yet strong sense of responsibility, quickly became a fan favorite. At the same time, the character development of Tanjiro and his peers leaves audiences eager to witness their future journeys. While the arc retains its hallmark intensity and violent combat, it balances this with deeper themes of bonds, responsibility, and sacrifice. This powerful emotional resonance is one of the key reasons Demon Slayer continues to captivate a broad global audience.

Overall, the Entertainment District Arc stands out as a chapter that excels in storytelling, production, and emotional depth. It is not merely a tale of combat, but one that—through stunning animation and heartfelt writing—portrays the unwavering determination of young swordsmen who must carry on despite devastating loss. In terms of market impact, the arc has continued the worldwide momentum of the Demon Slayer franchise, further cementing its status as one of the most prominent and celebrated anime of recent years.