Yeah, let's watch anime: Episode 243 features the movie "Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc." A summer romance story about the mysterious girl Reze and Denji.
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/338/G033856/20250922031/
Editorial Department: maru | 2025/10/01 23:00 (UTC)
Thumbnail image for Gallery No.017 / “Let’s Watch Anime”: Episode 243 features the movie “Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc”—a summer romance between the mysterious girl Reze and Denji
The TV anime Chainsaw Man, based on works by Tatsuki Fujimoto, aired from October to December 2022. The follow-up episode “Reze Arc,” which continues after the final episode of that series, began screening as a movie in September 2025, surpassing 272,000 attendees and ¥420 million in box office revenue on its opening day. Since then, it has continued to steadily grow its numbers.
Thus, this week’s title for “Let’s Watch Anime,” Episode 243, is Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc. The production was handled by MAPPA, with scriptwriting by Koji Seigo, known for Attack on Titan and Gachi Akuta, while the director has changed from the TV anime version—now being Takashi Shigihara, who directed works such as Yoru no Yattāman and Black Clover. Please note that this article contains spoilers regarding plot details; readers who haven’t seen it yet should proceed with caution.
Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc
Denji (CV: Kunitake Togami), a devil hunter living in poverty, is burdened with his deceased father’s massive debt and struggles to survive alongside the “Chainsaw Devil,” Pochita (CV: Ishizoe Shiori). One day, Denji is killed by a zombie demon but regains life after receiving Pochita’s heart—gaining the power to transform into “Chainsaw Man.”
After being rescued by Makima (CV: Tomori Katsura), a public security devil hunter, Denji comes under her supervision and joins Special Division 4 of Public Security.
Living with fellow members and senior figure Akira Hayakawa (CV: Saito Shogo) and the “Blood Fiend” Power (CV: Fairo Aoi), Denji begins using his new powers to defeat formidable foes such as the Bat Devil, Eternal Devil, and Samurai Sword.
Amid these events, Denji becomes ecstatic after enjoying a “movie marathon date” with his idol Makima. However, when caught in sudden rain and seeking shelter, he meets a girl named Reze (CV: Rena Nōmura). She works at a local café called “Nidō,” and smiles warmly at Denji.
“I like people who like me!”
This meeting sparks an immediate bond between them. Their relationship quickly deepens, transforming Denji’s daily life in profound ways.
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A Boy Meets Girl with a Mysterious Girl
The “Reze Arc” adapts chapters 39 to 51 of the original manga—approximately one volume’s worth of short story. This is the same mysterious girl who made a brief appearance at the end of Episode 12 of the TV anime. In this arc, Denji and Reze’s fleeting summer romance unfolds—a “boy meets girl” tale.
According to Fujimoto himself, following the intense battles in the previous episode, “Samurai Sword Arc,” he wanted to explore romantic themes more deeply.
The story draws inspiration from the 2000 anime film Inu-Oh, as well as other cinematic influences such as Typhoon Club (released in 1985) and the Sharknado series (2013), reflecting Fujimoto’s personal love for movies. For context, Inu-Oh tells a fleeting yet dangerous romance between an agent of the government’s Special Operations Unit and a mysterious girl. The original story and screenplay were written by Mamoru Oshii, available on platforms like Netflix—worth checking out if interested.
Denji Falls Head Over Heels for Reze
The main movie itself can be summed up in one word: breathtaking. In the first half, Denji’s tender romance with Reze is vividly portrayed—the emotional turmoil he experiences as he’s gently manipulated by her comes through directly to viewers, making us feel his nervous excitement firsthand.
Vivid depictions of summer skies, nighttime pools, and fireworks at a festival add color and vibrancy that heighten the romantic atmosphere. Director Takashi Shigihara, who also directed the recently released re-edited version Chainsaw Man: Best of the Series, mentioned he particularly focused on the nuances of acting and dialogue timing between young male and female characters when working on this film.
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Above all, Reze is incredibly captivating. Her smile, gestures, and mannerisms are so charming that even someone not as emotionally invested in Denji would likely fall for her instantly. Fujimoto has said he drew Reze because she was one of his favorite characters to write. Combined with Rina Nōmura’s outstanding performance voicing the role, this animated adaptation elevates Reze’s allure even further. Where can you buy Reze merchandise? I wonder…
Then, abruptly shifting from gentle romantic scenes to intense battle sequences in the second half. The fight scenes are overwhelmingly powerful—though we’ll avoid specifics to prevent spoilers—just know that Denji’s companion demon shark, Beam (CV: Kana Hanazawa), plays a surprisingly significant role.
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Ending Theme: A Collaboration by Utada Hikaru & 米津玄師 (Kenshi Yonezu)
The film’s music, including opening and ending themes, was exceptional. The theme song by Kenshi Yonezu, “IRIS OUT,” and the collaboration ending track between Utada Hikaru and Yonezu, titled “JANE DOE,” were especially moving. But perhaps most memorable was when Maximum The Hormone’s “Haguruma 200 Million Centimeters (Overall Estimate 70% Unlocked Edit),” originally used as the TV anime’s third episode ending theme, appeared—its energy level soared in that scene. We highly recommend experiencing it on a big theater screen with powerful sound.
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Fujimoto’s original song from the manga, “Jane Fell Asleep in Church,” was also beautifully performed by Rina Nōmura—making it a delightful gift for fans. Additionally, the official soundtrack album titled CHAINSAW MAN THE MOVIE: REZE ARC Original Soundtrack -Summer’s End- has been released.
The “Reze Arc” is one of the most popular episodes among original manga fans, praised for its emotional depth and poignant storytelling. Denji’s conflicted feelings—still drawn to Makima yet increasingly attracted to Reze—and Reze’s quiet determination as she confronts her own emotions create a layered portrayal of complex character dynamics. In the harsh world of Chainsaw Man, where demons reign supreme, this becomes an unusual love story.
Will Denji and Reze’s romance reach its destined end? It’s best experienced firsthand. If you haven’t seen the TV anime yet, apart from the previously mentioned “Best of the Series” compilation, there’s also a special short video titled “10-Minute Recap: The Anime Chainsaw Man,” which is worth watching before heading to the theater.
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Let’s Watch Anime: Episode 170 features MAPPA’s standout work “Chainsaw Man”—a dark hero action series about a boy who hosts a demon
Episode 170 of “Let’s Watch Anime” features Chainsaw Man, centered on Denji, a boy who hosts the Chainsaw Devil. Produced by MAPPA and written by Koji Seigo (Attack on Titan), the series is directed by Ryō Nakayama—previously responsible for storyboards and direction in Jujutsu Kaisen, and original animation work on Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie.
[2022/12/08 08:00]
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- Editorial: maru
Official Website for “Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc” Movie
Official X (Twitter) for “Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc” Movie
Broadcast Date: Nationwide release on September 19, 2025
Cast
Denji: Kunitake Togami
Pochita: Ishizoe Shiori
Makima: Tomori Katsura
Akira Hayakawa: Saito Shogo
Power: Fairo Aoi
Tōzan Kobeni: Haruka Takahashi
Beam: Kana Hanazawa
Demon of Violence: Hideyuki Uchida
Angel Devil: Maaya Ito
Kishibe: Kenji Izumi
Deputy Leader: Eiji Takahashi
Nomura: Kenta Akane
Mysterious Man: Kenji Inomura
Typhoon Devil: Eri Kitamura
Reze: Rina Nōmura
Staff
Original Work: Tatsuki Fujimoto (serialized in Shueisha’s Jump+)
Director: Takashi Shigihara
Script: Koji Seigo
Character Design: Kazutaka Sugiyama
Associate Director: Shintaro Nakazono
Sub-character Design: Sōta Yamazaki, Jun
Main Animator: Ichirō Shō
Action Director: Sōta Jūji
Demon Design: Riki Matsura, Kiyohiko Oyamada
Costume Design: Ayaka Yamamoto
Art Direction: Yūsuke Takeuchi
Color Design: Naomi Nakano
Color Script: Riku
3DCG Director: Daiki Watanabe, Shinhō Tamai
Cinematography: Teppei Ito
Editing: Masato Yoshida
Sound Director: Yasushi Nagura
Music: Kōsuke Gyōda
Distribution: Toho
Production: MAPPA
Theme Song: Kenshi Yonezu – “IRIS OUT”
Ending Theme: Kenshi Yonezu & Utada Hikaru – “JANE DOE”
(C) 2025 MAPPA / Chainsaw Man Project (C) Tatsuki Fujimoto / Shueisha