Overview
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba first began as a manga in February 2016, published in Weekly Shonen Jump. It ran until May 2020, with 23 volumes. The anime, produced by Ufotable, started airing in April 2019 and is known for its stunning animation and emotional storytelling.
The story takes place in Taisho-era Japan (early 1900s) and follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy who sells charcoal to support his family. After demons attack his home, killing most of his family and turning his sister Nezuko into a demon, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps with a goal to find a cure for Nezuko and defeat the demon king, Muzan Kibutsuji.
Plot Summary
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a story about Tanjiro Kamado, a kind and determined boy. His life changed when demons attacked his family, killing most of them and turning his sister Nezuko into a demon. Tanjiro vowed to save Nezuko and destroy Muzan, the evil demon king responsible for his family’s tragedy.
To achieve his goal, Tanjiro trained to become a Demon Slayer, a warrior who fights demons. He learned a special fighting style called Water Breathing and later discovered a powerful technique, Hinokami Kagura. Along the way, he met Zenitsu, a nervous but talented fighter, and Inosuke, a fierce and reckless warrior. Together, they formed a loyal team.
Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke traveled across towns, forests, and cities, battling dangerous demons. Unlike most demons, Nezuko remained kind and protected humans, fighting alongside her brother. They faced Muzan’s strongest followers, the Upper Moon demons, in intense and deadly battles, pushing their skills to the limit.
The team worked with the Hashira, the most powerful Demon Slayers, to grow stronger through tough training. They learned new techniques and unlocked hidden powers, but every fight came with great sacrifice. Each battle brought Tanjiro closer to Muzan and his dream of saving Nezuko.
In the final showdown, Tanjiro and his allies fought Muzan in a desperate battle until sunrise, as sunlight could destroy him. With courage and teamwork, they defeated Muzan, though many lives were lost. Nezuko was cured, and Tanjiro’s journey of love, bravery, and hope ended with peace restored.
Main Characters
- ‣ Tanjiro Kamado – Tanjiro was a kind and determined boy who became a Demon Slayer to save his sister Nezuko and defeat Muzan. He used Water Breathing and Hinokami Kagura, fought with compassion, and never gave up, even in the toughest battles.
- ‣ Nezuko Kamado – Nezuko was Tanjiro’s younger sister, turned into a demon by Muzan. Despite her demon nature, she stayed caring, protected humans, and fought alongside Tanjiro. Her unique abilities, like resisting sunlight, played a key role.
- ‣ Zenitsu Agatsuma – Zenitsu was a cowardly but powerful Demon Slayer who joined Tanjiro’s team. He mastered Thunder Breathing and fought bravely when asleep, showing immense strength. His loyalty and growth made him a valued friend.
- ‣ Inosuke Hashibira – Inosuke was a wild and aggressive Demon Slayer who wore a boar mask. He used Beast Breathing and loved to fight, often rushing into battle. Over time, he grew closer to Tanjiro and learned teamwork.
- ‣ Muzan Kibutsuji – Muzan was the demon king and the main villain who created all demons. Cruel and cunning, he sought to destroy the Demon Slayer Corps and achieve immortality. His power made him a terrifying enemy.
Other Characters
- ‣ Giyu Tomioka – Giyu was the Water Hashira, a calm and serious Demon Slayer. He spared Nezuko’s life early on, believing in Tanjiro’s cause. His strength and quiet support helped the team in key battles.
- ‣ Shinobu Kocho – Shinobu was the Insect Hashira, a gentle but fierce fighter who used poison to kill demons. She hid her anger toward demons behind a kind smile and played a vital role in the fight against Muzan.
- ‣ Kyojuro Rengoku – Kyojuro was the Flame Hashira, a bold and cheerful warrior with a strong sense of justice. He fought bravely on the Mugen Train but died battling Upper Moon Akaza, inspiring Tanjiro and his friends.
- ‣ Tengen Uzui – Tengen was the Sound Hashira, a flashy and confident fighter with three wives. He led Tanjiro’s team in the Entertainment District, using his ninja skills to defeat Upper Moon demons.
- ‣ Muichiro Tokito – Muichiro was the Mist Hashira, a quiet and forgetful young prodigy. He regained his memories during the Swordsmith Village battle, unlocking his full strength to fight Upper Moon demons.
- ‣ Mitsuri Kanroji – Mitsuri was the Love Hashira, a kind and emotional fighter with incredible strength. She shone in the Swordsmith Village and Infinity Castle battles, driven by her love for her comrades.
- ‣ Obanai Iguro – Obanai was the Serpent Hashira, a stern and skilled fighter with a snake companion. He cared deeply for Mitsuri and fought fiercely against Muzan’s forces in the final battles.
- ‣ Sanemi Shinazugawa – Sanemi was the Wind Hashira, a hot-tempered and aggressive warrior. Despite his rough attitude, he cared for his comrades and battled relentlessly against Upper Moon demons.
- ‣ Gyomei Himejima – Gyomei was the Stone Hashira, a gentle giant and the strongest Hashira. He used his immense power and faith to lead the Corps in the Infinity Castle and final battle against Muzan.
- ‣ Kanao Tsuyuri – Kanao was a quiet Demon Slayer trained by Shinobu. She struggled to express emotions but grew closer to Tanjiro, fighting bravely in the final battles with her Flower Breathing.
- ‣ Sakonji Urokodaki – Urokodaki was a former Water Hashira who trained Tanjiro. A wise and caring mentor, he taught Water Breathing and supported Tanjiro’s mission to save Nezuko.
- ‣ Tamayo – Tamayo was a kind demon who opposed Muzan and worked to find a demon cure. She helped Tanjiro with her medical knowledge and sacrificed herself to weaken Muzan in the final battle.
- ‣ Yushiro – Yushiro was Tamayo’s loyal demon companion, fierce but devoted. He assisted Tanjiro and Tamayo, using his abilities to support the fight against Muzan’s forces.
- ‣ Rui – Rui was Lower Moon Five, a demon who created a spider demon family on Natagumo Mountain. He craved a family but was defeated by Tanjiro’s Hinokami Kagura.
- ‣ Enmu – Enmu was Lower Moon One, a cunning demon who trapped the Mugen Train in dreams. He was defeated by Tanjiro and Rengoku, showing the threat of Muzan’s followers.
- ‣ Akaza – Akaza was Upper Moon Three, a powerful demon who loved fighting strong opponents. He killed Rengoku and later fought Tanjiro and Giyu in the Infinity Castle.
- ‣ Daki and Gyutaro – Daki and Gyutaro were Upper Moon Six, sibling demons in the Entertainment District. They fought Tanjiro’s team and Tengen, but their tragic bond was revealed in defeat.
- ‣ Gyokko – Gyokko was Upper Moon Five, an arrogant demon who attacked the Swordsmith Village. His cruel art-based attacks were stopped by Muichiro’s awakened strength.
- ‣ Hantengu – Hantengu was Upper Moon Four, a cowardly demon with multiple forms. He battled Tanjiro and Mitsuri in the Swordsmith Village, pushing them to their limits.
- ‣ Doma – Doma was Upper Moon Two, a cheerful but heartless demon who killed Shinobu’s sister. He faced Shinobu and Kanao in the Infinity Castle, meeting his end through their teamwork.
- ‣ Kokushibo – Kokushibo was Upper Moon One, Muzan’s strongest demon and a former Demon Slayer. His tragic past was revealed in a fierce battle against Gyomei, Sanemi, and Muichiro.
- ‣ Kagaya Ubuyashiki – Kagaya was the kind and wise leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. He guided the Slayers with compassion and sacrificed himself to weaken Muzan, inspiring the final fight.
- ‣ Aoi Kanzaki – Aoi was a strict but caring nurse at the Butterfly Mansion. She trained Tanjiro and his friends during their recovery, supporting the Corps behind the scenes.
- ‣ Genya Shinazugawa – Genya was Sanemi’s younger brother, a rough but determined Demon Slayer. He used unique demon-eating abilities and fought bravely in the Infinity Castle.
Major Arcs
The manga and anime are divided into story arcs, each focusing on Tanjiro’s growth and battles. Here are some key arcs –
Final Selection Arc
Tanjiro was trained under Sakonji Urokodaki to master Water Breathing and become a Demon Slayer to take revenge of his family’s death and to save his sister. He faced a perilous test on a demon-infested mountain, battled demons, and showed compassion. After passing, he received his Demon Slayer uniform and began his journey to save Nezuko.
First Mission Arc
Tanjiro undertook his first mission in a town where girls vanished. He fought a swamp demon that split into three forms, using his Water Breathing skills. Nezuko protected a human, proving her kind heart, as Tanjiro grew stronger as a fighter.
Asakusa Arc
In Asakusa’s bustling city, Tanjiro encountered Muzan, the demon king, who fled after causing havoc. Tanjiro met Tamayo and Yushiro, kind demons opposing Muzan, and defeated two of Muzan’s demons, learning about Muzan’s strength and Tamayo’s cure for demons.
Tsuzumi Mansion Arc
Tanjiro joined forces with Zenitsu, a timid yet powerful Slayer, and Inosuke, a fierce fighter, in a mansion controlled by Kyogai, a demon who manipulated the house with drums. They defeated the demon together, with Nezuko’s help, forging their early teamwork.
Natagumo Mountain Arc
Sent to Natagumo Mountain, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke confronted Rui, a Lower Moon demon, and his spider demon family. Tanjiro unlocked Hinokami Kagura to triumph, while Hashira Giyu and Shinobu intervened, highlighting the might of Muzan’s demons.
Rehabilitation Training Arc
Recovering at the Butterfly Mansion, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke trained under Shinobu and Aoi to perfect Total Concentration Breathing. Tanjiro connected with Kanao, and the Hashira debated Nezuko’s existence, ultimately sparing her, preparing for greater challenges.
Mugen Train Arc
Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke accompanied Flame Hashira Rengoku on the Mugen Train, where Enmu, a Lower Moon, ensnared them in dreams. They overcame Enmu, but Rengoku’s tragic battle against Upper Moon Akaza revealed the immense power of top demons.
Entertainment District Arc
Alongside Sound Hashira Tengen, Tanjiro and his friends infiltrated the Entertainment District to investigate disappearances. They clashed with Upper Moon siblings Daki and Gyutaro, with Tanjiro wielding Hinokami Kagura and Nezuko revealing new powers, securing a crucial victory.
Swordsmith Village Arc
Tanjiro traveled to the Swordsmith Village to repair his sword when Upper Moons Hantengu and Gyokko attacked. With Mist Hashira Muichiro and Love Hashira Mitsuri, Tanjiro awakened a mark to fight, while Nezuko’s ability to withstand sunlight shifted the tide.
Hashira Training Arc
The Demon Slayers trained rigorously under the Hashira to prepare for war against Muzan, aiming to unlock the Demon Slayer Mark. Tanjiro bonded with Giyu and learned the Mark’s dangers, as the Corps united while Muzan’s forces readied their assault.
Infinity Castle Arc
Muzan ensnared the Demon Slayers in his Infinity Castle, where Tanjiro, the Hashira, and others battled Upper Moon demons like Akaza, Doma, and Kokushibo. Fierce fights and heartbreaking losses unfolded, pushing everyone to their breaking point in the war’s peak.
Sunrise Countdown Arc
The surviving Slayers faced Muzan in a desperate final battle, striving to hold him in sunlight. Tanjiro unleashed his ultimate strength, Nezuko’s fate took a hopeful turn, and the hard-won victory, though costly, brought resolution to their heartfelt journey.
Anime and Adaptations
The anime by Ufotable is praised for its vibrant visuals, especially during fight scenes. The first season covers the early arcs, while the Mugen Train movie adapts the train arc. Later seasons cover the Entertainment District and beyond. The series is available on platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix.
A video game, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles, lets players relive the story. There are also stage plays, novels, and merchandise like figures and clothing.
Fun Facts
- ‣ Nezuko’s bamboo muzzle helps her resist her demon instincts.
- ‣ Each Hashira has a unique personality that matches their Breathing Style.
- ‣ The Hinokami Kagura is inspired by Tanjiro’s family dance, passed down for generations.
- ‣ The series draws from Japanese folklore, with demons resembling oni (mythical creatures).
Where to Start?
- ‣ Manga – Read the 23 volumes for the full story.
- ‣ Anime – Watch on streaming platforms or buy Blu-rays. You can watch it on Crunchyroll.
- ‣ Movie – Check out Mugen Train for a cinematic experience.
- ‣ Game – Play The Hinokami Chronicles for interactive fun.
