“Demon City” is a Japanese revenge thriller directed by Seiji Tanaka, now available on Netflix. The film is adapted from Masamichi Kawabe’s manga “Oni Goroshi.” It stars Toma Ikuta as Sakata, a hitman whose violent professional life disrupts his peaceful family life after a gang of criminals, disguised in traditional Japanese demon masks, attacks him.
After 12 years, the story picks up with Sakata living alone in Shinjo City with a lot of sorrow and some physical problems. But soon, his past comes back to haunt him when the Kimen-gumi gang, a new crime group, comes back to life. This makes Sakata want to get even. Since it came out on February 27, 2025, Demon City has captured viewers with its brutal action scenes, gripping plot and stunning visuals. Where was this amazing movie filmed, though? Explore the filming locations that brought the grimy world of Demon City to life.
Demon City Plot Summary
At its core, Demon City is all about revenge. It follows Shuhei Sakata, a former hitman whose life falls apart when a masked gang brutally kills his wife and daughter. The story takes a dark turn when Sakata himself is shot in the head and left for dead. Somehow, he survives, spending the next 15 years stuck in a prison hospital, healing up and planning how to get even.
When he finally gets out, Sakata heads back to his old city, but it’s not the same place he remembers. Crime’s taken over, and a nasty gang called the Kimen-gumi runs the show. The streets that used to thrive are now a mess of corruption, and Sakata has to figure out how to deal with this new, darker world. As he starts tracking down the people who ruined his life, he runs into some surprising friends—and a few backstabbers too.
What makes Demon City special is its nonstop action, killer fight scenes and a touch of heart. The movie doesn’t waste time with a lot of talking—it lets the visuals do the work, pulling you right into every punch and kick. If you’re into revenge flicks like John Wick or The Crow, this one’s got the edge to keep you hooked!
Where Was Demon City Filmed?
Demon City was filmed in Yamagata, Japan, a historic city in the Tohoku region. Yamagata, with its breathtaking scenery, rich history and dramatic seasonal fluctuations, offers the ideal evocative setting for the film’s violent action and revenge-driven story.
Yamagata, Japan
The majority of Demon City was filmed in Yamagata, Japan, a historic and stunningly beautiful place that lends credibility to the gloomy and spooky backdrop of the movie. Located in northern Japan’s Tohoku area, Yamagata is well-known for its spectacular scenery, rich cultural legacy and dramatic weather fluctuations.
Seiji Tanaka, the director, shared his thoughts on why Yamagata was the perfect choice: “The city’s mix of old-world charm and modern decay perfectly matched the film’s gritty and haunting atmosphere.”
Kajo Park—Yamagata Castle Ruins
One of the key locations in Demon City is Kajo Park, home to the remnants of Yamagata Castle. Some of the most exciting parts of the movie take place against the beautiful and creepy historical ruins. Notable Japanese productions have also used this spot, which makes it a culturally important site.
Yamagata’s Snowy Streets
The film’s fierce battle scenes set in Yamagata’s snow-covered streets add still another degree of drama. The stark difference between blood and snow makes each scene more powerful to look at. Toma Ikuta, who plays Sakata, commented, “Filming in the cold was challenging, but it added a realness to my character’s struggle and pain.”
Trivia: Other Famous Productions in Yamagata
- Departures (2008)—The Oscar-winning Japanese drama was filmed in Yamagata.
- Rurouni Kenshin (2012) – Certain action sequences from this popular samurai film were shot here.
When was the movie Demon City filmed?
Filming for Demon City took place in early 2024, capturing both the harsh winter landscapes & urban decay of Yamagata. Extreme weather didn’t stop the team from working hard to make sure the film looked real.
Demon City Cast Details
- Toma Ikuta as Shûhei Sakata
- Rinko Kikuchi as Yui (Sakata’s wife)
- Shota Sometani as Ryo (Kimen-gumi gang leader)
- Masaki Suda as Takeshi (Sakata’s former ally)
- Kenichi Endo as The Mysterious Informant
- Eri Fukatsu as Detective Asano
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Behind the Scenes of Demon City
Director Seiji Tanaka wanted to keep the raw, gritty vibe of the manga while pumping up the action for the screen. To pull this off, he teamed up with a stellar cast, led by Toma Ikuta, who plays the vengeful Shuhei Sakata. Ikuta reportedly trained hard for months to nail the intense fight scenes, which are a huge highlight of the movie.
The film’s standout feature? Those creepy demon masks worn by the Kimen-gumi. The design team drew inspiration from traditional Japanese oni masks, giving them a modern twist to look both eerie and cool. Filming took place across Japan, with urban backdrops adding to the dark, moody atmosphere. The action choreography was a big deal too—stunt coordinators worked overtime to blend martial arts with brutal, no-holds-barred brawls, aiming for a John Wick-meets-Yakuza vibe.
Despite some tight schedules, the crew kept the energy high. Supporting actors like Masahiro Higashide and Miou Tanaka brought depth to their roles, even if the story focuses more on fists than feelings. Tanaka has said he wanted Demon City to be a wild ride first and foremost—and judging by the blood and sweat behind the scenes, they definitely delivered!
Demon City Official Trailer
Check out the official trailer for Demon City here:
With its intense storyline, stunning cinematography, and authentic Demon City filming locations, this film is a must-watch for action thriller enthusiasts. If you love revenge-driven narratives with gripping action, Demon City should be at the top of your watchlist!
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