When it first aired, Demon Slayer quickly became one of the most popular new anime of the season, but what do you know about the main character?

BY SONALMAY 20, 2020



The manga Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is written by Koyoharu Gotōge, about a young boy named Tanjiro who goes on an arduous journey of not only fighting demons and exacting revenge for the death of his family, but also to turn his half-demon sister back into a human.

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Ever since its first episode aired, the series became an instant hit. Praised was given to its faced paced plot and its stunning animation. Even though the plot had nothing new to offer, fans lapped it up and begged for more. This article will discuss 10 little known facts about the series' protagonist. Be warned - this article has manga spoilers ahead!

10He's A Very Emphatic Person



Despite empathy being a defining trait of many male shounen protagonists, Tanjiro takes his empathy too far sometimes. While it is good to be kind to people, Tanjiro is often seen sympathizing with demons and hesitating to attack them, as a result of which he has often been taken advantage of, both emotionally and in the battlefield.

9His Demon Slayer Mark



Upon being attacked by the Upper Moon Six demon named Gyutaro, Tanjiro's demon mark was awakened for the first time. The second time it happened when Tanjiro was battling Upper Moon three's Akaza. This mark has shown to increase his speed, strength and agility tenfold, giving him the benefit of defeating powerful monsters he would otherwise not have been able to kill.

8He Has Rough Hands



This is a small detail that's mentioned for a few seconds in the anime, something many fans would have missed. Ever since Tanjiro decided to become a demon slayer, he had to find a master and undergo strict training. It's been noted that his master Sakonji Urokodaki's tough training resulted in Tanjiro's hands becoming rougher.

7Tanjiro Goes Into A Coma



The anime hasn't caught up to the manga yet, so most anime fans will not know this detail. In the Swordsmith Village Arc in the manga, after a huge battle at Gyutari with Daki, Tanjiro goes into a coma.

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When he's comatose, he dreams of his ancestor Sumiyoshi, his wife and an unknown man with long hair. When he finally wakes up, he finds Kanao looking deeply concerned. She explains everything that happened to him, including the fact that he was gone for 2 months.

6He's Banned From A Specific Hashira Training Program Activity



This occurs during the Hashira Training Arc in the Demon Slayer manga. The Hashira Training Program, as the name suggests, is a program for Demon Slayers to participate in. Tanjiro manages to finish every course he participates in, save one. And that is the Wind Hashira course, who have banned him for attacking one of their own - Genya.

5He Looks Similar To His Ancestor



Tanjiro has an ancestor named Sumiyoshi, about whom not much has been revealed. It has been explained that both these men look very similar in appearances, despite Sumiyoshi's hair is much longer and tied back in a ponytail. This yet another manga fact which was never mentioned in the anime,

4Muzan Is The First One To Bring Out His Inner Rage



Muzan is the primary antagonist of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and the reason why demons are wreaking havoc in the human world. Tanjiro's first meeting with Muzan ends with him being confused about his identity (since he is with his human family). However, when they meet later again, Muzan manages to escape Tanjiro's grip. As a result of which, the young boy flies into a rage (something that no one knew was hidden inside him) and swears to cut off the demon's head.

3He Can Smell Those Who Are Underground



The anime makes it clear that Tanjiro has a keen sense of smell, much like his master Sakonji Urokodaki. However, one tiny detail most fans are unaware of is that Tanjiro is able to smell what's hiding beneath layers and layers of soil. His master also claimed that the young boy had a “scent of kindness” himself and shrugged him off as someone too weak to make life and death decisions.

2Tanjiro's VA Was Popular For Doing Sad Roles



Natsuki Hanae is a semi-popular voice actor in Japan who's most well known for voicing sad male characters. Tanjiro was his very first shounen lead, and Hanae said he had a lot of fun voicing him, especially since Tanjiro allowed him to test his vocal range and abilities a lot more than his usual crop of characters.

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Akari Kito, the voice actress of Nezuko, likened to him a big brother and said that he behaves with her exactly how Tanjiro is with Nezuko on screen.

1Tanjiro Becomes A Demon



After Tanjiro manages to defeat Muzan in an epic battle, Muzan transfers all his emotions into Tanjiro and turns him into a demon. Now since he has lost his humanity, Tanjiro starts blindly attacking Demon Slayers around him. However, a flashback helps him in regaining control of his human side.

Nezuko Isn’t Any Ordinary Demon



After turning into a demon, Nezuko still contains her human consciousness while in her demonic state. Other demons that she and Tanjiro have encountered noticed that Nezuko is different from their kind. Instead of relying on human blood to survive, she uses sleep to revitalize her energy. The powers that she has shown go from superhuman strength to size manipulation. When she fights, she has incredible strength and adapts to anything surrounding her. She continues to grow after each battle, especially with her Exploding Blood Demon Art. Her unique abilities and innocence have gradually made her into one of the most powerful demons in the series.

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9Nezuko’s Eyes Changed Colors After Her Transformation



At the start of the series, Nezuko’s eyes were red and normal for a human. Once she was turned into a demon after her family’s attack, her eyes changed into pink. Usually, we would think it’s the other way around, but her pink eyes simply indicate her demonic nature. We also notice that her kimono is pink, matching her eyes. There may not be a connection there, but it’s worth noting that her eyes match the clothing, which shows her innocence underneath her demon state. It also reminds us that Nezuko’s human side is still in there beneath the monster she has become.

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8Nezuko’s Human Traits Are Still Intact



Before becoming a demon, Nezuko was a very compassionate and sympathetic girl. Just like her brother Tanjiro, she would put others before herself to look after her family. After her transformation, she nearly forgot all her memories as a human but she retained the ones involving her family.

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She still kept her protective and caring traits in her demon form. Nezuko has been shielding those whom she considers her family, causing her to join the fight with her brother against all demons to avenge the ones they love. So not everything was lost after Nezuko was turned into a monster.

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7Her Family Connection To Fire



Nezuko’s family works in the charcoal business, meaning that they work using fire a lot. The fire has become a major element for Nezuko throughout the series as her abilities continue to grow. Her Demon Blood Art is fire-based where her blood turns into fire instantly outside her body. The Exploding Blood turns into pink flames whenever Nezuko uses it. Fire is considered lucky among families that work with that element, so it’s no wonder Nezuko has been able to use her fire abilities with ease against other demons. It seems that the use of fire just runs in the family.

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6Nezuko’s Maker Is Main Antagonist Muzan Kibutsuji



We know that it was demons that attacked the Kamado family, but the one responsible for the attacks wasn’t revealed until a couple of episodes into the series. We find out that the demon accountable for the attacks is none other than Muzan Kibutsuji, a thousand-year-old demon who also is the creator of all the demons that exist in the world of Demon Slayer. He is also the one who turned Nezuko into a demon as well. We don’t know much about his background, but all we know is that he is the first of his kind and can turn anyone into a demon just like a virus. Even though he turned Nezuko, it seems like she’s not like others he has turned.

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5Nezuko’s Name Is Connected To Her Home



The Kamado family lives in the snowy mountains at the start of the series. The name Nezuko has a deeper meaning and a strong connection to where her family is from. In Japanese, the partial translation of her name is actually a flower simply known as the snowball flower. Those flowers can be found in the winter, which is the season we mainly see during the series. So her name is pretty much related to the snowy mountains where the Kamado family lives. Flower-based names are typical in Japan, but it’s perfect for this show to display where Nezuko came from.

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4Nezuko’s Demon Art Can Enhance A Sword



Nezuko’s Demon Art allows her to use her blood, as grenades where she can explode them to her will that harm any demon. Her power can also be used to increase the strength of a Nichirin blade, which is later shown in the manga. We see her use her ability on Tanjiro’s sword turning it from black into red. By doing this, it increases the energy of Tanjiro’s fire sword techniques. It helps Tanjiro whenever he’s in quite a bind against his foes. With both Nezuko’s power and Tanjiro’s sword skills, it’s apparent that these two are a powerful duo together.

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3Nezuko’s Demon Form Has A Berserk State



Nezuko takes her demon transformation a step further when she goes into berserk mode. We see horns come out of her forehead and vine markings wrapped around her body. She is at her most powerful in this form but her demon side starts to take over and she would need human blood for nourishment. The only person who can calm her down in this state is Tanjiro. He uses a lullaby that was sung to them by their mother to soothe her in order to revert Nezuko back to normal. Even if she’s stronger, it comes at a price for Nezuko, but luckily Tanjiro is there to pacify her in case she goes crazy with her demonic form.

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2Nezuko Is Revealed To Be A Day Walker



Normal demons are like vampires where they can only roam in the night because the sunlight burns them to a crisp. Nezuko isn’t like other demons, which is how she was given the name ‘The Chosen Demon’. The reason behind this is because unlike other demons, she can actually walk in the sunlight without getting burned.

This also explains why Muzan is after her, he wants to devour her in order to gain the ability to walk in the daylight. Muzan has been looking for centuries of a demon that can conquer the sunlight. After Muzan discovers Nezuko’s ability, he decides to change his plans and pursue her for himself. He believes that by devouring her, Muzan can also be able to walk freely into the sunlight.

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1Nezuko’s Family May Come From A Powerful Lineage



What makes Nezuko so special from other demons could be the fact that her family comes from a long line of sword wielders who can master the Breathe of the Sun style. When Nezuko’s Demon Art charges up Tanjiro’s sword, it turns red just like the first Breathe of the Sun user many centuries ago. Breathe of the Sun is the original and the most powerful breathe style in Demon Slayer. There are many clues in the story that would suggest that the Kamado family is direct descendants of the first Breathe of the Sun user. This would mean that the style has been passed down through generations of this family. Nezuko’s lineage may be the reason why her demonic transformation is different from other demons.

Appearance

Kyojuro was a young adult of tall stature and athletic build. He had long bright yellow hair with red streaks with two shoulder-length bangs and two chin-length bangs on the side of his head, black forked eyebrows, and golden eyes that fade to red with white pupils.

Kyojuro wore a paler brown version of the regular Demon Slayer uniform, which consisted of a brown gakuran jacket, a white belt around his waist and hakama pants. Over this, he wore a haori with a white-yellow gradient pattern and red flame-like ridges at the end that his father Shinjuro once worn and more than likely his father worn when they were the Flame Hashira respectively. Finally, he wore red Kyahan with yellow flames erupting from the bottom-up, with pale brown tabi socks and a pair of white zōri with red straps.

Personality

Kyojuro was greatly enthusiastic in regard to his duties as a Hashira, and often came across as cheerfully eccentric. He was amiable, pure of heart and boasted extraordinary technique and swordsmanship stemming from strict practice and discipline. He was an honorable warrior who adhered to his code of morals and principles that was instilled into him by his mother at a young age—the most significant being his belief that those who were born strong have a duty to protect the weak.

Abilities

Overall Abilities: As a former Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kyojuro was a very powerful swordsman.[2] Even Demons as strong as Akaza, Upper Rank 3 and the fourth-strongest of the known Demons, acknowledged Kyojuro's strength.[3] He even went as far as to offer to turn Kyojuro into a Demon so he could surpass his human limits and become stronger, something he only offered to swordsmen whose abilities he believed were refined to their utmost.[4] Akaza also complimented his battle spirit and stated that it is getting close to the "domain of supremacy," which meant that he was incredibly close to obtaining the Transparent World (透すき通とおる世せ界かい, Sukitōru Sekai?), if only he could awaken his Demon Slayer Mark. His father, Shinjuro Rengoku, stated that, after his son abandoned what he taught him, Kyojuro trained himself into the level of a Hashira after reading through an instruction book of the Flame Breathing style, a book which only had 3 volumes.[5]

Physical Abilities

Immense Strength: As a former Hashira who spent years perfecting his physical prowess, Kyojuro possessed amazing physical strength, being capable of swinging his katana at speeds faster than the eye can see incessantly and terrifying accuracy while engaging in combat. Kyojuro also possessed a caliber of grip strength that was able to hold down Upper Rank 3, Akaza, one of the strongest characters in the series, despite having his Solar Plexus pierced earlier, to the point that Akaza expressed his disbelief and shock over strength he describes as "unbelievable".[6]

Kyojuro exchanging blows with an Upper Rank at speeds faster than the eye can perceive.Immense Speed & Reflexes: Kyojuro possessed great speed and reflexes that even a trained and gifted Demon Slayer like Tanjiro couldn't perceive or register. Kyojuro could even cause tremors to the ground and nearly launching a train off its tracks by running at speeds faster than the eye can see.[7] His reflexes were so fast that he managed to cut Akaza's hand in half moments before the Upper Rank was going to kill Tanjiro. Kyojuro also managed to keep up with Akaza's high-speed techniques, which even the Hashira remarks is faster than the blink of an eye, sometimes even managing to out-speed him. Inosuke Hashibira himself noted that Kyojuro was in a different dimension due to his blinding attacks and speed. Kyojuro's phenomenal movement speed and reflexes even surprised and impressed Akaza, who openly expressed his amazement over.[8]

Immense Stamina & Endurance: Kyojuro displayed superhuman stamina and endurance during his battles over the course of the series. In his Special One-Shot, Kyojuro ruptured his eardrums on purpose, yet didn't flinch in the slightest, ignoring the pain and continuing to fight. In his Gaiden, he suffered dozens of severe wounds and injuries from the former Lower Rank 2, Hairo, but continued to stall enough time for all the bombs he planted to be disarmed without showing any signs of pain or fatigue, which shocked even Hairo, who questioned himself on whether the person he met in the past was really the same person he was fighting now. Furthermore, his battle against Enmu when he fused with an entire train, he was able to keep him at bay in 5 different train carts without tiring.[9] Lastly, he managed to keep up with his strongest opponent yet, Akaza, despite physically and mentally exert himself beyond his limit and sustaining multiple irreversible and fatal wounds, like a smashed eye, shattered ribs and damaged internal organs.[10] Most impressively, he managed to keep Akaza at bay despite having his vital spot, his Solar Plexus, pierced by the Upper Rank's arm and bleeding out.[11] Despite all of his fatal wounds and injuries, he never once flinched or showed signs of pain or agony.

Mental Abilities

Tactical Intellect: As a swordsman who came from a lineage of Flame Hashira, Kyojuro had access to generations of combat knowledge and tactics as well as training from previous Flame Hashira, like his father, Shinjuro Rengoku.[5] During the battle against Akaza, he displayed keen judgement. For example, after being attacked by Akaza's Destructive Death: Air Type, he realises that he must fight at close range with he wanted to increase the chances of cutting of his head.[12] Even when the usually deductive and sagacious Tanjiro Kamado was at a loss of how to kill Enmu, Kyojuro instinctively knew that, no matter what form a Demon takes, it will always have a weak spot.[13] He also possesses great knowledge in the use of the Total Concentration Breathing (全ぜん集しゅう中ちゅうの呼こ吸きゅう, Zen Shūchū no Kokyū?), knowing how to plug minor wounds and hemorrhaging and saved Tanjiro from dying of blood loss.[14]

Supernatural Abilities

Enhanced Senses: Like all skilled Demon Slayers, Kyojuro had incredibly honed senses, such as when he was able to sense and perceive Akaza's immense presence and demon aura which he uses to discern that he was an Upper Rank.[15] Kyojuro was also capable of sensing demonic presences faster and more accurately than Tanjiro Kamado, who harbors an acute sense of smell, when he detected two demons right after another on a train before anyone else noticed.[16] This ability also allowed him to precisely gauge the regenerative abilities and weaknesses of most Demons, like Enmu.[13] Kyojuro was also able to perceive Tanjiro's injuries and torn blood vessel accurately, which allowed him to teach him how to plug up that wound.[13]

Miscellaneous Abilities

Indomitable Will: Kyojuro had an undaunted spirit, which even impressed the likes of Upper Rank 3, Akaza. Ever since he was a child, he had inculcated indomitable will and passion in himself due to his promise to his late mother.[17] Even when the Upper Rank overwhelmed him with powerful attacks, giving Kyojuro insidious wounds, he remained steadfast resolute.[18] After Kyojuro lost an eye and had internal wounds caused by Akaza, he still persisted, vehemently expressed his unwavering will and determination, saying that he will protect the lives of the other innocent people no matter what.[19] Finally, when Akaza's fist pierced his solar plexus, it triggered a memory in his psyche, reminding Kyojuro of his mother again, giving him the final push to cut the Upper Rank's head, even stopping his fists from moving.[20] But alas, his efforts were in vain, but because of the incredible determination Kyojuro displayed, it affected Tanjiro Kamado greatly, giving the incentive to push on.[21]

Fighting Style

Master Swordsman: As he was a Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kyojuro was one of the most powerful and skilled swordsmen in the entire organization.[2] His mastery of the blade is best showcased during his battle with Akaza, in which he is able to hold his own against the Upper Rank even when gravely injured.

Swordsmanship

Flame Breathing (炎ほのおの呼こ吸きゅう, Honō no kokyū?): Taught to him by the previous Flame Hashira, Shinjuro Rengoku, and later mastered by reading the instruction books left behind by previous Flame Hashira in the Rengoku Family[5], Kyojuro became extremely proficient in fighting with this Breathing Style, being able to go toe-to-toe with the former Lower Rank 2, Hairo and later Upper Rank 3, Akaza.[18]

Kyojuro using First Form: Unknowing Fire on a demon that appeared on the Infinity Train.

First Form: Unknowing Fire (壱いちノ型かた不知火しらぬい, Ichi no Kata: Shiranui?)[22] - The user charges towards their opponent at high speed and decapitates them in one slash.

Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun (弐にノ型かた昇のぼり炎えん天てん, Ni no Kata: Nobori En Ten?)[23] - The user releases an arching slash attack upwards.

Third Form: Blazing Universe (参さんノ型かた氣き炎えん万ばん丈じょう, San no Kata: Kien Banjō?)[24] - The user swings their blade downwards in an arc.

Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation (肆しノ型かた盛せい炎えんのうねり, Shi no Kata: Sei En no Uneri?)[25] - The user swings their blade in a circular motion that can defend them from all incoming attacks or decapitate multiple enemies at once.

Fifth Form: Flame Tiger (伍ごノ型かた炎えん虎こ, Go no Kata: Enko?)[26] - The user unleashes a powerful series of sword slashes that seemingly takes the form of a rampaging tiger engulfed in flames that charges towards the enemy at blinding speeds.

Kyojuro using Ninth Form: Rengoku against Akaza.

Ninth Form: Rengoku (玖くノ型かた煉れん獄ごく, Ku no Kata: Rengoku?)[27] - A devastating dashing slash that the user initiates from a high stance, the technique had enough power to carve a deep impression that burnt the ground where it was unleashed.

Equipment

Standard Nichirin Katana: Kyojuro carries a standard sized and shaped katana made from Nichirin that is a deep shade of reddish-orange in color with the words Destroyer of Demons (惡あっ鬼き滅めっ殺さつ, Akki Messatsu?) engraved on the side. There is also a noticeable flame pattern on each side of his katana with a white handle. Kyojuro's katana's hilt is shaped like a flame with a red core and golden border. He also carries a standard sword sheathe that is white and grey in color.

Battles

Mugen Train Arc

Demon Slayers vs Enmu

Kyojuro Rengoku vs Akaza

Trivia

Kyojuro's surname means "purgatory" (煉れん獄ごく, rengoku?). His first name contains the kanji for "apricot" (杏, kyō?), "longetivity" (寿, ju?)", and "son" (郎, rō?).

Kyojuro's rankings in the popularity polls are as follows:

Kyojuro ranked 7th place in both the first and second popularity poll with 1,021 votes and 8,000 votes respectively.[28]

Kyojuro loved to watch sumo wrestling.

Kyojuro's favorite food was sweet potatoes. When eating them, he said "tasty/delicious" (旨うまい, umai?) each time he puts one in his mouth.

His favorite side dish was salt grilled bream.

Kyojuro was never allowed to have a pet because his father hated animals.[29]

Kyojuro's very distant ancestor, as stated by Kyojuro, ate a lot of tempuras causing their descendants' and their own hair to become quite abnormal.

During his first mission, Kyojuro ruptured his own eardrums to counter the Flute Demon's Blood Demon Art. It is unknown but highly unlikely that this permanently affected his hearing.[30]

Quotes

(To a Demon) "However, if you bare your fangs at innocent people, my bright red flame blade will burn you to the bone!"[31]

(To Senjuro Rengoku) "And, Senjuro, you're different from me! You have a big brother! And he believes in his little brother! Whatever path you walk you'll be a great person! You have a burning passion in your heart! So let's do our best! Let's work hard in life! Even if we're lonely!"[32]

(To himself) "I can't believe it! As a Hashira, I'm ashamed of myself! If there's a hole, I want to go into it!"[33]

(To Akaza) "Growing old and dying is what gives meaning and beauty to the fleeting span of a human life. It's precisely because we age and die that our lives have value and nobility. Strength is not a word that means much in regard to the flesh."[34]

(To Akaza) "I will fulfill my duty! I won't allow anyone here to die!"[35]

(To Tanjiro Kamado) "Go ahead and live with your head held high. No matter how devastated you may be by your own weakness or uselessness, set your heart ablaze. Grit your teeth and look straight ahead. Even if you stop and crouch down, time won't wait for you or snuggle you and grieve along with you. Don't feel bad that I'm going to die here. As a Hashira, of course I would shield my juniors."[36]

(To himself) "Life is a series of decisions. You never have unlimited options... or unlimited time to think, but... what you choose in that instant defines who you are... Warriors who strive to save other people's lives are precious. Their pure and single-minded dedication is separate from their natural talent. They don't risk their lives to earn praise. They simply feel that they must. What they choose in that moment, is a cry from the depths of their souls. Isn't that right... my friends?"[30]